PRESERVING DIGITAL ARCHIVES OF ANCIENT AND VETERAN TREES
Immortalise
natural monuments
These digital replicas serve as vital resources for conservation efforts, and acts as both a safeguard against the loss of these irreplaceable habitats and a bridge connecting future generations to their natural heritage.
Ancient Sessile Oak, Blidworth
Click the play button or the Sketchfab icon to view the interactive 3-D model.
This amazing ancient Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) is located in Nottinghamshire and recorded on the Ancient Tree Inventory. Using nothing more than photographs captured on a smartphone and deploying past experience in scanning techniques, this ancient Oak tree has been immortalised in 3D, preserving a digital archive for future generations.
These high-definition 3D scans, combined with detailed photographs and, where required, immersive videos, can help arborists to visually represent survey findings and aid future research and learning.
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NUMBER OF PHOTOS: 361
DEVICE USED: Google Pixel 6
TIME TO CAPTURE: 9 mins
Veteran Oak, Tamworth
Click the play button or the Sketchfab icon to view the interactive 3-D model.
By employing cutting-edge 3D photogrammetry scanning techniques and adding a series of annotations to the model, we are able to demonstrate a more immersive, educational and true to life history of this veteran tree, whilst also providing other people across the world with the opportunity to see it for themselves.
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DID YOU KNOW
Studies have shown that virtual and augmented real learning experiences increase engagement and lead to better knowledge retention and improved learning outcomes.
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NUMBER OF PHOTOS: 292
DEVICE USED: Google Pixel 6 and Lumix GH5
TIME TO CAPTURE: 8 mins
Ancient Oak, Chatsworth House
Click the play button or the Sketchfab icon to view the interactive 3-D model.
Photogrammetric surveys are perfect for recording trees where a very high level of detail is necessary, for example compiling a comprehensive record or inspection of an irreplaceable ancient or veteran tree during Veteran Tree Surveys.
We can capture details on individual features, cavities, or hollows, allowing our team, you and future conservators to view the trees remotely with exceptional clarity, with a greater level of accuracy than traditional techniques.
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NUMBER OF PHOTOS: 146
DEVICE USED: Google Pixel 6 and Lumix GH5
TIME TO CAPTURE: 5 mins
Benefits of Photogrammetry
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Photogrammetry provides highly accurate and detailed representations of trees, including their structure, dimensions, and potential issues.
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Capturing 3D models allows for a thorough examination of tree condition, helping with identification of risk features, disease, or structural concerns, post survey.
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Photogrammetry and 3D Gaussian can help to streamline the inspection process by enabling quick and comprehensive data collection, reducing the time required for on-site assessments. This is particularly useful where time constraints or access restrictions restrict surveys.
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Clients receive visual representations such as 3D models and orthoimages, enhancing their understanding of tree conditions and aiding in decision-making.
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The technology facilitates ongoing monitoring, allowing clients to track changes in tree health over time without the need for frequent on-site visits.
Disadvantages of Photogrammetry
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Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, winds, clouds, haze, etc. can affect the quality of photogrammetric data collection.
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Photogrammetry may face challenges in capturing detailed information of species type and twig density, especially in areas with dense vegetation, as it relies on clear visibility from various angles.
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High-quality cameras and software for photogrammetry can be expensive, impacting initial investment costs.
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Effective use of photogrammetry requires specialised skills and training and you need to understand both the technology and the principles of accurate data collection.
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While highly accurate, photogrammetry may have limitations in achieving centimeter-level precision compared to other survey methods, such as laser scanning.
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When using drones, adherence to aviation regulations and obtaining appropriate permissions for aerial surveys is crucial, adding complexity and potential delays.
Want to make your own 3D models?
Adopting photogrammetry is very straightforward once you know the principles and, importantly, you and your clients see the benefits.
Photogrammetry Innovator Workshop
As part of our mission to see arboriculture adopt technology more widely, we run Photogrammetry Workshops specific to arboriculture and ecology. We recognise that companies, arborists, and ecologists will need training and support to integrate photogrammetry into what they do and the deliverable they provide.
Our Photogrammetry Innovator session is a one-day course, giving you an insight into the skills and know-how to ensure that you are not only more competent but also confident, in integrating photogrammetry into your workflow.
We focus on using the most freely available and easily adoptable techniques and software available.​
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Our sessions are offered as in-house training either on-site, or at your location as long as we have access to the following:
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Suitable, quiet meeting or training room.
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Access within easy walking distance to a range of trees for practical exercises.
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1 Day, in-person Session.
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Minimum 6 attendees for the Session to run.
The session will cover:​
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Training needs analysis.
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Health and Safety.
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Copyright, Laws and Legislation (including specific to using drones).
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Differentiating 1st person/3rd person filming.
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Overview of smartphone apps and software available, both paid and free.
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Scanning scenes using ground and aerial (drone) photogrammetry and Gaussian Splat methods.
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Uploading and processing content in software.
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3D model Integration with client reports and technical plans.
£170 per person.
We're putting an end to gatekeeping!
We're on a mission to banish gatekeeping!
We are on a mission to help the entire industry improve its digital capabilities, and we want you to be part of it!
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That’s why we give away so much free knowledge on our social media accounts, from tips, tricks and insights into photogrammetry, to insight on using ChatGPT to streamline your business, to drones videography and photography.