[Operation Vines in Chiba] Key Points for Identifying Vines

Thank you for always playing PicTrée.
Based on questions and submitted photos from PICTERs participating in the “Operation Vines in Chiba” event that began on April 26, we are sharing key points for identifying vines.
Check these tips to take clearer vine photos and earn the “Vine Discovery Bonus”!

【Q&A】
Q1: Are plants that are not vine-shaped (e.g., leaves or branches from nearby trees covering the pole) eligible for discovery bonus?
A: Only vine-type plants (those that wrap around poles or wires) are eligible.
For other vegetation like trees, please report them via the PicTrée app by selecting:
“Trees: Vegetation touching the pole (excluding vines)” under the “Report” option.

Q2: Are vines that start wrapping from the middle of the pole (not the base) still eligible for rewards?
A: Yes, vines that wrap around the pole starting anywhere—including mid-pole—are valid for rewards.

【Photography Tips】
・Avoid blurry photos.
If the image is blurred, we may not be able to determine whether the plant is a vine.

・Make sure to capture the full pole in your wide shot.
If the entire pole is not in frame, it becomes difficult to judge how far the vine has grown.

・Watch out for backlighting.
Backlit photos make it hard to confirm the presence of vines.

Before submitting, review your photos and double-check:
– Is there a vine growing?
– Can it be clearly identified in the photo?

・Take your wide shots from different angles.
We have received many photos taken from nearly identical angles. When photos are taken from the same angle, it’s hard to assess the pole in three dimensions. Please shoot from the opposite side or a different angle.

・Confirm the pole belongs to TEPCO Power Grid before photographing.
We’ve seen many photos of poles belonging to NTT and other companies. For this season, only TEPCO Power Grid poles are valid targets. Refer to the map location and pole identification number to avoid mistakes.