Transforming Tree Survey Management
Executive Summary
The University of Aberdeen’s Grounds Maintenance Department manages around 3,000 mature trees across multiple city centre and Aberdeenshire properties.
Their previous paper-based survey system created administrative delays and made collaboration between departments and contractors difficult.
By adopting Mapscape’s digital tree management platform, the University has streamlined tree survey data handling, improved efficiency in tree works applications, and enhanced cross-department collaboration.
The solution has also laid the groundwork for more effective tree planting and long-term tree management.
Introduction
The University of Aberdeen maintains an extensive tree estate spanning its academic campuses, historic grounds, and botanical gardens. With approximately 3,000 mature trees, effective management is crucial for maintaining health, ensuring safety, and promoting long-term sustainability.
Challenges
Previously, tree survey data was supplied as a PDF spreadsheet, referring to individual trees only by tag numbers. Without accompanying digital site plans, this caused:
- Administrative delays in preparing applications for tree works with the Aberdeen Council.
- Communication difficulties when coordinating contractors and locating specific trees.
- Limited access to survey information across departments and sites, hindering collaboration.
The Estates Department wanted to:
- Move from static PDF spreadsheets to a dynamic digital mapping environment.
- Improve efficiency in tree survey data management across departments.
- Streamline collaboration with subcontractors and internal teams to enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Ensure quicker, evidence-based decision-making for tree works and long-term planning.
Solution
Mapscape delivered a digital tree management system, providing a single, centralised platform for tree survey data collection, mapping and reporting.
Key features included
- Real-time monitoring of survey progress, allowing staff to act on recommendations as they arise.
- Integration with Ordnance Survey MasterMap and HD Aerial Imagery for accurate and intuitive mapping across University sites.
- Easy generation of site plans and reports for tree works applications.
- First-class support was provided to both the University’s team and external survey contractors, ensuring a smooth adoption of the system.
Results
- Significant time savings when producing applications for tree works in conservation areas.
- Easy access to tree and group data across departments, improving collaboration and decision-making.
- The new tree planting and establishment app, featuring automated project costing tools, supports the University’s replanting programme.
- Introduction of priority-based re-inspection tools for tree planting, a first for the University Estates Department.
Conclusion
The move from static reports to Mapscape’s interactive platform has transformed how the University of Aberdeen manages its trees. By digitising survey data and mapping, the Estates Department now operates with greater efficiency, improved communication, and stronger long-term planning capabilities.
Testimonial
“The transition to Mapscape has made tree surveys and reporting far more efficient. What used to involve chasing PDF spreadsheets and separate site plans can now be done quickly and collaboratively in one place.
The support from Mapscape has been excellent for both our staff and subcontractors, and the new tree planting tools will be a real asset for our future programme.”
Future Plans
The University is looking forward to expanding its use of Mapscape tools, particularly for tree planting projects and ongoing monitoring. The system will continue to support sustainability goals and ensure best practices in urban tree management.
Next Steps
We strongly recommend contacting Mapscape and moving to their digital tree management mapping platform, as it is more responsive, time-saving, offers better value, and can quickly resolve grounds maintenance issues.
