AI Program to Securely Monitor Lineside Vegetation

Artificial intelligence (AI) trials have shown that lineside vegetation may be monitored securely, inexpensively, rapidly, and at scale by identifying species of trees and other plants from images obtained by on-train cameras. Due to safety considerations, the size of Britain's 20,000-mile rail network, and the number of specialist surveyors required, monitoring flora and fauna on the side of a railway track to promote improved management of lineside ecosystems is exceedingly challenging. However, Network Rail has been collaborating with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) and technology firm Keen AI to create creative ways to remotely monitor biodiversity. Researchers have shown that AI can recognize invading species by their tracks, as well as native trees that may be threatened by diseases like ash dieback. As part of Network Rail's aim to achieve biodiversity net gain on its property by 2035, this information would enable railway staff to take necessary action to better manage lineside vegetation.