scholarly journals Tree measurements in the urban environment: insights from traditional and digital field instruments to smartphone applications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rocco Pace ◽  
Emanuela Masini ◽  
Diego Giuliarelli ◽  
Luca Biagiola ◽  
Antonio Tomao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Data ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Social Functions ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Tree Inventory ◽  
Size Growth ◽  
Pros And Cons

Urban forests can provide essential environmental and social functions if properly planned and managed. Tree inventory and measurements are a critical part of assessing and monitoring the size, growth, and health condition of urban trees. In this context, the parameters usually collected are DBH and total height, but additional data about crown dimensions (width, length, and crown projection) are required for a comprehensive tree assessment. These data are generally collected by urban foresters through field surveys using tree caliper or diameter tape for DBH, and the electronic ipsometer/clinometer to measure tree height and crown size. Greater detail could be achieved using a digital instrument as Field-Map, a portable computer station to quickly realize dimensional and topographic surveys of trees and forest stands. Finally, the incorporation of the LIDAR scanner into smartphone, as the iPhone 12 Pro, has made this device able to measure tree attributes, as well as additional spatial data in the field. In this study, we tested these three different measurement systems in a field sampling of an urban forest and compared them in terms of measurable parameters, accuracy, cost, and time efficiency. Furthermore, we discussed the pros and cons of each measurement approach and how the resulted data can be used to evaluate ecosystem services of trees and provide guidance on tree management also to reduce potential risks or disservices.

scholarly journals A 100% Tree Inventory Using i-Tree Eco Protocol: A Case Study at Auburn University, Alabama, U.S.

2011 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 207-212
Author(s):  
Nicholas Martin ◽  
Arthur Chappelka ◽  
Gary Keever ◽  
Edward Loewenstein
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Auburn University ◽  
Condition Rating ◽  
Tree Inventory ◽  
And Function ◽  
Tree Condition

The Auburn University campus in Auburn, Alabama, U.S., was used as the site for a case study on the applicability of i-Tree Eco using a 100% tree inventory. The 2009-2010 inventory of the managed areas of campus encompassed 238 ha. Information collected from each tree included diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, crown width, percent dieback, and a tree condition rating. The complete inventory included 7,345 trees with Lagerstroemia spp. (crapemyrtle), Quercus phellos (willow oak), and Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) being the most numerous species on campus. Average DBH and total height of all trees were 16.4 cm and 8.5 m, respectively, with an estimated canopy cover of approximately 16%. Two tree condition ratings were recorded for each tree and results indicated that percent dieback alone is not a sufficient measure to evaluate tree condition. In this case study, i-Tree Eco procedures were found to be an effective and efficient tool, and provided valuable information regarding Auburn University’s urban forest structure and function.

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF IPAD PRO 2020 LIDAR FOR ESTIMATING TREE DIAMETERS IN URBAN FOREST

2021 ◽  
Vol VIII-4/W1-2021 ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
X. Wang ◽  
A. Singh ◽  
Y. Pervysheva ◽  
K. E. Lamatungga ◽  
V. Murtinová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Forest ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Estimation Accuracy ◽  
High Confidence ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Tree Inventory ◽  
Fitting Algorithm ◽  
Improved Accuracy ◽  
Multiple Tree

Abstract. Remote Sensing (RS) techniques are increasingly used in urban tree inventory measurements for their improved accuracy and promptness over the conventional methods. The focus of this study is to evaluate the application of iPad Pro 2020 and its LiDAR sensor for urban trees reconstruction and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) measurements. Altogether, 101 trees were scanned. We have used individual- and multiple-tree scan modes with different settings (Resolution: 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm; Confidence: High, Low). With these methods and settings, we have established 12 combinations. The 3DScannerAPP was used to scan and generate point clouds and to estimate DBH circle-fitting algorithm was used within the DendroCloud software. Among 12 methods, the only method with 10 mm resolution, high confidence, and multiple-tree mode has not achieved a 100% detection rate (97%). For multiple-tree mode, the highest estimation accuracy was 7.52% of relative RMSE, and for single-tree mode, it was 7.27%. Low confidence setting had significantly higher accuracy of DBH estimation than high confidence. Furthermore, single-tree mode had a significantly higher accuracy of DBH estimation than multiple-tree mode. The most efficient combination for DBH estimation of urban trees using 3DScannerAPP within iPad Pro 2020, when time and accuracy is considered, was multiple-tree mode with 15 mm resolution and low confidence.

