1. Some Information About Our Project
We are committed to helping the world map one plant at a time. We have created tools and
methods to let everyone—regardless of skill—map plants in their favorite park, campus, or even
their own backyard. Our philosophy is based on the concept of “One.” We firmly believe that
every goal begins with just one individual and slowly gains support and enthusiasm.
Our web application is the one-stop place for mapping plants and trees. We do not distribute
software. Instead, we run the latest installations on our server: everyone benefits from current
updates and everyone else’s efforts and knowledge—all with minimal IT involvement—and all
for FREE! We maintain one horticulture-naming database, one catalog database, and one world
map, all to help one empowered individual map plants and trees one at a time.
How it Works
Our current system utilizes Google Map, webforms, MYSQL and standard coding to display data.
We use the most cutting-edge technology to benefit from tried-and-true industry programming.
PlantMapper.com focuses on the user experience: we are confident that if our software is easy to
navigate, use, and deploy around the world—we can, and will, make a huge difference.
We have developed a point-and-click method for locating plants on a map via Google Map’s
longitude & latitude system. PlantMapper is built to work on a cellular phone: with a cell phone
data plan you can update your plant database and size records with the touch of a button—all
while roaming outdoors!
Visit our site at PlantMapper.com to learn just how easy mapping plants can be.
Our Mission
Plantmapper.com is a collaboration of researchers, programmers, environmental enthusiasts,
artists and business owners working to make technology improve our overall quality of life. By
focusing on one motivated employee or volunteer, PlantMapper.com is committed to helping
empowered organizations and individuals worldwide map and learn more about plants and trees.
Around the world, people, organizations and governments are joining together to make our
homes greener and our earth cleaner. At I.T. 4 Trees we are committed to helping citizens
reconnect with plants and trees—and in the process, reconnect with nature.
It is our goal to map 500,000 trees worldwide over the next five years. Additionally, we are
committed to having thousands of trees planted in memory or honor of someone—and listed on
our site—so that the world may share in celebration of that person’s life. We are passionate about
having volunteer groups inventorying trees at no cost to them, allow people to identify trees with
the click of a picture, and share knowledge with like-minded individuals.
We have chosen to voice our seeds of change by connecting people with trees. We believe that
trees and plant materials are a key factor in creating a stable environment and a better way of life
for all. Please help us help your organization with our knowledge and experience.
2. The History of PlantMapper
PlantMapper is fast becoming the model for plant mapping, offering its online digital inventory
application to everyone-for FREE. PlantMapper allows anyone to identify, input and catalog their
plants or trees; upload photos of plants; receive help identifying them and establish a memorial or
honorary tree in the name of a loved one. However, PlantMapper had somewhat humble roots…
With the development of the internet it became clear that the best solution to a global tree
inventory challenge was a web-based product. After graduating in 2002 with a BS in Landscape
Architecture, James Taylor was hired as a tech-savvy landscape architect understudy in a small
residential landscape architecture office. After four years of working with advanced mapping
software, he used this knowledge to develop a working prototype of PlantMapper. After
completing his prototype, Taylor received recommendations for further changes from his new
coworkers, at an international software company located in Philadelphia. These suggestions were
critical, and now his dream was within sight: their suggestions influenced how PlantMapper
would develop and created its defining architecture.
In 2006, Ms. Eva Monheim, a Temple University professor, further supported the development
of PlantMapper. She enlisted her “Woody Plants” class as a case study for data gathering, which
provided valuable feedback: many students participated in the case study and provided needed
assistance. The students found that they enjoyed giving back to the campus by working hands-on
to map and identify the many campus’ trees.
In 2008, I.T.4Trees was formed to hold intellectual property rights for the prototype and future
development of the product. Taylor completed a Master’s of Information Systems degree in 2008
and began post-graduate work in New York’s Pace University Seidenburg’s School of Computing
Science in pursuit of the Doctor of Professional Studies in Computing. His continued research in
plant identification will no doubt provide PlantMapper with improved identification techniques.
Taylor currently works at a Fortune 50 international telecommunications company, studying the
latest industry technology. PlantMapper launched its first online version on August 14th, 2008.
With subsequent releases each month thereafter.
Today, PlantMapper.com is a web application accessible from any internet-enabled PC, is able to
run on cellular phones and helps users map plants from across the globe. The software stores data
in a number of fields to help users and organizations track their plants and trees’ characteristics,
growth and development. PlantMapper is FREE to use for all, and is helpful for mapping
memorial, campus, residential, and street trees and plants.
www.plantmapper.com P.O. Box 243 Wayne PA 1.610.639.6308