Tree, Plant and Asset Records

It only takes one record to create a database, this can then be added to as the need arises or resources allow.

First choose how you will store your information, e.g. Excel, Microsoft Access, Oracle, SQL Server, etc..

Second decide the information you need to record and what you may like to store in the future. Even if you do not have all the information now, you should set up your system for when you need it.

Tree Details	Asset Details
Unique identifier or key for each record	Unique identifier or key for each record
Tree Species	Type of Asset
Size (height, DbH, crown size, etc	Condition
Condition	Colour
Date Planted	Date Installed
Risk	Risk
Inspection Findings	Inspection Findings
Date of inspection	Date of inspection

Even if you have just one tree/asset at the bottom of your garden, you have a duty of care for that tree/asset to ensure that no harm comes to a 3rd party or their property as a result of the management or lack of management of that tree/asset. You are however, unlikely to need a comprehensive management system detailing frequency of inspections, quantifying risks, work prioritisation, etc.

However, the greater the number of trees/assets you have, the harder it is to keep track of what has/hasn’t been inspected and what works are required, etc.

Many organisations engage an arborist/surveyor to carry out the inspections. Depending on the inspector and what has been agreed with the client, the survey may comprise of a written report with various comments and/or recommendations, or even an electronic document such as an Excel spread sheet and a site survey drawing or even a digital map.

I already have paper records - how can I use these in a GI environment?

Paper records can be scanned and attached to the object. Whilst arguably time consuming to scan in the first instance, once scanned the digital "copy" can be shared easily and referred to by any number of people from their computer.

If you want discuss how your paper records may be used please contact us.

I already have an Excel spreadsheet of details - how can I use these in a GI environment?

Whilst many would argue that a spreadsheet should be reserved for numerical calculations, spreadsheets are widely used to record tree, plant or asset details.

Normally we would recommend importing the spreadsheet into a database environment, although some clients use spreadsheets as a means of updating the database environment.

If you want discuss how your spreadsheet records may be used please contact us.

I already have a database e.g. MS Access - how can I use these in a GI environment?

If you already have a database with coordinate details, the chances are you are ready to use GI technology. If you want to move to the next step and deploy GI – contact us.

I have digital records in a database or spreadsheet but no location details.

Locational detail is essential to accurately represent the trees/assets in their correct geographical context –i.e. tree 0746 is planted at OS Grid Ref Easting 384568, Northing: 189721. Linked to the database we can then access additional information such as its type e.g. Himalayan Hazel (Corylus ferox) or when planted e.g. 1995. If we have additional information such as inspection details these can also be accessed through the digital map.

Once you have collated all your records, whatever their type, an ideal way to view these, with reminders for work to be done or renewals to be actioned, is to include them all in an interactive map. This can be viewed from any PC via the Internet/extranet, using password protection, but is reliant on location details being sourced.

Obtain a Site Survey

Individual or groups of assets or trees can be surveyed with additional information such as age condition, colour, type, girth, spread and height being logged along with the tree’s ID or asset number if available. This information will then be linked to any existing condition database that you may have to produce a comprehensive digital database. Having over 40 years of surveying experience, AIT Spatial can both advise on a suitable survey specification and/or carry out a full Topographical Site survey of the area concerned. Click here for further details on Topographical Survey

Use a handheld GPS

Advances in handheld GPS technology has made it even easier to record the location of an tree/asset. It is fair to say you get what you pay for and as the price increases so does the accuracy attainable and the functions available on the device. For example, the Mobile Mapper 100 offers sub-meter, decimetre or centimetre real-time accuracy modes and offers extended position availability in urban canyons and under canopy. Other hand held devices are available.

For further details on the MobileMapper 100 and Digiterra GIS Capture software.

Use Aerial Photography

Positioned aerial imagery can be used to derive the location of trees/assets on the ground. Of course, one problem here is if the tree is in shadow or the crown is in full leaf it may be difficult to identify the exact location.

A variation on the aerial imagery theme is ProximiTREE™.

The following extract from Bluesky's web site details the ProximiTREE™ product:

"ProximiTREE™ is a digital tree map layer accurately depicting the location and extent of trees and their proximity to buildings.

Designed as a tool to aid Local Authority officers, insurance assessors and property developers, ProximiTREE™ details the exact spatial location and height of individual trees together with the circumference of its canopy."

Further details on ProximiTREE can be found here.

Ordnance Survey Map

Locational details can be derived from OS maps. However, even using the detailed MasterMap product the derived location is likely to be approximate and certainly not as accurate as site survey or using differential handheld GPS.