Tree Mapping Software Advice

[BackoftheWoods]

Hi Guys,

Looking for some very basic software that would simply enable me to GPS tag tree's on the ground and then produce these tags onto an aerial/OS type map.

Is there any free/opensource software programmes people are using or is it a case of going for producers like Ezytreev and Pear Technology?

Many thanks!

[Khriss]

How many trees are you doing and what does the client want to see? K

[BackoftheWoods]

7 minutes ago, Khriss said:

How many trees are you doing and what does the client want to see? K

Its a general H&S tree report, walk over survey.  Roughly 150 trees, client wishes to see site overview map and then report tables with associated photos will be fine.  However, I am likely to be undertaking more BS5837 surveys in the future also. I have access to Autocad on my laptop, so looking for my best options for making my life easier but not bankrupting me!

Cheers!

[Khriss]

@BackoftheWoods  i would go with a form building app, either tree tags or a location app and yr tape. Pear or EeezyTree would be a waste of cash. Guessing its for tree safety only not timber volumes or planning consents? K

[BackoftheWoods]

Yes exactly, just safety.  That sounds like a sensible option you've suggested.  Thanks

[Khriss]

1 hour ago, BackoftheWoods said:

Yes exactly, just safety.  That sounds like a sensible option you've suggested.  Thanks

I can send you one of my forms over, i use the Jotform app,  even has xml widgets in it you could configure for BS5837  data, first 5 forms are free so you can edit and play about with it until it fits yr tasks. 500 submissions on the free version which will do yr job.  K

[BackoftheWoods]

14 minutes ago, Khriss said:

I can send you one of my forms over, i use the Jotform app,  even has xml widgets in it you could configure for BS5837  data, first 5 forms are free so you can edit and play about with it until it fits yr tasks. 500 submissions on the free version which will do yr job.  K

That would be ideal, thanks very much Khriss!

[daltontrees]

You won't get very far reporting BS surveys without something that allows CAD layers to be generated and manipulated. Even if you bluff it for a bit a few jobs in teh architect will ask you to send the constraints to them as a CAD file. Risk surveys really just need to show where the trees are ut BS surveys need to protray them. I use PT Mapper with Pocket GIS, it (PTM) really bursts my head sometimes but I must have done 300 paid-for reports wiht this combo by now so the investment was well worth it. Just be ready to swear at it a lot. I'm still using a couple of Trimble Geos and a Juno but it is all available on android now. I have an averson to Android which people will appreciate on the first rainy survey. I have used the Geos in torrential rain and even dropped one of the Geos in a river and it didn't seem bothered. 

On the other hand there are free QGIS apps for making up survey templates and they can be exported as csvs and shape files so if you have hours to spare and a temporary swearing amnesty you could do it all without buying any software as long as you have a CAD application. I don't think free QCAD is quite up to it.

[tree77]

Otiss software is ok for condition surveys.

I have used it for 5837, seemed limited on what you can do