FlowerFinder: An open source tool for automated flower detection and counting in UAV images and orthomosaics

Abstract: In the face of current reports of declines in insect abundance and diversity, measures such as agri-environment schemes for habitat conservation are necessary to prevent a severe loss of important ecosystem services. One of the possible options for farmers to increase the habitat quality for flower-visiting insects is to reduce the management intensity of grassland sites. To prove the efficacy of this measure, the number of specific indicator plant species is usually assessed. We are developing a processing pipeline for UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) imagery that could enhance this assessment by automated detection and counting of individual flowers for plots, transects or entire meadows.