Countrywide 3D Tree map From Bluesky Sets out to Protect Britain's Trees

COALVILLE, Leicestershire, November 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Aerial mapping company Bluesky has launched the first ever countrywide 3D map of trees. Created using recent aerial photography and infrared data with detailed height modelling, the Bluesky National Tree Map provides a detailed assessment of tree heights and canopy cover.  With the threat posed by disease amongst Ash trees, Bluesky plans to regularly update the map so that tree cover can be continually monitored.    

Bluesky tree maps are already in use within a number of local authorities and utility companies and interest in the new product has now been received from insurance companies and forestry organisations. The digital map layer, covering the whole of England and Wales, will be available in its entirety early next year and plans are already in place for cover of Scotland.

"Trees contribute an enormous amount; they provide valuable habitats for wildlife, improve the air we breathe and help to conserve energy in nearby buildings. With disease threatening the Ash tree population, the creation of the National Tree Map should prove crucial for helping manage and preserve our trees in the future" commented Rachel Tidmarsh, Managing Director of Bluesky International. "Trees also pose a real risk to properties and utility networks with root damage causing subsidence and pipeline fractures, and branches and falling trees affecting overhead cables."

"By using innovative algorithms and image processing techniques we have been able to partially automate the production of the National Tree Map making its creation a reality," continued Tidmarsh. "A team of experienced professionals then complete an extensive QA process to ensure the quality and accuracy of the four themed layers."

The production of the Bluesky National Tree Map follows hot on the heels of other tree mapping projects around the world. Earlier this year NASA, with the help of US Government conservationists, accurately documented for the first time the tree population of America using space-based radar, satellites, computer programs and lots of groundwork. Bluesky itself has already completed a number of large scale tree mapping projects for local authorities across the UK including Cambridge and Carlisle City Councils as well as Red Rose Forest and The Ecology Consultancy.

Website:  http://www.bluesky-world.com