Digitalización inmersiva del Bosque Murocomba con técnicas de procesamiento de imágenes

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a technological solution based on image processing for the immersive digitization of the Murocomba Protected Forest, located in the province of Los Ríos, Ecuador. The proposal integrates the use of a 360° camera to capture high-quality spherical images, which were digitally processed to optimize their sharpness, correct imperfections, and facilitate their integration into an interactive virtual environment. As part of the system, an artificial intelligence model with YOLOv8 architecture was implemented, trained to detect plant species present in the forest trails. These detections were incorporated into a web application that allows users to explore the trail remotely, interact with the content, and identify the flora of the site without the need for physical presence. The project seeks to offer an alternative for the conservation of the ecosystem through digital access to its biodiversity, reducing direct human impact and promoting environmental education. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining immersive technologies and sensing models to represent natural environments with high ecological value in an accessible and sustainable way.