Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it mean that OpenTreeMap is in beta?
- Isn’t OpenTreeMap an open source project? Why are you charging for it?
- How do you calculate the ecosystem benefits generated by the trees?
- Why are there a limited number of tree species listed for each tree map?
- What’s the difference between a tree and a planting site?
- Will you be adding more features?
- How do I let you know about my great idea for a new feature?
- Who owns the data in a tree map?
What does it mean that OpenTreeMap is in beta?
We’ve completed all the major features in OpenTreeMap, but we know there are a few quirks left in the code. By indicating that the software is in beta, we’re stating that we know there are some small changes that need to be made before the system is ready for a full-release. We’re hoping a few people will be interested in using OpenTreeMap during a free one-month trial and providing feedback on what’s working well and what needs to be changed.
Isn’t OpenTreeMap an open source project? Why are you charging for it?
OpenTreeMap is available under an open source license, meaning anyone can download and work with the code. You can download the code for the original OpenTreeMap system or the revised version of OpenTreeMap (what we use in this new subscription system). We’ll continue to update this source repository as we add new features. We realize that some organizations may not have the resources to work with the code themselves so we’ve made this subscription version available as another option.
How do you calculate the ecosystem benefits generated by the trees?
We use the i-Tree Streets software developed by the U.S. Forest Service. i-Tree Streets calculates ecosystem benefits using the species and diameter of the tree and the i-Tree climate zone in which the tree is located. The Forest Service does not recommend i-Tree Streets for use outside the continental United States, which is why international maps and those in Hawaii and Alaska do not display benefits.
Why are there a limited number of tree species listed for each tree map?
Compiling a tree species list can be very difficult. We’ve tried to simplify the process by providing a basic list of tree species for each map based on the i-Tree Streets climate regions. After you select your tree map’s location, we load the species list associated with the region in which your map is located, as listed in this spreadsheet. Those species are linked to certain codes that enable us to calculate the ecosystem benefits generated by the trees. In the next few months, we plan to support customization of the species list for each individual map.
What’s the difference between a tree and a planting site?
The main page for each tree map includes a count of the total number of trees and total number of planting sites on the map. A planting site indicates there is data related to the tree site (location, site type, etc) but no tree specific info (species, diameter, etc) was added. If there is no tree specific info, the space could simply be an empty planting site. We like to differentiate the planting site from the tree in the database model so that we can track the history of a planting site over time. In the future, we will add a feature to search and display the history of a planting site over time, which may help organizations track mortality rates by type of location.
Will you be adding more features?
Absolutely! We plan to regularly add new features to OpenTreeMap. In the next few months, we’ll be releasing a mobile version of OpenTreeMap for use with iPhones and Android devices, creating community gaming features, and adding a bulk importer to support adding large amounts of trees at once.
How do I let you know about my great idea for a new feature?
We’d love to hear your ideas. Contact us at [email protected] with info on what you think we should add to OpenTreeMap.
Who owns the data in a tree map?
The tree and planting site information added to an OpenTreeMap site remain the property of the organization or individual purchasing the OpenTreeMap subscription and creating the map. When someone signs up for an OpenTreeMap account, they agree to the OpenTreeMap Terms of Service which indicate that any content they contribute to the tree map belongs to the owner of the map.
