A comprehensive tree inspection using sonic tomography is a complex process. While PiCUS tomographs are fundamentally capable of conducting measurements autonomously, it is an established practice to use a notebook in day-to-day operations. This allows for the full utilization of analysis tools on-site and enables targeted responses to specific characteristics of the tree.
The new IML Tree Inspection software fully addresses the need to access a comprehensive software diagnostic toolkit in the field. The software, a logical evolution of the proven PiCUS Q74 software, is now available not only as Windows PC software but also as a mobile app for Android and iOS.
Here you can find the software:
Inhalt
New features at a glance
In addition to ongoing development of the calculation algorithms for tomogram creation, the new IML Tree Inspection software also offers a variety of new features:
Fully Integrated Project Management
The new multi-tier project structure allows for efficient management of measurement data for individual trees or entire tree groups, even across multiple inspection dates. Long-term monitoring of trees over several years is thus significantly simplified. The division of measurements into geometry determination, sonic measurement, and tomogram calculation provides an unprecedented level of flexibility, whether a tree is being tomographed multiple times or if a tomogram needs to be created and saved with different calculation options.
- Simple organization of measurement data for long-term tree monitoring.
- Backwards compatibility: existing
.pit-files can be imported without any problems. - Flexibility in the processing of geometry, sound and tomography data.
The new project structure is backward-compatible. You can transfer your old pit files into the new project structure using an integrated import function.
IML Cloud
The IML Tree Inspection Software provides users with the ability to transfer projects between PC and mobile devices at any time through their own IML Cloud. The server location for the IML Cloud is the headquarters of IML Electronic GmbH in Rostock.
- Projects can be easily synchronized between devices.
- Secure server location at the IML headquarters in Rostock.
The Cloud enables connected work, allowing field inspectors and office-based staff to collaborate efficiently.
Accompanying Documentation
A tree assessment often involves more than just a tomogram. A photographic documentation of the tree’s condition and its immediate surroundings is often indispensable. With the new IML Tree Inspection app, these photos can be taken directly and added to the project (camera required). Automatic documentation of the viewing direction (magnetic compass in the mobile device required) and linking with diagnostic markers simplifies later associating the created images with anomalies in the tomogram. With the camera and inclination sensors in the mobile device, the tree height and the height of the measurement level can also be conveniently measured and automatically documented in the project.
- Direct integration of photos for better visualization.
- Automatic documentation of viewing direction and tree height (with magnetic compass and tilt sensor).
This makes it much easier to classify damage and anomalies in retrospect.
Advanced visualization
Storing a large number of tomograms in a predefined project structure simplifies comparative display of measurements.
In direct tomogram comparisons, any two tomograms can be juxtaposed. This makes it easier to draw conclusions when new tomograms are compared with those of known damage patterns.
For timelines, all tomograms recorded for a tree are compared with a reference tomogram (the oldest one for that tree) taking into account the inspection period and measurement level height. Differential tomograms are calculated which make the changes in the speed of sound visible across the entire cross-section of the tree. This allows for better tracking of damage development over time, leading to more reliable future predictions.
In the 3D view, multiple measurement levels taken from a tree during an inspection can be combined into a 3D representation. The tomograms are automatically recalculated in a unified, comprehensive colour scale to visualize the actual extent of damage. The 3D view is fully rotatable and can be aligned to match the orientation of accompanying photos.
- Tomogram comparisons: Comparison of tomograms to analyze damage progression.
- 3D view: Several exhibition levels are combined into a rotatable 3D display.
With these tools, damage can be precisely visualized and displayed.
Sample Project
In a sample project curated by IML Electronic, interesting case studies will be documented in the future to provide users with practical information on the use of PiCUS tomographs with the IML Tree Inspection Software and on the interpretation of tomograms. We also rely on your assistance for the continuous expansion of this knowledge base. If you have interesting, well-documented case studies, you can submit them for inclusion in the sample project at contact@iml-electronic.de. We look forward to active participation.
- Users can submit their own case studies and contribute to the knowledge base.
- The aim is to continuously improve tree diagnostics through practice-oriented knowledge.
Automatic Report Generation
The large amount of information that can be recorded alongside tomograms (photos of the tree and location, diagnostic markers and comments, the inspector’s business card, etc.) allows for fully automated report generation. The reports are produced as Microsoft Word documents and can be further edited in all common word processing programs.
- Seamlessly integrates photos, comments and measurement data.
- Reports are ready for immediate use and can be customized.
This saves time and makes work considerably easier.
Documentation of Drilling Measurements
Drill resistance measurements can now also be documented in the determined tree geometries of the measurement levels. The start point, depth, orientation, and vertical angle of the drill channel are recorded and illustrated in the tomogram.
- Documentation of the starting point, depth and orientation of the boreholes
Future-Ready – Ongoing Development
The new IML Tree Inspection Software is continuously developed and expanded in terms of functionality. Full support for the PiCUS TreeTronic 3, complete display of drill resistance curves recorded with the IML Resi-PowerDrill, and integration into the IML WebGIS are just a few of the features we are currently working on.
- Full support of the PiCUS TreeTronic 3:
Extended compatibility with modern devices for even more precise tree diagnostics. - Display of drilling resistance curves:
Integration of data from the IML Resi-PowerDrill for comprehensive analysis. - Integration into the IML WebGIS:
Networked work processes and extended options for data evaluation.
These and other functions are currently being developed to make the software even more powerful and user-friendly.
Conclusion:
The IML Tree Inspection software and app are the ideal solution for modern tree diagnostics. With a combination of powerful features and flexible mobility, they facilitate tree inspection and improve the efficiency of professionals – in the office and in the field.
