Use Tree Management

The Tree Management solution delivers a set of capabilities that help you inventory publicly owned trees, conduct routine inspection and maintenance assignments, understand tree conditions, engage volunteers, and inform the public.

In this topic, you’ll learn how to use the solution by assuming the role of a user and performing the workflows below.

Note:

Use your organization's data or configured apps to follow these workflows.

Manage tree data

The first, and most critical, step a local government must take to manage its urban forest is to create a tree inventory. A local government cannot effectively manage its urban forest and plan improvements unless officials know how many publicly owned trees they have and where they are located.

You will first assume the role of a mapping technician responsible for maintaining an authoritative tree inventory. The Tree Data Management ArcGIS Pro project includes a series of tasks to help guide you through these workflows.

Get started

First, you will download an ArcGIS Pro project.

1. In a browser, sign in to your ArcGIS organization, and then browse to the Tree Management solution.
2. Download the Tree Data Management desktop application template, and then unzip the folder.
3. From the unzipped folder, open the Tree Data Management project.
4. In the Catalog pane, expand the Tasks folder, and then double-click the Tree Data Management task.

   Note:

   If you do not see the Catalog pane, from the View tab, in the Windows group, click Catalog Pane.

5. In the Tasks pane, click the Getting Started task group to expand the collection of tasks.

   Tree Data Management is used to load and create authoritative tree inventory data used in the Tree Management apps such as Tree Field Map and Tree Viewer.

6. Before proceeding to subsequent tasks, follow the instructions in the Add tree layer task to add the Trees feature layer deployed with the solution.

Extract and load tree points from Lidar

Tree location, size, and width can be extracted from ground-classified lidar as point features. If trees are classified in the lidar, the quality of the tree extraction will improve.

In the Task pane, expand the Extract and load tree points from Lidar group task and follow the steps provided. Review the Required data task.

Optionally, complete the Download sample data task. Sample data is provided to help you learn how to use the Tree Data Management task. A link is provided to download sample data for Naperville. Using the sample data the first time will help you learn how to use the tasks and how to organize your data.

Optionally, run the tool in the Classify trees in lidar using deep learning task to classify trees in the lidar using a deep learning model. Classified trees will improve the vegetation extraction, but keep in mind that deep learning is computationally very intensive, and a powerful GPU is needed to process large datasets faster. Depending on data size and available hardware, it can take hours to finish. Start with one LAS file to determine processing time on your system.

To work with the deep learning tools in ArcGIS Pro, you must install supported deep learning frameworks packages. See deep learning frameworks for ArcGIS.

A tree classification model trained by Esri can be downloaded from ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World or you can create your own model using the Training a Deep Learning model for Point Cloud Classification notebook that can be found in the notebooks folder of the Tree Data Management ArcGIS Pro project.

Extract tree points using surface analysis—Use this tool to extract tree points from the lidar using surface analysis. This type of extraction is faster for large lidar datasets, but the results are less accurate than using cluster analysis for dense lidar (point spacing less than 1.5 feet/0.5 meters).

Extract tree points using cluster analysis—Use this tool to extract tree points from the lidar using cluster analysis. This type of extraction is slower for large lidar datasets, but the results are more accurate than using surface analysis.

Note:

When creating the 3D trees, verify the Vegetation class code. The correct class codes for vegetation is typically 5. The tool will verify whether your lidar has this code, but trees might be represented by other codes as well. Visually review your lidar and verify what class code tree points have by clicking a tree lidar point. If the vegetation has not been classified, enter the class code that represents the vegetation, for example, 0 or 1.

Tip:

Use the Extract tree points using surface analysis tool to create an initial vegetation layer. Run the Extract tree points using cluster analysis tool for lidar files for which you need detailed trees and replace the trees from the initial layer with the more detailed trees where needed.

Append extracted trees to layer—Use this task to load tree points extracted in the previous tasks into the Trees feature layer deployed with the solution.

Load, create, and modify tree data

In the Task pane, expand the Load, create, and modify tree data group task.

Your organization may have existing tree data, which can be loaded into the Trees feature layer. Use the Load existing tree data task to load your organizations's existing tree inventory data into the Trees feature layer deployed with the solution.

You may need to create new tree data prior to conducting a field inventory if existing data is not available. Follow the instructions in the Create new tree data task to create new trees. Use the Modify trees task to modify created data.

Collect and assess trees in the field

In many cases, a field assessment of publicly owned trees may be the most efficient way to develop a tree inventory. Information collected in the field can also enhance and verify trees extracted or loaded using the Tree Data Management ArcGIS Pro project. Recording tree condition through routine and ad hoc inspections provides important information needed to plan improvements.

