Mapping Software (BS5837 Utility)

[Bundle 2]

Mmmmmm

[Paul Barton]

I used Arbortrail/Arborcad for the first time this week using a PDA. I found it pretty easy to pick up and it seems like an extremely useful and time-saving tool.

[Bundle 2]

Would it be right to say, from impressions of that which is written in support of the software, that it too can be a bit vague?

Influenced by apptitude of interpretation of the circumstances in which it is being used? Or are tree root issues just inherently complex by vitrue of the unseen nature. Walls & other obstructions, whilst they make the root area's distribution irregular, can they be so simply drawn. Also, do you merge? You would need to be well informed to use it then?

It would need to be seen as reliable to be effective.

Otherwise it is another tool with which to argue and postulate, meanwhile, the bored digger driver thought it would be okay to .......

[Giles Hill]

Would it be right to say, from impressions of that which is written in support of the software, that it too can be a bit vague?

They're just drawing tools - they don't make any descisions for you.

 

It's up to the person inputtng the information to decide whether or not an existing structure is likely to have formed a barrier to root growth.

 

In terms of accuracy it should be spot on - it only needs to deal with the simple formulas required by the BS. If you give a stem diameter of 500mm, then it will calculate a Root Protection Area of 113m2. If you give the wrong stem dia, then it will give you the wrong RPA.

[Giles Hill]

I've had a bit of a play about with map maker and it seems fairly user friendly.

 

My main question would be can the information be saved in an autocad format? The demo only allows it to be saved as an image file.

[Amelanchier]

Whilst we're on the topic of RPAs...

 

Anyone alter the shape of their RPAs to accomodate the environment??? I've done it in AutoCAD but its a pain in the arse. Do these programs offer the ability to reshape RPAs?

 

Does my head in when I recieve a Tree Constraints Plan with pretty RPA circles drawn through ring roads, buildings and sheer cliff faces...

[Giles Hill]

 

The above image is taken from the mapmaker site - it alters the shape of the RPA quite nicely, by extending the arc away from the barrier, whilst maintaining the overall area.

 

Notwithstanding the cliff comment, it's uncanny how regularly the RPA is similar to the canopy spread - as in the old rule of thumb for positioning protective fencing.

[Bundle 2]

Thereby self drawing an rpa effectively... ( because it maintains an area ( m2 ) with no basis in reality) ??

[Paul Barton]

Thereby self drawing an rpa effectively... ( because it maintains an area ( m2 ) with no basis in reality) ??

 

Surely it's more realistic than showing the RPA going through the barrier?

[Bundle 2]

Certainly.....it was for clarfication is all! Only a drawing tool and tailored to meet BS standard recommendations...handy:sneaky2: