BMP - Tree Inventories - 12

egories, structures, and definitions
can be correlated, converted, and
migrated if comparisons are to be
made Software options range from
adapting off-the-shelf spreadsheets
or databases to purchasing one of the
many different tree inventory software products available. Dialogue
between the urban forest manager
and local information technology
(IT) professionals is imperative for
making a good choice.

Data Ownership

The ownership of inventory data-
and the ability to use the data if the
vendor relationship changes-should Figure 4. A data collector using a small,
mobile device to record data about each
be defined in the initial contract.
If the maintenance history is tree quickly and reliably.
owned by the vendor, the agency may need to purchase additional software
or maintain a separate software relationship with the initial vendor.

Budget

The costs of an inventory can be broken into three main areas: data collection,
software, and maintenance. An inventory that includes only tree species and
size can be conducted with a relatively low budget. Inventories that include
more attributes and tree risk assessments generally cost more. It is worth
keeping in mind that cost is not the same as value. The optimal strategy is to
weigh data and software features and quality against actual needs and budget.

12
BMP - Tree Inventories

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of BMP - Tree Inventories
