February 14, 2012 -- A digital tree map layer, created by Bluesky, is helping Carlisle City Council, England, maximise the benefits of urban green spaces. Following the publication earlier this year of ‘The Natural Choice’ a UK Government White Paper on the natural environment Carlisle City Council is using the Bluesky ProximiTREE data to map existing trees, highlight areas where additional planting may be required, identify possible risks posed by trees and inform their inspection regime.

‘The Natural Choice’ builds on previous findings that highlight the economic benefits of urban green spaces. These include an estimated benefit of GBP300 (USD470) per person, per year attributed to living within a view of green space and nationally urban green spaces are said to be worth GBP2.3 billion (USD3.6 billion) per year. Maintaining the UK’s green spaces is predicted to deliver GBP30 billion (USD47 billion) in health and welfare benefits however failing to maintain this valuable resource would cost GBP20 billion (USD31 billion) each year. 

The Bluesky ProximiTREE data has so far been used by Carlisle City Council to inform a new ‘green strategy’ to secure and maximise the benefits from parks and green spaces in the city. ProximiTREE is derived from the most accurate and up to date aerial photography. Using overlapping images the exact location of every tree can be mapped and the height and extent of its canopy derived.

ProximiTREE is suitable for use in most desktop Geographical Information Systems (GIS), web mapping applications and Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages. Both 2D and 3D versions of the map are available and ProximiTREE works alongside existing Bluesky datasets such as 3D buildings, terrain models and aerial imagery.

CONTACTS: Website:  www.bluesky-world.com, Bluesky Tel +44 (0)1530 518 518