AIE - Book Summary - Survey of Computerised Systems

This document presents the results of a postal survey carried out by the author on over 70 Local Authorities in the north of England and specifically focuses on their use of computerised tree management systems. The project was carried out as part of a BSc qualification in arboriculture, which he completed in May 2003.

Robert has kindly consented to the free, on-line, distribution of his report through the AIE website and includes the following background notes.

This survey was carried out by myself as part of the final year dissertation for the degree programme at Myerscough College. The work has been made available here as there was significant interest expressed as the information for the survey was being collected. It was also felt that the results may be of interest to many people managing trees, particularly arboricultural officers.

The dissertation includes the findings of an anonymous postal survey, which was distributed to arboricultural officers working for over 70 local authorities in the north of England. The research specifically focuses on the use of computerised tree management systems within these organisations. The responses give an insight into the differing methods of recording tree population data, as well as the varying approaches adopted by local authorities towards trees.

The survey comprises of three main elements;

A literature review on "the computerised tree management system"
The survey
General conclusions drawn from the survey

Of the three main sections, the survey and general conclusion sections are most likely to be of interest to those managing trees, as it gives an indication of the scale and use of computerised systems as well as some critical appraisals.

Should there be any queries I can be contacted at: robparkin@hotmail.com

Robert Parkin.