Basic tree surveying software and mapping

[John Shutler]

Having resisted investing and moving forward with my tree surveying methods for a few years it may finally be time to get a device and some software to help with some larger surveys I have coming up

Basic and easy to use are good things in my books and having just bought another tractor something reasonably priced would be nice

Any suggestions would be great

Thanks

[Tom D]

We're using tree smart Arb, it's good but it's 2.5k per year. Backup is good though..

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

Paper and pencil are still the most simple, tried and tested, method of collecting data. No batteries required - so less chance of losing data. Paper notes can then be converted to the presentation software of your choice.

[John Shutler]

We're using tree smart Arb, it's good but it's 2.5k per year. Backup is good though..

 

 

Cheers Tom. Turns out they are based just up the road from me, I'll give them a call later

[Chris at eden]

Paper and pencil are still the most simple, tried and tested, method of collecting data. No batteries required - so less chance of losing data. Paper notes can then be converted to the presentation software of your choice.

 

What he said!!! I've tried PDAs and tablets and I'm not a fan.

[John Shutler]

Yes I get the fact that pen and paper are the easiest solution but that's what I'm trying to get away from. There must be a fairly simple digital solution that is user friendly

[Paul Melarange]

Yes I get the fact that pen and paper are the easiest solution but that's what I'm trying to get away from. There must be a fairly simple digital solution that is user friendly

 

John

 

I have been using digital systems for recording tree data for about 9 years now. I certainly wouldn't go back to pen and paper.

 

The key is to get the right database - one that you can customise to suit your requirements. The database should allow you to record the information that you want.

 

I use some specialist tree management software that is not really commercially available, so there is no point in recommending that to you. However, I have used the Pear technology software in the past and it seems pretty good. It's certainly customisable.

 

It is important to look at the various ways the data can be exported. Some will produce PDFs - but again you need to be able to customise these for your own requirements. Most will produce an excel or csv spreadsheet which might be enough for what you want.

 

I've just had a quick look at the 'tree smart arb' website. It looks like the data fields and the reporting could be quite restrictive, but that is just a hunch.

 

I hope this is useful.

[Stock]

Why not try momento to get you up and running that is if you have an android phone.............

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.luckydroid.droidbase&hl=en

[John Shutler]

John

 

I have been using digital systems for recording tree data for about 9 years now. I certainly wouldn't go back to pen and paper.

 

The key is to get the right database - one that you can customise to suit your requirements. The database should allow you to record the information that you want.

 

I use some specialist tree management software that is not really commercially available, so there is no point in recommending that to you. However, I have used the Pear technology software in the past and it seems pretty good. It's certainly customisable.

 

It is important to look at the various ways the data can be exported. Some will produce PDFs - but again you need to be able to customise these for your own requirements. Most will produce an excel or csv spreadsheet which might be enough for what you want.

 

I've just had a quick look at the 'tree smart arb' website. It looks like the data fields and the reporting could be quite restrictive, but that is just a hunch.

 

I hope this is useful.

 

 

Thanks for some sensible input, much appreciated. I've looked at pear technology a couple of times over the last 5 years since I finished my fdsc, but can't quite bring myself to spend the money, daft I know...

[Gary Prentice]

John, I think I'm in the same position.

 

Paper on site with someone elses topo plan.

 

Back home, I use keysofts software to do all the drawing work, but it's a pain entering all the data to produce the rpas, BS tree categories, etc. Then, reproducing all the written survey data for the report.

 

I've used a tablet with excel to get the bulk of the information into the keysoft program, but the tablet itself isn't ideal and doesn't do to well importing into the written report. And if you need to plot the trees yourself, that's a whole new ballgame.

 

It feels like the next step is a big investment, where both eyes need to be fully open to make a very well informed decision, as to where to go.