TreeMapper

Creating Interventions

Step-by-step guide to creating interventions in the TreeMapper mobile app.

Overview

Creating an intervention in TreeMapper is a multi-step process that guides you through selecting the intervention type, marking the location, adding species information, and capturing photos and measurements. This comprehensive workflow ensures all necessary data is collected for each restoration activity.

Intervention Types

TreeMapper supports over 13 intervention types to cover various restoration activities:

Planting Interventions

  • Single Tree Planting: Plant one tree at a specific point location
  • Multi-Tree Planting: Plant multiple trees within a defined polygon area
  • Assisted Regeneration: Document areas where natural regeneration is being supported

Maintenance Interventions

  • Maintenance: General tree care like pruning, watering, or mulching
  • Fire Suppression: Creating firebreaks or fire prevention measures
  • Fire Patrol: Monitoring and patrolling for fire risks
  • Fencing: Installing protective barriers

Removal and Other

  • Invasive Removal: Clearing non-native or harmful vegetation
  • Grass Suppression: Managing grass competition
  • Marking Regenerant: Identifying and marking natural seedlings
  • Soil Improvement: Enhancing soil conditions for planting
  • Stop Harvesting: Designating areas protected from harvesting
  • Direct Seeding: Broadcasting seeds in restoration areas
  • Other: Custom intervention types

Step-by-Step Creation Process

Step 1: Start New Intervention

From the main map screen, tap the add button to start creating a new intervention. This opens the intervention form where you'll enter the basic details.

Step 2: Select Intervention Type

Choose the type of intervention you're performing from the list of available types. The selected type determines what additional information you'll need to provide.

Step 3: Choose Project and Site

Select which project this intervention belongs to. You can also optionally select a specific site within the project. For site-wide interventions, you can enable the "Entire Site" toggle to apply the intervention to the whole site.

Step 4: Set Intervention Date

The date picker allows you to set when the intervention was performed. By default, it's set to today's date, but you can adjust it if you're recording past activities.

Step 5: Add Location Name (Optional)

You can provide a descriptive location name and any additional information about the intervention site. This helps identify the intervention later.

Marking the Location

After completing the initial form, you'll mark the intervention location on the map. The app supports two location types:

Point Location

Best for single trees or specific spot interventions:

  • The map opens with your current GPS location
  • Tap on the map to place the marker at the exact intervention location
  • The GPS accuracy indicator helps ensure precise placement
  • You can drag the marker to adjust the position

Polygon Location

Best for area-based interventions like multi-tree planting:

  • Tap points on the map to define the boundary corners
  • Points are labeled alphabetically (A, B, C, etc.) for reference
  • Lines connect the points to show the polygon shape
  • Close the polygon by connecting back to the first point

GPS Polygon Tracking

For accurate polygon mapping, use the GPS tracking feature to walk the perimeter of the area:

  • Enable the polygon tracker to automatically record your path
  • Walk slowly along the boundary of the intervention area
  • The app records GPS points as you move
  • Stop tracking when you return to the starting point

Adding Species Information

For planting interventions, you'll be prompted to add species information. This can include:

  • Species selection: Choose from your project's species list or search the database
  • Tree count: Number of trees planted for each species
  • Sample trees: Mark individual trees for detailed tracking

Registering Sample Trees

Sample trees are individual trees you want to track over time. For each sample tree:

  • Mark the exact location on the map
  • Add measurements (height, diameter)
  • Take a photo of the tree
  • Optionally assign a tree tag ID

Local and Dynamic Forms

Depending on the intervention type, you may see additional form screens for specific data collection:

  • Local forms: Project-specific fields configured by your organization
  • Dynamic forms: Intervention-type-specific fields for detailed data capture

Completing the Intervention

After filling in all required information, you'll see a preview screen showing all the collected data. Review the information and tap to complete the intervention. The intervention will be:

  • Saved to your device immediately
  • Synced to the server when you have internet connectivity
  • Visible on the map and in your intervention list

Intervention Status

As you create an intervention, it progresses through these statuses:

  • Initialized: Basic form started
  • Location: Location marked
  • Species: Species added (if required)
  • Tree Details: Sample trees registered
  • Local Form: Local form completed
  • Dynamic Form: Dynamic form completed
  • Complete: Ready for sync

Tips for Creating Interventions

  • Check GPS accuracy: Wait for high accuracy before marking locations
  • Take clear photos: Capture the intervention site from multiple angles
  • Be precise with polygons: Walk slowly when using GPS tracking for accurate boundaries
  • Save often: The app saves progress automatically, but complete interventions when possible
  • Work offline: You can create interventions without internet - they'll sync later

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