Leicestershire, 12 May 2014 – A detailed 3D map of tree canopy cover is supporting Walsall Councils ambition to turn its part of the Black Country green. Blueskys 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 Councils Urban Forestry Strategy.
Walsalls 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.
Blueskys 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.
http://www.bluesky-world.com/# !national-tree-map/c1pqz
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