Urban Trees and Water Use in Arid Climates: Insights from an Integrated Bioeconomic-Health Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 04 (04) ◽  
pp. 1850022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin A. Jones ◽  
John Fleck
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Value Of Water ◽  
Health Model

Managing outdoor water use while maintaining urban tree cover is a key challenge for water managers in arid climates. Urban trees generate flows of ecosystem services in arid areas, but also require significant amounts of irrigation. In this paper, a bioeconomic-health model of trees and water use is developed to investigate management of an urban forest canopy when irrigation is costly, water has economic value, and trees provide ecosystem services. The optimal tree irrigation decision is illustrated for Albuquerque, New Mexico, an arid Southwest US city. Using a range of monetary values for water, we find that the tree irrigation decision is sensitive to the value selected. Urban deforestation is optimal when the value of water is sufficiently high, or alternatively starts low, but grows to cross a specific threshold. If, however, the value of water is sufficiently low or if the value of tree cover rises over time, then deforestation is not optimal. The threshold value of water where the switch is made between zero and partial deforestation is well within previously identified ranges on actual water values. This model can be applied generally to study the tradeoffs between urban trees and water use in arid environments.

scholarly journals SEMI-AUTOMATED APPROACH FOR MAPPING URBAN TREES FROM INTEGRATED AERIAL LiDAR POINT CLOUD AND DIGITAL IMAGERY DATASETS

2016 ◽  
Vol XLII-4/W1 ◽  
pp. 127-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Dogon-Yaro ◽  
P. Kumar ◽  
A. Abdul Rahman ◽  
G. Buyuksalih
Keyword(s):  
Digital Image ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Point Cloud ◽  
Structural Complexity ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Image Datasets

Mapping of trees plays an important role in modern urban spatial data management, as many benefits and applications inherit from this detailed up-to-date data sources. Timely and accurate acquisition of information on the condition of urban trees serves as a tool for decision makers to better appreciate urban ecosystems and their numerous values which are critical to building up strategies for sustainable development. The conventional techniques used for extracting trees include ground surveying and interpretation of the aerial photography. However, these techniques are associated with some constraints, such as labour intensive field work and a lot of financial requirement which can be overcome by means of integrated LiDAR and digital image datasets. Compared to predominant studies on trees extraction mainly in purely forested areas, this study concentrates on urban areas, which have a high structural complexity with a multitude of different objects. This paper presented a workflow about semi-automated approach for extracting urban trees from integrated processing of airborne based LiDAR point cloud and multispectral digital image datasets over Istanbul city of Turkey. The paper reveals that the integrated datasets is a suitable technology and viable source of information for urban trees management. As a conclusion, therefore, the extracted information provides a snapshot about location, composition and extent of trees in the study area useful to city planners and other decision makers in order to understand how much canopy cover exists, identify new planting, removal, or reforestation opportunities and what locations have the greatest need or potential to maximize benefits of return on investment. It can also help track trends or changes to the urban trees over time and inform future management decisions.

scholarly journals Strategic Mulching of Trees in Forested Urban Parkland for Rooting Medium Amendment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Magditsch
Keyword(s):  
Urban Forest ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Wood Chips ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Moisture Loss ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Organic Mulch ◽  
Rooting Medium ◽  
Root Health

Trees planted along city streets and in urban parks are subject to many adversities that affect growth and can often result in mortality. The application of organic mulch to the rooting medium of newly planted urban trees has the potential to improve the soil chemical and physical properties necessary for tree root health. This study examined the difference in soil nutrient supply rates (μg/10cm2/28 days) between three areal treatments of wood chips (0.75 m, 1.0m and 1.5 m radii) and before mulch application versus after mulch application using Analysis of Covariance. PRSTM-Probes were inserted into the soil over six 28-day periods to measure the supply rate of bioavailable nutrients (NO3-, NH4+, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, and Cu). Meteorological data and other soil chemical and physical factors were measured and included as covariates in the statistical model. Results indicate that mulching had a significant effect (p<0.05) on P supply rates; supply rates were lower in the reference plots compared to the treatment plots post-mulching. S, Ca, Mg, and Cu supply rates decreased after mulch application; however, the decrease was observed in all plots, which is likely due to temporal variations in plant demand rather than mulching. The wood chips also had a significant impact on buffering fluctuating soil temperatures and reducing soil moisture loss compared to non-mulched plots. The knowledge obtained from this research can be used to improve urban forest management strategies by providing a more in-depth understanding of the prescriptive use of organic mulch.

