Surveying methodology - mapping trees for Local Authority questions

[Cordata]

Hi all,

 

I have a forestry background and used to frequently map out compartments for establishment sites, measure features etc, and use GPS data to put these in GIS software to create maps.

 

I'm in arb now and am interested in the surveying side of things. Can someone explain the "roadmap" to doing these surveys I see advertised for local authorities?

 

For example I have seen one instance where a LA wants a complete mapping done of species present in a given area. What minimum DBH would you measure, what would your methodology be for doing this, and (I guess this comes with experience) is there a well-reasoned way of coming up with a timeframe for how long this would take? 

 

Any general information on surveying and mapping for arboricultural purposes, as well as the go-to standards and resources for this kind of work would be appreciated. 

 

Thanks in advance

[Mark J]

150mm DBH as a minimum usually, although there are occasions where I would include trees which are <150mm but these are generally in groups and specified as such.

I mostly use a program called Axciscape to plot things. I either get a topographical plan from the developer/LA or use triangulation to plot trees on dxf plan of the site.