AI-Powered Android App for Plant and Bird Species Tracking and Ecotourism

As part of my undergraduate thesis, I developed a system designed to discover and record plant and bird species. The system consists of an Android mobile application that allows users to log the species they observe, enter relevant details, and share environmental conditions or potential threats affecting the species.

Using Google Maps services, the app enables users to record the locations (fauna) of newly discovered species and access information about them. In addition to personal logging, the app also provides a shared observation platform where nature enthusiasts can view each other’s verified sightings.

Unlike traditional social media platforms, all shared content in the app undergoes expert review before being published publicly. This moderation system helps prevent the spread of false or misleading information.

Another feature of the app is its ability to create a route based on the user's selected observation points on the map. The route is optimized not only for the shortest travel distance but also to maximize the number of species observable along the way. As users follow the route, they are also provided with suggestions of nearby natural attractions they might enjoy, contributing to a richer exploration experience.

Additionally, the platform supports the development of ecotourism by encouraging responsible sharing of biodiverse regions.

To generate the optimal route, the system uses a Genetic Algorithm, a subfield of artificial intelligence. With Mapbox maps, up to 12 observation points can be used to calculate the most efficient path.

The project was developed for Android using Java. The admin panel — where submissions are reviewed and managed by experts — was built using PHP with the CodeIgniter framework. For communication between the Android client and server, Retrofit was used to handle HTTP requests.