The City's Lungs: The App Managing Loja's Urban Trees

In a world where urban sustainability is increasingly crucial, the trees in our cities are far more than just decoration. They are the "lungs" of an urban environment, providing shade, improving air quality, and hosting biodiversity. However, managing this invaluable natural heritage is a complex challenge.

In response to this need, the National University of Loja (UNL) has developed a pioneering project: an innovative web application for the management of the city's urban tree population. This project is the result of a collaboration between the Forest Engineering and Computer Science departments, fusing environmental research with cutting-edge technology.

The heart of this project is the urban forest inventory, an exhaustive record containing 4,460 tree records within the city limits of Loja. But this is no simple list; each tree has a unique profile that includes 94 individual characteristics, from dendrometric data (tree measurements) to morphological and ecological information.

The web application was created to efficiently manage this vast dataset. The main interface is an interactive map, powered by Mapbox technology, which allows users to:

• Visualize the exact location of each tree.

• Switch between street and satellite views for a better perspective.

• Filter searches by species, location, or specific characteristics.

• Generate detailed reports with a single click.

One of the most interesting features is the ability to identify each tree via a QR code, making it possible to access its information quickly and easily. This not only facilitates the work of researchers but also promotes environmental education and awareness among citizens.

The application's robustness lies in its solid architecture and the technologies used. The development team adopted the ICONIX methodology, which enabled a structured and efficient design, represented by UML diagrams.

The development was carried out with an n-tier approach, dividing the application into logical and physical layers to ensure optimal performance and easy scalability. The key technologies driving the platform are:

• Frontend (User Interface): The React library was used to create an intuitive, attractive, and excellent user experience.

• Backend (Server & Database): The server logic was built with Node.js and the Express framework, while the MySQL database is responsible for storing and managing the tree information. The Sequelize ORM (Object-Relational Mapper) facilitates communication between the server and the database, ensuring data integrity. The application consumes API-REST web services, using the JSON data format, to handle all data requests and responses, ensuring the system can be easily integrated with future applications.

To ensure everything worked perfectly, the team performed extensive black-box and functional testing. The front end is hosted on Netlify and the back end on Railway, ensuring the service is available 24/7. This project by the UNL is not only an impressive technical tool but also a model for how technology can be a driver for urban sustainability. By providing a comprehensive platform for the monitoring and management of urban trees, Loja is positioning itself as a leading city in the conservation of its natural heritage. The information gathered will be fundamental for decision-making, urban planning, and promoting a greener, healthier city for all its inhabitants.