Projects

Mapping Vancouver

In June 2024, GRIN launched a ground-breaking project to bring climate action and resilience to communities across BC, by identifying the best locations for green roofs and green infrastructure.

The project, Mapping Vancouver’s Green Roofs and their Retrofit Potential, is conducted in partnership with Small Change Fund. Donations of $10 or more will receive a tax receipt.

Using current and high resolution maps, GRIN will identify strategic opportunities where green roofs and green infrastructure can combat urban heat, flooding, drought, fire risk and other public health vulnerabilities in BC communities.

The first step is gathering good data: Starting with 15 km2 in City of Vancouver, and eventually expanding to other communities, this project will identify:

  • existing green roofs;
  • potential green roofs (retrofit);
  • tree count; 
  • private gardens.

What is unique — and efficient — about the project is the tool we are using. Gentian software applies AI, computer vision, and high-resolution remote sensing to conduct rapid ecological surveys. Established in 2020 with funding from the European Space Agency, this will be the first North American city and region mapped by Gentian.

Your donation will give this work a solid foundation to grow, both in Vancouver and beyond. Contributions of $10 or more will receive a tax receipt. While the surveys are quick and cost-effective, funding is required to pay for:

  • proprietary satellite imagery; 
  • engineers train the machine learning;
  • generating and interpreting the data; 
  • translating data into action: ensuring the results get to the right people in the right places (municipal planners and other stakeholders).

Please join us, and share with your networks! To nominate your community for this mapping initiative, please get in touch. Together, we can speed up the implementation of effective climate resiliency measures in BC, while protecting biodiversity and water. Visit our crowdfunding page for more information and please donate now.