Térasol’s Exomap: Revolutionizing Urban Tree Planting with Soil Data
Lausanne, Switzerland – In a groundbreaking move to combat urban heat islands and enhance city vegetation, Swiss start-up Térasol has launched Exomap, a elegant tool designed to guide urban planners and architects in selecting optimal soils for tree planting. This innovative platform leverages comprehensive soil data to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of urban greening initiatives,addressing the critical challenges posed by climate change and urban densification.
The Science behind sustainable Urban Forests
Urban tree planting is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy for mitigating the effects of climate change, reducing pollution, and combating the urban heat island effect [[1]]. However, the long-term success of these initiatives hinges on more than just planting the trees; it depends on ensuring their sustainability. Yannick Poyat, CTO of Térasol, emphasizes three key factors: the quality of the tree supply, consistent watering, and, crucially, the soil quality.
“You can plant any tree, native or not, in a soil that is too compacted, the roots will not develop,” Poyat explains.Exomap addresses this challenge by providing detailed cartographic information that allows professionals to determine a soil index for specific areas, ensuring that trees are planted in environments conducive to their long-term growth.
Did You Know? Urban trees can lower local air temperatures by up to 9°F (5°C), providing significant relief during heat waves [[2]].
Exomap: A Cartographic Window into Soil Potential
Cédric Coquelin, CEO of Térasol, describes Exomap as an interactive platform that offers municipalities and external arrangement professionals the ability to determine optimal tree planting locations. The platform utilizes open-source data from around the world, including extensive geotechnical surveys. For exmaple, the town of Geneva alone contributes nearly 5,000 polls to the database.
This data empowers architects, landscape architects, and urban planners to rely on scientific evidence when planning tree planting projects. By answering critical questions about soil suitability and volume, Exomap bridges the gap between planning and reality, ensuring that planting projects translate into thriving urban forests.
Key Features of Exomap
- Interactive maps based on open-source soil data.
- Detailed soil index for specific areas.
- User-pleasant SaaS platform accessible without specialized skills.
- Tools for assessing soil occupation, full ground cadastre, and design potential.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Exomap not only enhances the environmental benefits of urban tree planting but also offers significant cost savings. Coquelin notes that the average cost for planting a new tree is around 3,000 francs. By ensuring that trees are planted in suitable soils, Exomap minimizes the risk of failure and maximizes the return on investment. For example, Lausanne’s goal to achieve 30% canopy cover by 2040, requiring the planting of 50,000 trees at a cost of 15 million francs, could greatly benefit from Exomap’s precision.
Pro Tip: Consider using native tree species whenever possible, as they are often better adapted to local soil conditions and require less maintenance.
Future Prospects and Expansion
Térasol has already partnered with a dozen municipalities in Switzerland and is expanding into France. The start-up recently secured a million francs in funding, valuing the company at five million. Looking ahead, Térasol plans to engage with the insurance sector, offering solutions for managing risks associated with natural events through urban vegetation. A future fundraising round is planned, potentially accelerated based on market interest.
currently,a demonstration version of Exomap is available at Exomap.io, offering access to three key maps: soil occupation, full ground cadastre, and design potential.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Cost per Tree | 3,000 francs |
| Lausanne’s Canopy Goal (2040) | 30% |
| Trees to Plant in Lausanne | 50,000 |
| Térasol’s Latest Funding | 1 Million Francs |
What are the biggest challenges you face when trying to increase green spaces in your city? how could tools like Exomap help overcome these hurdles?
Evergreen Insights: The Growing Importance of Urban Vegetation
The push for increased urban vegetation is not just an aesthetic trend; it’s a critical response to the growing challenges of climate change and urbanization. As cities become denser and temperatures rise, the need for green spaces becomes increasingly urgent. Urban forests provide a multitude of benefits, including:
- Reducing the urban heat island effect.
- Improving air quality by absorbing pollutants.
- Managing stormwater runoff.
- Enhancing biodiversity.
- Providing recreational spaces for residents.
The success of these efforts depends on a holistic approach that considers not only the quantity of trees planted but also their quality and long-term sustainability. Tools like Exomap are essential for ensuring that urban greening initiatives are effective and resilient in the face of future challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Tree planting
- Why is urban tree planting important?
- Urban tree planting helps combat climate change, reduces pollution, and mitigates the urban heat island effect.
- What factors contribute to the success of urban tree planting projects?
- Key factors include the quality of the tree supply, consistent watering, and suitable soil conditions.
- How does Exomap help with urban planning?
- Exomap provides detailed cartographic information that allows urban planners to make informed decisions about where to plant trees.
- What data sources does Exomap use?
- Exomap utilizes open-source data related to soils, including geotechnical surveys and drilling data.
- What are the potential cost savings associated with using Exomap?
- Exomap offers significant savings by preventing unsuccessful tree plantings due to unsuitable soil conditions.
- How can municipalities get involved with Térasol and Exomap?
- Municipalities can contact Térasol directly or visit Exomap.io for more information and a demonstration of the platform.
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