Assignment 5: Capstone Mini-Project with Generative AI
Design and execute a custom Google Earth Engine project from scratch by defining a problem and using a Generative AI (like Gemini or GPT) as a coding assistant.
Introduction to AI-Assisted Geospatial Analysis
This capstone assignment challenges you to integrate all the skills you've learned and take them a step further by using a **Generative AI** as a partner. Your goal is to conceptualize a forestry-related problem, formulate a plan, and then use an AI assistant to help you write and debug the Google Earth Engine code. This simulates a modern workflow where domain experts (you) leverage AI to accelerate development and solve complex problems. You will be evaluated on the clarity of your problem statement, the logic of your workflow, and the successful execution of your GEE script.
Instructions
Define Your Research Question
Clearly state a specific, answerable question related to forestry that can be addressed using GEE. Examples: 'Which areas in Khao Yai National Park are most suitable for Gaur habitat based on elevation, slope, and distance to water?' or 'How has mangrove forest cover changed in Krabi province between 2015 and 2025?'
Outline Your Methodology
Break down your project into a logical sequence of steps, similar to the workflows in previous case studies. List the datasets you will use, the analyses you will perform (e.g., classification, time-series, etc.), and the final outputs you expect to generate (e.g., a map, a chart, a statistic).
Prompt the Generative AI
Translate your methodology into clear, specific prompts for an AI like Gemini or GPT. Provide the AI with your step-by-step plan and ask it to generate the GEE JavaScript code for each part. Be prepared to refine your prompts if the initial code isn't perfect.
Debug and Execute the Code
Copy the AI-generated code into the GEE Code Editor. It will likely have errors. Use your own knowledge and the AI's help to debug the script until it runs successfully and produces your desired outputs. This is a critical part of the process.
Analyze and Interpret Your Results
Once your code works, analyze the final map, chart, or statistics. Write a short conclusion that answers your original research question and explains what your results mean in a real-world forestry context.
Project Workspace
This section is for you to document your process. There is no single 'correct' script. Paste your final, working GEE code here.
// --- PASTE YOUR FINAL MINIPROJECT CODE HERE ---
// Part 1: Define Research Question
// My research question is: ...
// Part 2: Define Methodology
// 1. Step one is to...
// 2. Step two is to...
// 3. etc...
// Part 3: Final GEE Script
// (Your working code goes here)