You will now assume the role of a mobile worker responsible for conducting a tree inventory in the field as well as condition assessments and recording maintenance activities. In this workflow, you are asked to use the ArcGIS Field Maps mobile app to access your Tree Field Map and inventory trees in your community.

Collect trees in the field

To collect trees in the field, complete the following steps:

1. Download ArcGIS Field Maps onto your mobile device.
2. Open ArcGIS Field Maps and sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
3. Tap Tree Field Map to open the map.
4. Tap Add.

   Trees are collected according to their planting space status. A planting space can be Planted, Available, Retired, Stump, or Other.

5. Tap Planted.
6. Drag the map to the correct location, and then click Add Point.
7. Swipe up on the form and tap Common name to choose the tree's common name, and then provide all other required information in the Tree Details section.
8. Tap Planting Space to expand the form, and then provide planting space information as needed.
9. Tap Ownership Details to expand the form, and then provide tree ownership information as needed.
10. Tap Nearest address to provide the nearest site address.
11. When you're finished, at the top right, tap the check mark or Submit.

    Note:

    Your interface may vary depending on the type of mobile device that you use.

12. Repeat these steps to collect additional trees.

    The fields in the Tree Field Map form are configured according to planting space status. When collecting a Planted tree, Available space, Retired space, Stump, or Other feature, the form will present the appropriate fields.

13. On the Tree Field Map, tap a tree.
14. Tap Edit.
15. Optionally, pan the map to update the tree's location, and then tap Update Point.
16. Swipe up on the form to modify the tree's information.
17. When you're finished, at the top right, tap the check mark or Submit.

    Note:

    Your interface may vary depending on the type of mobile device that you use.

Assess trees in the field

To assess trees in the field, complete the following steps:

1. On the Tree Field Map, tap a tree.
2. Swipe up on the form to review the tree's information.
3. Swipe up on the form to the Related section.
4. Tap Maintenance.

   Previously recorded maintenance activities are displayed. When present, tap the maintenance record and swipe up on the form to review the information.

5. Tap Add.
6. Swipe up on the form to expand the form.
7. Tap Maintenance Type to enter the type of maintenance activity completed.
8. Optionally, tap Start date to enter the date the maintenance activity was started.
9. Tap Date finished to enter the date the maintenance activity was completed.
10. Optionally, tap Status to modify the status of the maintenance record.
11. Optionally, tap Notes to enter maintenance notes.
12. When you're finished, at the top right, tap the check mark or Submit.

    Note:

    Your interface may vary depending on the type of mobile device that you use.

13. Swipe up on the form to review the recorded maintenance information.
14. In the Related section, tap Trees to return to the Tree feature.
15. Swipe up on the form to the Related section.
16. Tap Inspections.

    Previously recorded inspections are displayed. When present, tap the inspection record and swipe up on the form to review the information.

17. Tap Add.
18. Swipe up on the form to expand the form.
19. Tap Inspection Type to enter the type of inspection.
20. Tap Inspection date to enter the date the inspection was completed.
21. Optionally, tap Status to modify the status of the inspection record.
22. Tap Tree condition to record the condition of the inspected tree.
23. Optionally, tap Evidence of disease to record evidence of disease.
24. Optionally, tap Evidence of pests to record evidence of pests.
25. Optionally, tap Planting space condition to record the condition of the planting space.
26. Optionally, tap Sidewalk condition to record the condition of an adjacent sidewalk.
27. Optionally, tap Sidewalk damage to record the appearance of sidewalk damage.
28. Optionally, tap Inspection notes to enter inspection notes.
29. When you're finished, at the top right, tap the check mark or Submit.

    Note:

    Your interface may vary depending on the type of mobile device that you use.

30. Swipe up on the form to review the recorded inspection information.
31. In the Related section, tap Trees to return to the Tree feature.
32. Swipe up on the form and tap Request Service.
33. Complete the Tree Request form to report a request for service.
34. When you're finished, tap Submit.

    Note:

    Your interface may vary depending on the type of mobile device you use.

Complete field assignments

Field staff will often receive work through assignments that help organize tasks to be completed and communicate the status of work to operations and maintenance supervisors.

1. Download ArcGIS Workforce onto your mobile device.
2. Open ArcGIS Workforce and sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
3. Tap the Tree Assignments map.
4. In the To do list, tap an assignment to view its location on the map and see details about the assignment.
5. In the assignment details, tap Directions to see a list of installed navigation apps, and then tap the app you want to use and allow ArcGIS Workforce to open it.

   The app opens, generating a route to your assignment.

