Use Tree Management—ArcGIS Solutions

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, 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.

In a browser, sign in to your ArcGIS organization, and then browse to the Tree Management solution.
Download the Tree Data Management desktop application template, and then unzip the folder.
From the unzipped folder, open the Tree Data Management project.
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.
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.
Before proceeding to subsequent tasks, follow the instructions in the Add tree layers 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 subsequent tasks. 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 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 a small LAS dataset 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:

Download ArcGIS Field Maps onto your mobile device.
Open ArcGIS Field Maps and sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
Tap Tree Field Map to open the map.
Tap Add.
Trees are collected according to their planting space status. A planting space can be Planted, Available, Retired, Stump, or Other.
Tap Planted.
Drag the map to the correct location, and then click Add Point.
Swipe up on the form to complete all required information in the Tree Details section.
Tap Planting Space to expand the form, and then complete planting space information as needed.
Tap Ownership to expand the form, and then complete tree ownership information as needed.
Complete location information in the Location section.
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.
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.
On the Tree Field Map, tap a tree.
Tap Edit.
Optionally, pan the map to update the tree's location, and then tap Update Point.
Swipe up on the form to modify the tree's information.
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.
Tap Add.
Tap Planting Area.
Tap Add Point to begin sketching the planting area polygon.
Tap Add Point until the planting area polygon is complete.
Swipe up on the form to complete information in the Planting Area section.
Complete location information in the Location section.
Complete ownership information in the Ownership section.
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.
Repeat steps 18-25 to collect additional planting areas.

Assess trees in the field

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

On the Tree Field Map, tap a tree.
Swipe up on the form to review the tree's information.
Swipe up on the form to the Related section.
Tap Maintenance.
Previously recorded maintenance activities are displayed. When present, tap the maintenance record and swipe up on the form to review the information.
Tap Add.
Swipe up on the form to expand the form.
Tap Maintenance Type to enter the type of maintenance activity completed.
Optionally, tap Start date to enter the date the maintenance activity was started.
Tap Date finished to enter the date the maintenance activity was completed.
Optionally, tap Status to modify the status of the maintenance record.
Optionally, tap Notes to enter maintenance notes.
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.
Swipe up on the form to review the recorded maintenance information.
In the Related section, tap Trees to return to the Tree feature.
Swipe up on the form to the Related section.
Tap Inspections.
Previously recorded inspections are displayed. When present, tap the inspection record and swipe up on the form to review the information.
Tap Add.
Swipe up on the form to expand the form.
Tap Inspection Type to enter the type of inspection.
Tap Inspection date to enter the date the inspection was completed.
Optionally, tap Status to modify the status of the inspection record.
Tap Tree condition to record the condition of the inspected tree.
Optionally, tap Evidence of disease to record evidence of disease.
Optionally, tap Evidence of pests to record evidence of pests.
Optionally, tap Planting space condition to record the condition of the planting space.
Optionally, tap Sidewalk condition to record the condition of an adjacent sidewalk.
Optionally, tap Sidewalk damage to record the appearance of sidewalk damage.
Optionally, tap Inspection notes to enter inspection notes.
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.
Swipe up on the form to review the recorded inspection information.
In the Related section, tap Trees to return to the Tree feature.
Swipe up on the form and tap Request Service.
Complete the Tree Request form to report a request for service.
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.

Download ArcGIS Workforce onto your mobile device.
Open ArcGIS Workforce and sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
Tap the Tree Assignments map.
In the To do list, tap an assignment to view its location on the map and see details about the assignment.
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.
In the assignment details, tap Start to begin working on an assignment.
Optionally, tap Add Note to enter information for the operations and maintenance supervisors, and then tap Done.
Optionally, tap Take Photo to take and attach a photo.
Optionally, tap Attach to record video and audio and to attach other photos from your device.
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.
After you have finished collecting data or recording work in the Tree Field Map, return to the ArcGIS Workforce app.
To pause, decline, or reset the assignment, tap the Overflow button and tap the appropriate status, or tap Cancel.
In the assignment details, tap Finish when you have completed the assignment.
Optionally, tap To Do and tap Completed to view your completed assignments.
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.

Add or modify trees from the office

Sometimes, when you need to quickly edit your inventory or create planting areas using aerial imagery, you need to edit your tree inventory from the office.

In this workflow, you will assume the role of an arborist who needs to add new trees and planting areas to the inventory.

In a browser, sign in to your ArcGIS organization, and then browse to the Tree Management solution.
Open the Tree Editor app.
In the right-side panel, click Edit.
Under Create features, click Planted to create a planted tree.
Click the map to place the new tree.
Complete the tree's details as needed.
Expand the Planting space section to complete information about the tree's planting space.
Expand the Ownership section to complete information about the tree's ownership.
Complete location information in the Location section.
After you finish, click Create to create the new tree.
Repeat these steps to create additional trees or other planting spaces types.
Under Create features, click Planting Area to create a planting area.
Click the map to sketch the planting area.
Optionally, use the Toggle basemap button in the bottom right to change the basemap.
Complete the planting area's details as needed.
Complete location information in the Location section.
Complete the planting area's ownership information in the Ownership section.
After you finish, click Create to create the new planting area.
In the right-side panel, click Edit.

