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I have been tasked with looking into this old chestnut again. My general approach is to work out what software would achieve our needs then select a device with the required ruggedness and spec. This time were coming at it from the reverse. It has been suggested that we get some Windows 10, (as in desktop OS run on a rugged tablet) Rugged windows tablets. We have a device in-mind (MESA2) which looks very impressive however I have absolutely no knowledge of data collection software for windows platform. Previously all my forays have been either Android or windows mobile based. I'm aware a lot of desktop style software tends to focus on asset management style surveying for Local Authority. We do not typically have much use for long term asset management style software. In terms of usage we would mostly be looking to use the software for condition surveys on large rural or remote locations. The ability to plot tree potions with a reasonable degree of accuracy just so they can be found again and add attributes to something like and attribute table and export the resultant data to DXF SHP or similar is essential. It has also been floated that we try to source some software that has the flexibility to carry out BS5837 surveys. I am infinity dubious as to how effective a single piece of software may be in both scenarios. It may be the case that two separate approaches are used? What ever the software, the output would need to be 100% customisable in order that it can fit into our current report presentation / style. Any one with some thoughts here please do let me know. I've found that much of the software still on offer uses Windows mobile which is tragic in my view given how far things have move on since 1997. Thanks in advance.

Dear All, Newbie to Arbtalk but about 6 or so months ago I spotted a post where someone recommended a guy for doing tree surveys who used some whiz-kid super GPS or similar technical gear to put trees on an electronical topographical map so that it could be used for making a management plan for woodland. I have spend the best part of 5 hours trying to find this post. At the time, I rang up the bloke and spoke to him and foolishly cannot find my record of the conversation. So, my request is if you are the guy I rang up (my wood is near Oxford and is about 20 acres) or if you were the original adviser who posted a recommendation of him or know of the post.... Please advise! Any other recommendations welcome as I have now joined forces with my next door neighbours and the acreage is now near 100 with another neighbour "thinking" of joining us which would end up nearer 150 acres... Yours CJDG

Hi all, I've had a search and can't find anything quite answering my query so i thought i'd ask: What GPS devices are people using for tree surveying? What's your experience? What would you recommend? I'm currently using a Trimble Juno which is not super user friendly and very clunky. So, looking into buying a new GPS for carrying out tree habitat/health surveys under canopy and in wood pasture. There's a fair amount of stuff available but i thought i might try to get a bit of feedback. I apologies if this is in the wrong area, I did have good search but couldn't find anything. Thanks in advance, Aidan

As you all know we love bringing new products into the Forestry and Arboriculture worlds. Today is no different as we now have available to preorder the SPOT Gen3 GPS tracking device! Some of you may have already seen our latest 'Off The Shelf' article about it in this month's Essential Arb magazine. This innovative new device is a fantastic piece of kit, not just for work but for your adventures out and about too. Featuring highly advanced GPS tracking that is available across the world even in some of the most remote locations, you can be tracked or contact friends and family even when out of mobile phone signal. In our industry you could keep track of your teams on site, or set location updates at intervals throughout the day so that you don't even need to keep looking, the notification comes straight go you! You could also use it during site walks and look back at your route online later on. Also featuring an SOS service so that if the worst happens, one press of a button sends emergency services to your exact global location as quickly as possible! Click the link below for more info, the demo video and look at the coverage map, and of course place your pre orders! Stock is expected in soon! SPOT Gen3 GPS Device (As ever, we'd love to hear your feedback on these new products!)

Hi all, im interested to hear what software/hardware any tree consultants/surveyors on these forums are using At present we are using a set of Trimble recons running Trimble terrasync to collect data in the field. These are extremely rugged with immense battery life. We also use the Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office desktop Software as a means of converting the collected point/shape/line data into a format that we can use with autoCAD. This set-up is diverse enough for pretty much any survey except the very small, where data entry becoms counter productive. lets hear what you guys use and what you think?

Hello all, Anyone got any decent quality (working) surveying equipment they are selling on? I need handhelds only.. Not tablet PCs I'm interested in Trimble Juno's, Magellan etc PM me if you have anything Thanks in advance

Wasn't quite sure where to post this - so thought here was best. "On April 26, 2012, Trimble announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SketchUp® from Google. SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling tools in the world. As part of the SketchUp platform, Trimble will also partner with Google on running and developing SketchUp's 3D Warehouse, an online repository where users can find, share, store and collaborate on 3D models" taken from Trimble - Trimble to Enhance its Office-to-Field Platform It will be interesting to see how this will now evolve