GIS-based Tree Inventory/Mapping/Work Order Software?

802climber

802climber

Participating member
Location
Southern Vermont
I am looking for GIS mapping software that will let me take a detailed tree inventory. I want my clients to be able to see any recommendations for individual trees, as well as request that work be done on individual trees. I would like to find something that does not have a huge initial software cost for myself or my clients. I often have no cell service or internet connection while in the field.

I am ready to purchase a GPS, laptop and/or tablet, but I need to pick software first. Was recently quoted $5,000 (!!!) for software which provides no graphic user interface for clients, or work order integration, only data on a spreadsheet...

I know this exists, I just need to find it!
 
I can create a GIS tree database manually, but I would like to find something more valuable for my clients which in turn will save me many site visits.


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802,

Been looking for same thing. Hardest part, of course, is the database portion. That and the cost of gis accurate gps hardware

iTree comes close but doesnt offer much in the way of transactions and always seemed short in other areas as well.

Where in the 802 are you located? I'm near btv. Maybe we could connect and brainstorm?
 
rfwoodvt said:
802,

Been looking for same thing. Hardest part, of course, is the database portion. That and the cost of gis accurate gps hardware

iTree comes close but doesnt offer much in the way of transactions and always seemed short in other areas as well.

Where in the 802 are you located? I'm near btv. Maybe we could connect and brainstorm?
Click to expand...
Glad to know you are still out there rick.
 
rfwoodvt said:
802,

Been looking for same thing. Hardest part, of course, is the database portion. That and the cost of gis accurate gps hardware

iTree comes close but doesnt offer much in the way of transactions and always seemed short in other areas as well.

Where in the 802 are you located? I'm near btv. Maybe we could connect and brainstorm?
Click to expand...

I'm near Brattleboro, would definitely like to collaborate.


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[QUOaccuracy of the GPS devicppplimber, post: 439636, member: 7308"]What does that mean?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]
The accuracy is within one meter of the reference point. Some collectors accuracy can be within inches but they are high dollar. The other issue with accuracy is canopy density, cloud cover, and time of day. Very early or late in the day readings are affected by the angle to the satellites. Also the more satellites you can connect to, the more accurate. We are beginning to use a smartphone app for data collection
And the accuracy is good enough.
 
oldoakman said:
[QUOaccuracy of the GPS devicppplimber, post: 439636, member: 7308"]What does that mean?


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Click to expand...
The accuracy is within one meter of the reference point. Some collectors accuracy can be within inches but they are high dollar. The other issue with accuracy is canopy density, cloud cover, and time of day. Very early or late in the day readings are affected by the angle to the satellites. Also the more satellites you can connect to, the more accurate. We are beginning to use a smartphone app for data collection
And the accuracy is good enough.[/QUOTE]


What's the app you are using Eric?
 
I have used many different systems over the years and I think that the idea of sub meter accuracy is not all that important. For me I am generally doing inventory in a community where it is fairly obvious where I am on the map because I can reference buildings and parking lots. Most of the newer systems that rely on cloud computing are cell phone or ipad compatible and you can manipulate the plot point where you need it. Using cloud systems allows you to use existing cell phones and saves you alot of money in the long term. Gone are the days of needing to invest in gis devices that cost thousands and programs that cost even more.
 
For me, 1 to 2 meter accuracy would suffice but it seems you can only get >3 or submeter accuracy with current systems.

Since we are looking to use it to inventory specific trees in HOA properties, especially within small woodlots where inventoriable trees are often close together anything more than 2 meters is outside our desired tolerances.
 
rfwoodvt said:
For me, 1 to 2 meter accuracy would suffice but it seems you can only get >3 or submeter accuracy with current systems.

Since we are looking to use it to inventory specific trees in HOA properties, especially within small woodlots where inventoriable trees are often close together anything more than 2 meters is outside our desired tolerances.
Click to expand...
Rick,
I am leaning toward choosing and testing out an iPad app which allows manual entry of gps coordinates when I am out of cell service or require higher accuracy than the iPad gps. How expensive are we talking for a gps device with < 2 meter accuracy?

Are you by any chance going to the TRAQ event in Montpelier next week?


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I think the idea of spot on accuracy is not all that important and will save you thousands. If you have a program where you can manipulate the data point and drag it to its proper location, accuracy is not paramount. For what I do I am always in a fairly open HOA or city street area where I can easily tell where I am on the map.
 
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