Comparison of tree data capture and mapping software

[Island Lescure]

Just wondering what people's pros and cons are of the various systems offered.

I have heard that there are some limitations or/and that people use different systems for different projects.

Hopefully this will give me, and possibly anyone else looking into this, a more complete picture of these systems' capabilities and limitations.

Please give your input and then I will try to compile it all together into a concise format.

I have only tried Pear Technology, Kobo collect, QGIS, QCAD.

So here is my start to it.

 

Data Capture

 

Pocket Gis

 

Price: £500+

 

Pros:

Works with Android and Windows

Only need one device to carry map and data capture

Works with GPS or without

Allows plotting directly on an imported map

Can edit data input fields in the field (though more tedious than in the office, unless you have a full Windows device perhaps)

Can use existing templates for input fields which you can then modify to your needs

 

Cons:

Does not work with Mac

Android version takes a bit of getting used to (only one I have tried)

 

Kobo collect

 

Price:free

 

Pros:

Can make your own input fields

Can work with GPS

Very clean and simple interface

 

Cons:

Cannot edit input fields in the field

Does not allow plotting onto a map in the field

Exported csv files are not "clean", for lack of a better word

Limited number of characters in response field

 

Mapping Software

 

PT Mapper Pro

 

Price: ~£850

 

Pros:

Works directly with Pocket Gis

Can import csv files

Relatively user friendly

Good support

Works with Android and Windows

 

Cons:

Not Mac compatible

Doesn't allow group RPAs, canopy spreads and shading without overlapping each tree/shrub in the group (not easily anyway)

Does not import or export dwg files.

Some incompatibilities between dxf files imported and exported.

Any editing done to most tree attributes must be done in the csv file prior to import.

 

 

I will have to add QGIS and QCAD later as I don't have anymore time right now.