scholarly journals Approach to Urban Environmental Justice Using Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis. The Case of Valencia’s Monumental Trees

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7760
Author(s):  
Alfonso Gallego-Valadés ◽  
Francisco Ródenas-Rigla ◽  
Jorge Garcés-Ferrer
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Environmental Justice ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Spatial Data Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Object Of Study ◽  
The City

Environmental justice has been a relevant object of analysis in recent decades. The generation of patterns in the spatial distribution of urban trees has been a widely addressed issue in the literature. However, the spatial distribution of monumental trees still constitutes an unknown object of study. The aim of this paper was to analyse the spatial distribution of the monumental-tree heritage in the city of Valencia, using Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) methods, in relation to different population groups and to discuss some implications in terms of environmental justice, from the public-policy perspective. The results show that monumental trees are spatially concentrated in high-income neighbourhoods, and this fact represents an indicator of environmental inequality. This diagnosis can provide support for decision-making on this matter.

scholarly journals Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen L. Wolf ◽  
Sharon T. Lam ◽  
Jennifer K. McKeen ◽  
Gregory R.A. Richardson ◽  
Matilda van den Bosch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Urban Forestry ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Future Research

The urban forest is a green infrastructure system that delivers multiple environmental, economic, social and health services, and functions in cities. Environmental benefits of urban trees are well understood, but no review to date has examined how urban trees affect human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of existing literature on the health impacts of urban trees that can inform future research, policy, and nature-based public health interventions. A systematic search used keywords representing human health, environmental health, and urban forestry. Following screening and appraisal of several thousand articles, 201 studies were conceptually sorted into a three-part framework. Reducing Harm, representing 41% of studies, includes topics such as air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, heat exposure, and pollen. Restoring Capacities, at 31%, includes attention restoration, mental health, stress reduction, and clinical outcomes. Building Capacities, at 28%, includes topics such as birth outcomes, active living, and weight status. The studies that were reviewed show substantial heterogeneity in purpose and method yet indicate important health outcomes associated with people’s exposure to trees. This review will help inform future research and practice, and demonstrates why urban forest planning and management should strategically promote trees as a social determinant of public health.

scholarly journals Derivation of target stocking for forests of Norway spruce vegetation zone in Slovakia

2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (No. 8) ◽  
pp. 352-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Moravčík
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Static Stability ◽  
Vegetation Coverage ◽  
Social Functions ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Vegetation Zone ◽  
Crown Length ◽  
Forest Limit

The present paper deals with derivation of target stocking in forests of Norway spruce vegetation zone. Target stocking in forests with prevailing ecological and social functions is the stocking when the forest fulfils demanded functions in the best way. For forests in the Norway spruce vegetation zone target stocking was derived by original procedures as an optimum stocking in harmonization of demands on the fulfilment of ecological functions (especially erosion control, hydrological and water protection ones), securing static stability and preconditions for the formation and growth of natural regeneration. We investigated the relations between stocking and indicators of static stability (slenderness coefficient and ratio of crown length to tree height), natural regeneration phases, ground and non-wood vegetation coverage and natural regeneration coverage. The most favourable status of these indicators was found out in stocking 0.7 and in the upper forest limit 0.6.

The micrometeorology of the urban forest

1989 ◽  
Vol 324 (1223) ◽  
pp. 335-349 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Forest ◽  
Urban Climate ◽  
Environmental Design ◽  
Local Scale ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Single Specimen ◽  
Air Filtration ◽  
Forest Stands ◽  
Planted Forest

Urban trees occupy a wide variety of habitats, from a single specimen competing in the urban jungle to extensive remnant or planted forest stands. Each is shown to produce distinct micro- to local scale climates contributing to the larger urban climate mosaic. These effects are discussed in relation to the radiative, aerodynamic, thermal and moisture properties of trees that so clearly set them apart from other urban materials and surfaces in terms of their exchanges of heat, mass and momentum with the atmosphere. Their resulting ability to produce shade, coolness, shelter, moisture and air filtration makes them flexible tools for environmental design.

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