Hi Brendon,
Its not too difficult to design a databse in which you record the
group/compartment first and then, if necessary, add individual trees within
that group/comparment as and when they become significant. This is why I use
my own database so that I can customise them to specific tasks that aren't
your run of the mill surveys and reports.
Regards
Luke Steer BSc.(Hons), Dip.Arb.(RFS), F.Arbor.A. MICFor.
Chartered Arboriculturist
Treescapes Consultancy Ltd.
Melbourne
17 Millans Park
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 9AG
________________________________
From: "brendantuer@xxxxxxxx.co.uk" <brendantuer@xxxxxxxx.co.uk>
To: UK Tree Care <uktc@xxxxxx.tree-care.info>
Sent: Friday, 12 December, 2008 10:55:14 AM
Subject: Plotting groups
Question: Tree databases.
Plotting trees in groups is more cost effective. It provides data
which is easy to understand and easy to re-visit, (especially when
compared with lots of confusing, individual records). But does a
methodology which promotes the surveying of the majority of trees as
groups, offer a robust defence against litigation?
Let’s say, “Bob” surveys 10 trees in a collective group. They are
generally in fair health but with some minor defects. They are located
next to a public highway. Bob surveyed them all in detail at the time
of inspection, but the methodology requires one generalised record for
the collective group. We know that all trees are slightly different
and a single database entry for a group of trees will only ever record
the “average tree” within the group.
Now lets say one of the trees, fails. The expert witness for the
“other side” says what he is paid to say, “there was clear evidence
that the tree would fail.” If we assume that “Bob” surveyed the trees
properly (and yes, with hindsight, the tree should have been plotted as
an individual, but the same applies to most of the others), is there an
obvious problem with a methodology which promotes plotting trees as
groups wherever possible? Will such a methodology provide a robust
defence against litigation?
Now lets apply the same scenario to a woodland. There are over 1,000
trees and again, a general note appears within the database. One of
the trees fails…
Any thoughts?
Brendan
Discounted hotel bookings - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/travel
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