Over recent years Treetec has assisted in the development of ProofSafe, this software is now used by all Treetec arborists and ecologists for all the projects we undertake. Easily loaded as a mobile app onto any mobile devices, allows for efficient data collection whilst in the field, on or offline.

Treetec has been involved in remote access work and data collection for a long time. Recent developments in digital devices, battery power and software has resulted in some great new options for field based data collection such as ProofSafe digital forms.

ProofSafe (www.proofsafe.com.au) digital system has been adapted to suit Treetec services. Providing an App on a mobile device provides a way to quickly collect all data required for our field work including:

• text
• images
• calculated results
• waypoints
• OH&S
• vehicle logs
• Human Resources such as timesheets and leave

Any smart phone or tablet works, they work offline, in the rain and at night. Phones are also small, light and fit in your pocket and are perfect for canopy based or remote field activities where paper and pen are not practical.

Digital forms allow you to use drop-down lists for quick selection (and correct spelling), repeatable fields, easy updating of forms with distribution to teams and secure upload back to the office every day, with all your data amalgamated into a single, digital spreadsheet ready for analysis.

Digital systems have disadvantages such as battery life and equipment failures however backup batteries are small and affordable. Additionally most people now carry a smart-phone so every member of your team could effectively be carrying a full backup system. Digital certainly has many advantages over the old paper and pencil option!