Picture Post 1.05

Picture Post is a citizen science application that allows users to view and upload photographs taken at Digital Earth Watch (DEW) Picture Post locations. It facilitates engagement with environmental monitoring through digital means.

• Users can become part of the Picture Post Network by capturing images or creating their own Picture Post.
• No registration is required to use the application; however, it is necessary for uploading photographs.
• For more information and registration, visit this link.

DEW represents an innovative environmental monitoring initiative that invites public participation. By leveraging digital and mobile technologies, participants are empowered to collect, analyze, and share data, contributing meaningful insights to their local communities.

The overarching theme of DEW is the recognition that environmental changes occur in complex patterns, often at a pace or subtlety that escapes immediate perception. Through the use of digital photography and satellite imagery, DEW enhances the capacity of citizens, students, and community organizations to monitor environmental shifts effectively.

A Picture Post consists of an octagonal platform positioned atop a round disk, anchored to a post fixed into the ground or attached to a structure. This setup allows for capturing a comprehensive landscape photograph in under a minute. The accessibility of installing a Picture Post empowers individuals to monitor their local environments actively.

Citizen Science Impact

In scientific research, traditional methods often yield limited datasets that lack extensive geographic representation. The integration of citizen science serves to broaden both the volume and spatial distribution of valuable ecological data. Digital photography provides a crucial archival medium for documenting environmental changes. The involvement of citizens in capturing and disseminating these images is vital for gathering necessary information, which supports both local community initiatives and broader scientific inquiries aimed at understanding and enhancing environmental health. By participating in the Picture Post Network and establishing a post in your vicinity, individuals significantly contribute to this essential endeavor.