6. In the assignment details, tap Start to begin working on an assignment.
7. Optionally, tap Add Note to enter information for the operations and maintenance supervisors, and then tap Done.
8. Optionally, tap Take Photo to take and attach a photo.
9. Optionally, tap Attach to record video and audio and to attach other photos from your device.
10. Swipe up and tap Open Tree Field Map.

    The Tree Field Map opens in ArcGIS Field Maps and defaults to the location of the assignment.

11. After you have finished collecting data or recording work in the Tree Field Map, return to the ArcGIS Workforce app.
12. To pause, decline, or reset the assignment, tap the Overflow button and tap the appropriate status, or tap Cancel.
13. In the assignment details, tap Finish when you have completed the assignment.
14. Optionally, tap To Do and tap Completed to view your completed assignments.
15. Optionally, tap Sync ( if you have edits that aren't synced) and tap Sync Now to sync them.

    Changes to the status of your assignments automatically syncs with your ArcGIS organization at the default interval of every 15 minutes.

Manage operations

You will now assume the role of an operations and maintenance supervisor responsible for organizing routine and ad hoc inspections and maintenance activities as well as an arborist responsible for monitoring tree conditions.

In this workflow, you are asked to use the Tree Management Center app to monitor field activities and conditions, manage requests for service, and assign work.

Monitor conditions

To monitor conditions, complete the following steps:

1. In a browser, sign in to your ArcGIS organization, and then browse to the Tree Management solution.
2. View the Tree Management Center application.

   The Home page of the Tree Management Center app displays metrics that help you understand your organization's tree inventory as well as requests for service that need to be addressed and work that needs to be assigned to field staff.

3. In the upper right, click Trees to open the Trees page.
4. Review the high-level metrics, such as Inspections Completed and Tree Condition.
5. Use the charts to filter and explore inspections and maintenance activities.

   Note:

   Dashboard charts are linked. If you click a condition in the Tree Condition chart or a month on the By Month tab in the Inspection History charts, related details are filtered and updated in other elements in the dashboard.

6. On the map, use the select tool to select a tree.

   Note:

   Map selections are linked. If you select a tree in the map, related details are filtered and updated in other elements in the dashboard.

7. In the Inspection History table, click an inspection record to view its details in the Details panel.
8. In the Maintenance History table, click a maintenance record to view its details in the Details panel.
9. In the Tree Inventory feature details pane, click the Create Assignment button.

   The Create Tree Assignment form opens.

10. Complete the form to create an assignment that you will assign to field staff.
11. When you're finished, click Submit, and then return to the Tree Management Center app.
12. On the left, click the arrow to display the filter panel, and then use filters to explore the tree inventory by genus, species, common name, date planted or inspected, or other specification.

    Tip:

    To pin the filter panel, click the pin in the upper-right corner.

Respond to and monitor requests for service

To respond to and monitor service requests, complete the following steps:

1. In the upper right, click Requests and choose Manage.
2. In the Tree Requests table, click the Status column filter, and then for Status is, choose Submitted to view requests for service with a submitted status.
3. Click the Submitted On column header and choose Sort in descending order.
4. Click a service request feature.

   Its details open at the lower left.

5. In the details, on the Details tab, click the Edit Record button .
6. For Status, choose Received.
7. Click Save.
8. In the Tree Requests table, click the Status column filter, and then for Status is, choose Received to view requests for service with a received status.

   You will create an assignment so that the request for service can be addressed by field staff.

9. In the table, click the service request feature to view its details.
10. On the Details tab, click Create Assignment.

    The Create Tree Assignment form opens.

11. Complete the form to create an assignment that you will assign to field staff.
12. When you're finished, click Submit, and then return to the Tree Management Center app.
13. In the upper right, click Requests and choose Monitor.
14. Use the charts to filter and explore active and resolved requests for service.

    Dashboard charts are linked. As you click and select a category in one chart, related details are filtered and updated in other charts on the service request to allow a manager to identify issues and areas that need attention.

Manage field assignments

To manage field assignments, complete the following steps:

1. In the upper right, click Assignments.
2. At the bottom of the pane, click the Assignments tab.
3. From the list of assignments, click an assignment, if present.
4. In the upper left, click Assign and choose a mobile worker who will complete the work.
5. Optionally, click the Edit button to modify the Priority, Description, or other assignment details.
6. When you're finished, click Save.
7. Click the back button.
8. On the map, select a tree and review its information, and then click + Assignment.

   You can also use the search box on the map to search by address, place, or tree asset ID.

9. Choose an Assignment Type and assign a mobile worker.
10. Click Create Assignment.

Learn about the community's urban forest

Trees garner significant interest from community residents that would like to understand their characteristics, benefits, and condition and also report requests for service such as hazards or new plantings.

