Kooha: A new photo-sharing mobile application that is ‘societally-relevant’

30 Mar 2021 10:00 AM

11 February 2021 - A picture paints a thousand words. A picture tells a story. Photos shared with our family, friends, and colleagues serves as an evidence of moments that we want to preserve as memories. But what if we can make our photos more than jusprecious moments? Something that can be part of innovation? 

The DOST – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) recently introduce its newly developed photo sharing application called Koohawhich was coined from the Filipino word “kuha” which means to take or capture. This app enables real-time participatory photo and sensor data collection using mobile devices. These data are then used to draw out insights and generate new knowledge and technologies that can be used across sectors. 

How does it work? 

There are four simple steps on how you can use the Kooha application. First is Capture, where the application sense data as you take a photo. Second is Enhance, blend data to your photo where sensor data will be embedded in the exit header of the photograph. Photo can be blended and fused in with data for better display using available templates. Third is Share, publish your photo to other users through the Kooha Community wherein they can view and react on your photo. Fourth is Explore, see photos captured by other users from different locations in the world.

To further understand the data collected from images the users capture, these are the location, temperature, sound, network signal, humidity, and luminance to name a few. These data can also be seen by other users in the community. These kinds of data are very useful for our data scientists, researchers, and citizen scientists in generating insights and making decisions relevant to the society.

If the user has an external sensor device that they can plug to their mobile devices, using a bluetooth low energy, they can collect sensor data such as ambient temperature, infrared temperature, pressure, and acceleration, among others.

Potential users 

Kooha application target users are everyone but it is highly recommended for students, researchers, and other enthusiasts or citizen scientists. The significant amount of data from the application coming from its users, can be used for data analysis and application to transportation and telecommunication companies, business sectors, policymakers, environmental and health sectors, and academe to name a few.

 

Download now! 

The Kooha application is now available for download on the Google Play. Just go to this link and install on your mobile device to enjoy its features. You can also visit their website at kooha.asti.dost.gov.ph or their Facebook page to know more about the application’s features and to subscribe for their latest updates. To view Kooha Web App’s live data, you can go through kooha.asti.dost.gov.ph/app/.

Data Privacy

To keep its users at ease in contributing data from photos they took through Kooha, the DOST-ASTI and Kooha ensures the safety of these data to be used for legal and research purposes only. It will not disclose any Personal Information to any other individuals other than authorized data processors and organizations. You may visit kooha.asti.dost.gov.ph/legal to for more information on the terms of use and privacy policy.

For any questions or suggestions about Kooha please contact kooha@asti.dost.gov.ph.