Amey Secure Infrastructure, a provider of critical facilities services for Government, has introduced an innovative solution designed to make annual tree surveys quicker and more efficient.
Arbortrack, a professional tree survey software package, is a computer-based data capture and management system with a unique mapping engine that provides a comprehensive, and simple way to record inspections and work recommendations for the tree stock. It will be used across Amey’s defence housing maintenance contract, delivered on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation across the North and Central regions.
The technology allows Amey’s arboriculture specialists to access and amend a large amount of information at a range of locations. The details of each tree can be viewed immediately and updated in real time on site. Work prescriptions can be entered with the option to add photographs to better describe the work required.
Each tree, and its individual data, is represented on an Ordnance Survey map and users can drag an icon to the correct position on the map so a permanent record of its location is stored, something that will vastly improve any previous issues that existed with GPS accuracy.
The tree surgeons will share access to the data, allowing them to view the map and all the tree data on site. They will see what has been prescribed as well as any photos. Once complete, the job can be marked as finished and is securely stored within the application, and an ‘after’ photo added.
The software forms part of Amey’s ongoing improvement programme. The data maintained within the application enables the import and export of data seamlessly, ensuring an enhanced reporting tool that will provide reassurance to the client that the information is accurate and up to date.
Defence housing operations director Tom Silvey commented: “Taking care of local wildlife and habitats is vitally important across all our contracts within Amey. This tool will not only allow us to track and feedback on the work we have delivered but will also enable us to keep check on the health of our communities’ tree stock.”
As well as training Amey’s Arboriculture Specialists and relevant supply chain members in how to use Arbortrack, training has also been provided to the client, with each Regional Housing Estates Officer, and individuals from the Assurance and Reporting team, being given access to check real-time progress on the annual tasks.