Now, you will use the Tree Editor app to update tree information.

In the Editor panel, under Edit features, click Select
On the map, select the tree that you want to update.
Modify the tree's information as needed, and then click Update.
Repeat these steps to edit planting areas.

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:

In a browser, sign in to your ArcGIS organization, and then browse to the Tree Management solution.
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.
In the upper right, click Trees to open the Trees page.

The Trees page contains two dashboards. The Trees dashboard appears first.

Review the high-level metrics, such as Inspections Completed and Tree Condition.
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.
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.
In the Inspection History table, click an inspection record to view its details in the Details panel.
In the Maintenance History table, click a maintenance record to view its details in the Details panel.
In the Tree Inventory feature details pane, click the Create Assignment button.
The Tree Assignments ArcGIS Workforce project opens.
Complete the Create Assignment form to create an assignment and assign to field staff.
When you're finished, click Create Assignment, and then return to the Tree Management Center app.
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.
In the lower left, click the Planting Areas tab.
Repeat the steps to review planting areas conditions and operations.

Respond to and monitor requests for service

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

In the upper right, click Requests and choose Manage.
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.
Click the Submitted On column header and choose Sort in descending order.
Click a service request feature.
Its details open at the lower left.
In the details, on the Details tab, click the Edit Record button .
For Status, choose Received.
Click Save.
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.
In the table, click the service request feature to view its details.
On the Details tab, click Create Assignment.
The Tree Assignments ArcGIS Workforce project opens.
Complete the Create Assignment form to create an assignment and assign to field staff.
When you're finished, click Create Assignment, and then return to the Tree Management Center app.
In the upper right, click Requests and choose Monitor.
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:

In the upper right, click Assignments.
At the bottom of the pane, click the Assignments tab.
From the list of assignments, click an assignment, if present.
In the upper left, click Assign and choose a mobile worker who will complete the work.
Optionally, click the Edit button to modify the Priority, Description, or other assignment details.
When you're finished, click Save.
Click the back button.
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.
Choose an Assignment Type and assign a mobile worker.
Click Create Assignment.

Maintain species roster

You will now assume the role of an arborist responsible for managing the organization's approved tree species roster. The species roster determines the species available to collect in the Tree Field Map and Tree Editor.

In this workflow, you are asked to use the Tree Management Center app to update the species roster then run the Species Roster Notebook to update domain and contingent values.

Update species information

As an arborist, you need to maintain your organization's species roster. This may include updating a tree's taxonomical fields or adding a cultivar.

In a browser, sign in to your ArcGIS organization, and then browse to the Tree Management solution.
View the Tree Management Center application.
In the upper right, click Species Roster to open the Species Roster page.
Review the total species metric and Species Roster table.
Use the filters to filter and explore the species roster.
In the table, use the Search box to search the species roster.
In the table, select a row.
The selected species is selected in the list on the right.
On the right, click the edit button to edit the species.
The Edit Species window appears.
Complete the form to update the selected species as needed.
Optionally, retire the species by selecting Yes for the Retired question.
The Species Roster Notebook will remove retired species from domain and contingent values.
Click Submit.
In the upper right, click the close button to close the Edit Species window.
Repeat these steps to edit additional species in the species roster.

Add a new species

In this workflow, you will add a new tree species to the species roster.

View the Tree Management Center application.
In the upper right, click Species Roster to open the Species Roster page.
On the right, click the Add New Species button.
The Add Species window appears.
Complete the form to add a new tree species.
Click Submit.
In the upper right, click the close button to close the Add Species window.
Repeat these steps to add additional species to the species roster.

Update domain and contingent values

In this workflow, you will run the Species Roster Notebook to update domain and contingent values according to the species roster.

Note:

You must be assigned a role of Administrator or custom role which includes the privilege to Create and edit notebooks in order to run an ArcGIS Notebooks and complete the following steps.

Verify that you are signed in to your ArcGIS organization and browse to the Species Roster Notebook item.
Open the item page and click Open Notebook.
Click Cell then Run All.
As the notebook runs, messages will be printed beneath the cell to indicate the progress. When finished, a message will state that contingent values have been successfully updated. If the Species Roster table is empty, the message will state that contingent values have been removed from the Trees hosted feature layer.

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.

In a browser, from the Tree Management solution, view the Our Urban Forest site.
Scroll to the Explore our Tree Canopy section, and then click the Explore button to open the Tree Viewer app.

The Tree Viewer app opens in a new tab.

In the left panel, on the Home tab, review the information.
Click the Details tab, and then on the map, click a tree.
Details about the tree that you selected appear in the left panel.
Review the tree's information, such as its common name, height, and condition.
The Details pane displays Recent Maintenance recorded by the organization.
On the map, at the lower left, click the globe.

The Tree Viewer app displays a 3D scene of the trees.

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.

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.
On the map, click the tree that you want to request service for, and then in the left panel, click the Details tab.
Click Request Service.
The Tree Requests form opens in a new tab.
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.

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