---
license: cc-by-4.0
task_categories:
- image-classification
- object-detection
tags:
- biology
- ecology
- invasive-species
- spotted-lanternfly
- geolocation
- citizen-science
- conservation
size_categories:
- n<1K
---

# Lantern Fly Research Dataset

This dataset contains **human-verified spotted lanternfly sightings** collected through the Lantern Fly Tracker app. Each entry includes high-quality photos, precise geolocation data, and comprehensive metadata for ecological research.

## 🎯 Purpose

This dataset supports:
- **Ecological research** on spotted lanternfly distribution and spread patterns
- **Machine learning model training** with verified, high-quality data
- **Temporal and spatial analysis** of invasive species behavior
- **Conservation efforts** and pest management strategies
- **Citizen science** validation and research

## 📊 Dataset Structure

```
lanternfly_research_dataset/
├── images/           # High-quality lanternfly photos
├── metadata/         # JSON files with location and metadata
└── README.md         # This file
```

## 🔍 Data Quality

All photos in this dataset have been:
1. **AI-classified** as potential spotted lanternflies
2. **Human-verified** by app users for accuracy
3. **Geolocated** with GPS coordinates
4. **Timestamped** for temporal analysis
5. **Quality-checked** for research standards

## 📋 Data Fields

Each sighting includes:

### Image Data
- **High-resolution photo** of verified spotted lanternfly
- **Unique filename** with timestamp and username

### Location Data
- **GPS coordinates** (latitude/longitude)
- **Location name** (human-readable description)
- **Geographic precision** for spatial analysis

### Metadata
- **Username** of person who verified the sighting
- **Sighting date/time** (when photo was taken)
- **Upload date** (when added to dataset)
- **AI confidence score** (0-1 scale)
- **Verification status** (always "human_verified")
- **Image file size** and technical details

## 🚀 Usage

### For Researchers
```python
from datasets import load_dataset

# Load the dataset
dataset = load_dataset("rlogh/lanternfly_research_dataset")

# Access images and metadata
images = dataset["images"]
metadata = dataset["metadata"]
```

### For Conservation
- Track spread patterns over time
- Identify high-risk areas
- Monitor population dynamics
- Support eradication efforts

## 📈 Current Statistics
- **Total sightings**: Growing daily
- **Geographic coverage**: Multiple states
- **Time range**: 2024-present
- **Data quality**: Human-verified

## 🤝 Contributing

This dataset is automatically updated when users verify lanternfly sightings through the Lantern Fly Tracker app. Each verified sighting contributes valuable data to ecological research.

## 📜 Citation

If you use this dataset in your research, please cite:

```bibtex
@dataset{lanternfly_research_2024,
  title={Lantern Fly Research Dataset: Human-verified spotted lanternfly sightings with geolocation data},
  author={Lantern Fly Tracker Community},
  year={2024},
  publisher={Hugging Face},
  url={https://huggingface.co/datasets/rlogh/lanternfly_research_dataset}
}
```

## 📄 License

This dataset is released under the **Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License** (CC BY 4.0).

## 🔗 Links

- **Dataset**: https://huggingface.co/datasets/rlogh/lanternfly_research_dataset
- **App**: Lantern Fly Tracker (citizen science app)
- **Research**: Contact for collaboration opportunities

---

*This dataset is maintained by the Lantern Fly Tracker community and updated automatically with verified sightings.*