TREE INVENTORY PROCESS
At Planned Forest Solutions we perform electronic, GIS-based tree inventories. The steps below detail our process.
1. Client Needs and Goals
Before we begin a tree inventory project (or any project) we determine the needs and goals of a client and their trees. The most common tree inventory goals include risk management, work planning and cost:benefit analysis.
Once we have determined needs and goals, a project scope is determined. A new home buyer owner may only need a few trees around their house inventoried for risk assessment purposes. A municipality may need a few thousand trees inventoried to develop a comprehensive urban forest management plan for their community.
2. Data Collection
We utilize GPS/GIS technology to collect tree inventory data in the field. This allows to collect accurate tree locations while instantaneously saving data to the cloud. Utilizing GIS allows us to also pull up information such as floodplains and soils while collecting data, so that we can see how the surrounding environment affects trees. Because data is stored in the cloud, it can be updated at any time after inventory completion so that it is never out of date. Our GIS data can be easily implemented into an existing GIS or other data management system already in use by the client.
3. Mapping
Because we store data in the cloud as we collect it in the field, we can easily create online and printed maps when data collection is complete. Maps can be customized to show data characteristics, such as high risk trees, species breakdown, trees needing pruning, etc.
We utilize a map platform called Mango Map, which allows us to create custom maps to meet the needs of the property owner. Maps can also be accessed through a smartphone or tablet. Maps can also be password protected so that only the property owner and select individuals have access to data.
An example of one of our maps utilizing Mango Map. Colors represent different tree species.
4. Inventory Report
A report is delivered detailing the results of the tree inventory. The scope can range from a series of tables summarizing data to a full scale urban forest management plan. The goal of the report is to make sure the property owner understands the current stats of their trees so that they can make management decisions going forward.
A report is delivered detailing the results of the tree inventory. The scope can range from a series of tables summarizing data to a full scale urban forest management plan. The goal of the report is to make sure the property owner understands the current stats of their trees so that they can make management decisions going forward.
A table of data collected for a tree inventory.