MapMaker BS5837 Utility

This program is written specifically for users who are familiar with the concepts relating to BS5837: 2005, "Trees in relation to construction". It is designed to assist Arborists to map three key aspects of this British Standard.

1. The shape of the crown. BS5837 requires that the crown of the tree be measured from the trunk in four directions: north, east, south and west. This program accommodates these four measurements within an appropriately distorted circle.

2. The Root Protection Area. The British Standard provides a calculation method to determine the Root Protection Area (RPA) in square metres for a given stem diameter in mms (measured 1.5m above the ground). The area is assigned a different value if the tree has multiple stems, that is, if the branches start below 1.5m above ground. In this case the stem diameter is replaced by the "basal diameter" which is measured immediately above the root flare. This program calculates the RPA for both single and multiple stemmed trees.
In an open field, the Root Protection Area (RPA) is a simple circle. Where there are physical barriers to root growth, such as walls, the shape of the RPA must be curtailed at the barrier and extended elsewhere. This program will create a modified RPA to take account of barriers.

The British Standard does not specify whether the RPAs of neighbouring trees are allowed to overlap. This program allows the user to decide. Overlapping protected areas can be shown or, as in this example, overlaps can be disallowed. The program will modify the RPAs as instructed.

3. Overshadowing. BS5837 makes no calculable recommendations regarding overshadowing but it does emphasize that the issue should be considered. This program will model the extent of tree shadows for user specified months and times of day. The shadow is calculated by taking the angle of the sun for the user specified location in the UK, together with the height of the tree and its shape in plan and elevation.

Produce accurate scale maps and drawings for clients showing details of crown shading at different times of day and year, show root protection areas and boundary zones, link trees with the WoodPlan system for comprehensive tree data to be included in your reports. The BS5837 utility has a seamless link with MapMaker Pro to provide a fully integrated and robust system.

Compatibility. The program can import and export vector data in Map Maker DRA format, ArcView shape file format, MapInfo MIF format, and AutoCAD DXF format. Data tables to define the tree properties can be imported in CSV, XLS, DBF, or MDB format, or data can be entered directly into the program.