Leicestershire, 12 May 2014 – A detailed 3D map of tree canopy cover is supporting Walsall Council’s ambition to turn its part of ‘the Black Country green’. Bluesky’s National Tree Map data was supplied to the West Midlands Council for use in their tree management software complete with an analysis of tree population by Council wards. Walsall plan to use the data, which includes measurements of tree canopy cover and tree height, to assist with their statutory obligations, to support proactive tree management and to update the Council’s Urban Forestry Strategy.
“Walsall’s Urban Forest, part of the wider Black Country Urban Forest, provides many environmental benefits to visitors and residents,” commented Jason Simpson, Arboricultural Surveyor at Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council. “Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits, trees within the urban forest improve air quality, save energy, protect water and improve economic sustainability. The Bluesky National Tree Map data will help us protect this valuable asset, supporting an integrated strategy which includes tree planting, planned maintenance, risk management and emergency response.”
The National Tree Map data was supplied to Walsall Council by Bluesky for use in their tree management software Ezytreev. Bluesky also undertook some analysis of the raw data supplying the Council with a breakdown of trees by Council wards. Jason Simpson continued, “Having desktop access to such detailed information saves time and money as we can answer questions from other service areas, elected members and the public and make informed decisions without leaving the office.”
Bluesky’s National Tree Map has been created from the most up to date, high resolution aerial photography, colour infrared data and detailed height models. It includes three individual map layers, detailing more than 280 million trees with a canopy cover in the region of 20,000 square kilometres – around 13.5 per cent of land cover! National Tree Map data is already in use in a number of Local Authorities, commercial organisations and academic institutions with interest also being shown from Central Government agencies and utility companies.
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About The Bluesky National Tree Map
The Bluesky National Tree Map has been created using innovative algorithms and image processing techniques in combination with the most up to date and detailed aerial photography and height data in the UK. A team of experienced professionals then completed an exhaustive QA process to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data. In addition to the three vector map layers; Crown Polygons, Idealised Crowns and Height Points, the Bluesky National Tree Map also includes an attribute table including unique identification for each crown feature, height attributes and area calculations. The data is available in a range of GIS ready formats with flexible annual licencing. Applications of the Bluesky National Tree Map include subsidence risk assessment by insurance companies, propagation modelling for telecommunication infrastructure planning, network resilience assessment for utility companies and carbon reduction planning for environmental mitigation projects. Existing users of the data are already reporting significant improvements in day to day planning and operational efficiency achieved through the use of Bluesky National Tree Map data. Bluesky National Tree Map is currently available for England and Wales with work already underway to create coverage for Scotland.
About Bluesky
Bluesky is a UK-based specialist in aerial survey including aerial photography, LiDAR and thermal data using the very latest survey technology, including an UltraCam Eagle and an Orion M300 LiDAR system. An internationally recognised leader with projects extending around the globe, Bluesky is proud to work with prestigious organisations such as Google, the BBC and Government Agencies. Bluesky has unrivalled expertise in the creation of seamless, digital aerial photography and maintains national “off the shelf” coverage of aerial photography, DTM and DSM through an on-going update programme. By purchasing a World first sensor for the simultaneous capture of LiDAR, Thermal and Aerial Photography data Bluesky is in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost effective solutions. Bluesky is also leading the way in developing innovative solutions for environmental applications including the UK’s first National Tree Map (NTM), solar mapping and citywide ‘heat loss’ maps and is currently developing noise and air quality mapping products. www.bluesky-world.com