You will now assume the role of a community resident who is interested in learning about the condition of publicly owned trees in their neighborhood or around their home.

1. In a browser, from the Tree Management solution, view the Our Urban Forest site.
2. Scroll to the Explore the Trees section, and then click the Explore button to open the Tree Viewer app.
The Tree Viewer app opens in a new tab.
3. In the left panel, on the Home tab, review the information.
4. Click the Details tab, and then on the map, click a tree.

   Details about the tree that you selected appear in the left panel.

5. Review the tree's information, such as its common name, height, and condition.

   The Details pane displays Recent Maintenance recorded by the organization and Recent Tree Steward Activities reported by volunteers.

6. On the map, at the lower left, click the globe.
The Tree Viewer app displays a 3D scene of the trees.
7. In the 3D scene, click a tree to view its information in the Details pane.
8. Close the Tree Viewer app and return to the Our Urban Forest site.

Solicit requests for service

The Our Urban Forest site can be used to solicit service requests from the public so that small problems can be tackled quickly and efficiently before they become large and costly. You will continue to assume the role of a resident, now reporting a request for tree service.

1. Scroll to the Request Service section, and then click the Submit Request button to open the Tree Viewer app.

   The Tree Viewer app opens in a new tab.

2. On the map, click the tree that you want to request service for, and then in the left panel, click the Details tab.
3. Click Request Service.

   The Tree Requests form opens in a new tab.

4. Complete the form, and then click Submit.

   The request type on the Tree Requests form will be prepopulated when requesting service for an available space or stump.

Volunteer as a steward

Public works and parks organizations cultivate a volunteer workforce to help improve the health of trees. Tree steward programs allow volunteer stewards to help care for trees in the neighborhood or around their house and report their activities to the organization.

You will now assume the role of a community resident who is interested in volunteering in the tree steward program.

1. In a browser, from the Tree Management solution, view the Our Urban Forest site.
2. Scroll to the Become a Tree Steward section.

   If visitors to the site are not signed in, the Our Urban Forest site displays the buttons to Create an account or Sign In with an existing account. If a user is signed in to the site, the Our Urban Forest site displays an Apply button, which can be used to access the Tree Steward Application form. In the following steps, the user has created an account and is signed in to the Our Urban Forest site.

3. Click the Apply button.
4. Complete the Tree Steward Application form to express interest in becoming a volunteer tree steward.

   The application will be reviewed by a volunteer coordinator. After the application has been approved, the volunteer can access the Tree Care Activities form to report stewardship activities.

5. Close the Tree Steward Application and return to the Our Urban Forest site.
6. Scroll to the Care for a Tree! section.

   The Care for a Tree! section is displayed when a volunteer's Tree Steward Application has been approved by the volunteer coordinator.

7. Click the Report Care button.

   The Tree Viewer app opens in a new tab.

8. On the map, click the tree that you have cared for, and then click the Details pane.
9. Click the Report Care button.

   The Tree Care Activities form opens in a new tab.

10. Complete the form recording the activity date, duration, and activities completed to report your volunteer tree care to the organization.
11. Close the Tree Care Activities form and the Tree Viewer app and return to the Our Urban Forest site.

Manage volunteer stewards

You will now assume the role of a volunteer coordinator responsible for managing the tree stewardship program and monitoring volunteer activities.

In this workflow, you are asked to use the Tree Stewardship Center app to review and approve volunteer applications and monitor volunteer activities.

1. In a browser, sign in to your ArcGIS organization, and then browse to the Tree Management solution.
2. View the Tree Stewardship Center app.

   The Home page of theTree Stewardship Center app displays metrics that help you understand the tree stewardship program, and it states whether there are pending applications to be reviewed.

3. In the upper right, click Manage.
4. In the Stewards table, click the Status column filter, and then for Status is, choose Pending to view volunteer applications with a pending status.
5. Click a volunteer application to view its details.

   The details open at the lower left.

6. On the Steward tab, click the Edit Record button .
7. For Status, choose Approved.
8. Click Save.

   The Tree Steward Notebook can be used to schedule a process that grants access to the Tree Care Activities form to approved tree stewards.

9. In the table, remove the Status column filter.
10. Click an approved volunteer to view details.
11. Click the Care Activities tab to view reported tree care activities.
12. Review the tree care information, and then click View Tree to open the Tree Viewer app and view the tree's location and information.
13. Return to the Tree Stewardship Center app, and then in the upper right, click Monitor.
14. Use the charts to filter and explore stewards and tree care activities.

    Dashboard charts are linked. When you click and select a category in one chart, related details are filtered and updated in other charts.

15. From the dashboard header, use the Activity Date and Stewards filters to explore tree care and steward activities.