This webinar was held on September 25, 2012 and provided an overview of the mobile version of OpenTreeMap. We also discussed how smartphones and tablet computers can be used in urban forestry projects. OpenTreeMap is a web-based system for collaborative, geography-enabled urban tree inventory. The mobile version of OpenTreeMap enables users to search, add, and edit tree information via their iPhones and Android devices.

1. Exploring Mobile Technology with OpenTreeMap Mobile
340 N 12th St, Suite 402
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.925.2600
info@azavea.com
www.azavea.com/opentreemap

2. About Us
Deborah Boyer
OpenTreeMap Project Manager
dboyer@azavea.com
215.701.7506
Carissa Brittain
Software Developer
cbrittain@azavea.com
215.701.7716

3. About Azavea
• Founded in 2000
• 30+ people
• Based in Philadelphia
– Also Boston & Minneapolis
• Geospatial + web + mobile
– Software development
– Spatial analysis services
– User experience

4. Agenda
• Welcome
• Overview of OpenTreeMap and Mobile Version (Deb)
• Using Mobile Tech for a Tree Inventory (Amy)
• How Can Mobile Technology Assist with Public
Engagement Projects?(Deb)
• Questions

5. An open source tree data management system
for collaborative, geography enabled urban tree inventory

6. Main Features
• Search and Explore Tree
Data
• View Ecosystem Benefits
• Add New Trees
• Edit and Update Trees
• Upload Tree Photos
• Track Stewardship Activities

7. Partners and Funders

8. OpenTreeMap In Action

9. OpenTreeMap Mobile

10. Why Mobile?
• The “Can I use this
on my phone?”
question
• Ideal for field work
• Uses hardware
(phones and
tablets) many
people own

11. Why Mobile?

12. Our Goals
• Build on our previous OpenTreeMap work
• Create an easy to use interface
• Enable people to use their own phones and tablets
• Make tree inventory and exploration fast and fun

13. How do you go mobile?

14. Choose a Technology
Web App Mobile App
•Mobile optimized version of a •Built specifically for iPhone
website and Android devices
•Ensures site works with a •Interface designed for use on
touch interface on a small a phone
display screen
•Available through app stores
•Not usually available through
app stores •Camera access
•Cannot use camera •Higher development cost
•Lower development cost

15. Choose a Technology
Native mobile apps for
iPhone and Android
Optimized version of the website for iPad

16. Designing a Mobile App
• Follow the one action per
page rule
• Enable multiple user
stories (searching, editing,
approving info)
• Keep key site features
• Get rid of things
• Allow registration

17. Searching via Map

18. Searching via Filters

19. Lists

20. Viewing Tree Details

21. Ecosystem Benefits
• Calculated using i-Tree
• Visible once users add
species and diameter
• Edits via the
smartphone app will
also cause benefits to
calculate

22. Editing Tree Details

23. Adding a Tree

24. Administrative Review
• Based on user and
level of access
• Removing tree and
planting sites
• Use Recent list to view
new changes
• Optional pending
system

25. Accessing OpenTreeMap via iPad
• iPhone app on iPad
• OpenTreeMap
websites also work on
the tablet
• Required some feature
changes
• Works well with battery
and 3G limitations

26. Philly Street Tree Survey

27. Mobile Apps in Urban Forestry

28. Collaborative Inventories
• The Great Tree
Count
• One week of tree
counting fun
• Uses OpenTreeMap
sites and apps

29. Other Urban Forestry Apps
• Tree Identification apps
(Leafsnap, What Tree Is
That, Audubon Trees,
etc)
• Data Collection Web
Form planned for i-Tree
version 5
• QR Codes (DDOT
project in Washington,
http://www.itreetools.org/news/w
DC) hats_new.php

30. Are Mobile Apps Right for Me?
• Great resource that uses devices many people have
• Need to include options for non-smartphone users
• Creating your own mobile app can be expensive
• Some apps are free or open source
• Enables users to access your information anywhere
• Shouldn’t be your only source of technical outreach
One more tool to help us tell the story of the urban forest.

31. Resources
Alliance for Community Trees webinar – Tree Technology –
Part IV: Smartphone Apps (http://actrees.org/what-we-
do/training-and-conferences/events/tree-technology-iv-
smartphone-apps/)
OpenTreeMap – www.opentreemap.org

32. The OpenTreeMap Details
OpenTreeMap open source code for iOS app available at
https://github.com/azavea/OpenTreeMap-iOS
PhillyTreeMap available for iOS at
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phillytreemap/id553281447?mt=
8
Urban Forest Map (San Francisco) and GreenprintMaps
(Sacramento) iOS apps coming this week.
All OpenTreeMap sites accessible via iPad and smartphones.
Android app coming later this fall.

33. Questions?

34. About Us
Deborah Boyer
OpenTreeMap Project Manager
dboyer@azavea.com
215.701.7506
Carissa Brittain
Software Developer
cbrittain@azavea.com
215.701.7716

35. Want to Chat?
Society of Municipal Arborists Conference - Nov. 13
Partners in Community Forestry Conference - Nov. 14-15
If you’ll be in Sacramento for either
conference, stop by the exhibit hall to say
hello or to learn more about
OpenTreeMap.

36. Exploring Mobile Technology with OpenTreeMap Mobile
340 N 12th St, Suite 402
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.925.2600
info@azavea.com
www.azavea.com/opentreemap