In 2010 the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia inherited a project established in 1986 by the B.C. Forestry Association, it consisted of a registry of the biggest trees in British Columbia and its goal was to identify, describe, monitor, and conserve the largest trees of each species within British Columbia, and to educate and enlist the help of its citizens in this task. Transforming the old paper records into a searchable online registry is no small feat, and UBC has enlisted the public's help in an effort to outsource the work of remeasuring, re-locating, and verifying the data from the old records. They have also opened up submissions for new entries to the database as many of the BC’s largest trees have yet to be discovered and recorded.

The current submission process for the BigTree registry relies on a cumbersome technical PDF and a lengthy three-page form, which has become outdated and inefficient. This project aims to address these issues by simplifying and streamlining the nomination process. By utilizing the built-in tools and instruments available on users' smartphones, the app empowers individuals to actively contribute to the registry, increasing awareness and facilitating data collection. Additionally, the BigTree app serves as a centralized repository for all registry data, offering a convenient and accessible resource for conservationists, researchers, and industry professionals. By providing a comprehensive database, and a convenient interactive nomination form, the app bolsters the registry's efforts in preserving and studying British Columbia's oldest inhabitants.