ANALYSIS
How the Resource Relates to Community Values/Priorities
Tree canopy assessment or analysis and forest data in the context of other community information helps identify priority areas and initiatives to advance toward a more vibrant community.
Here are some considerations about ANALYSIS
Existing open-source tools (such as the iTree below) are good for general analysis. Be familiar with inputs and parameters of each tool to understand how useful the outputs and data can be for the community conversation.
- Explore ways to customize inputs with high-resolution tree canopy layer (LiDAR, NAIP imagery—see Mapping Toolbox) and specific data for jurisdiction (impervious, census blocks, critical areas, etc.).
- May need to hire a third party to help customize data inputs and analyze outputs for relevant findings.
Resource Links by Topic
Multiple Benefits Analysis
Stormwater
Equity/Human Health
Land Use Planning
- USDA Forest Service iTree Tools – Open-source software suite that provides urban forestry analysis and benefits assessment tools.
- Snoqualmie’s Natural Infrastructure Assessment – Summary report on the city’s quantitative and qualitative analysis of tree canopy and forest’s stormwater mitigation, using different modeling, as well as carbon sequestration (see Appendices A and C).
- Urban Tree Canopy Assessment Toolkit (for Central Puget Sound) – Several analyses of the region, using iTree Landscape (environmental benefits, planting spaces), Tree Equity Score (equity and human health).
Photo credit: City of Snoqualmie – Urban Tree Canopy change map