Bluesky’s National Tree Map Helps Improve Biodiversity in London

Leicestershire, UK, 11 May 2022 - A project targeting biodiversity gain and climate change resilience in Bloomsbury, London, is turning to data from Bluesky International’s National Tree Map (NTM) to ensure proposals are built on evidence-based solutions. The Green Infrastructure Consultancy has been commissioned to provide a strategy for Wild Bloomsbury, a project aimed at increasing both the quantity and quality of multi-functional green infrastructure in Bloomsbury for the benefit of people and wildlife.

 Data from Bluesky’s NTM was chosen to support the report with evidence of existing green cover. The unique dataset is the most accurate tree map covering England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland providing all tree canopy coverage and heights for trees taller than 3m.

 Gary Grant, a Director at the Green Infrastructure Consultancy, authored the report. He said: “Having accurate data to present to our clients is important as it gives them the confidence to know they are making informed decisions. Bluesky’s National Tree Map is an important tool for us as we have found data provided from other sources can be quite patchy and does not give the full picture.

 “The National Tree Map has not only been used at the start of this process, but it will be part of the ongoing monitoring of the site so we can analyse what has been achieved.”

 Ralph Coleman, Director of Sales at Bluesky, added: “Urban greening initiatives are on the rise as local authorities and commercial organisations look to focus their plans with clear targets to tackle climate change. This is why providing accurate data is so important, to evaluate projects and catalogue what assets currently exist to help maximise the efficacy of biodiversity initiatives.”

 The Wild Bloomsbury project is a partnership between University College London (UCL), University of London, Bedford Estates and London Borough of Camden Council. As well as tackling climate change, the project also aims to increase the health and well-being of students, workers, visitors, and residents by increasing the amount of green space and improving air quality. The Green Infrastructure Consultancy has been commissioned to conduct a report setting out the strategy for the project with several recommended projects for implementation.

 About Bluesky and the National Tree Map

 Bluesky’s National Tree Map is created using innovative algorithms and image processing techniques in combination with the most up to date and detailed aerial photography. In addition to the three vector map layers; Crown Polygons, Idealised Crowns and Height Points, the Bluesky National Tree Map also includes an attribute table including unique identification for each crown feature, height attributes and area calculations. The data is available in a range of formats for use in GIS, CAD and online mapping tools and is currently available for the whole of England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

 Bluesky International is the leading aerial survey and geographic data company in the UK producing and maintaining seamless digital aerial photography and height data on a national scale in both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Bluesky also undertakes bespoke surveys, including LiDAR, for a range of public and private sector clients.

 Bluesky International operates a range of aircraft and sensors including three Ultracam Eagle Mark 3s, two CityMappers which allow the simultaneous collection of vertical and oblique imagery, as well as LiDAR data, and a Galaxy LiDAR which is mounted with a thermal sensor and survey grade camera. These systems put Bluesky International in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost-effective geospatial solutions.

 As well as being an established and respected aerial survey company Bluesky International is also highly innovative and continually strives to develop new products and services by embracing new technology and methods. This has resulted in the development of some unique products such as the National Tree Map (NTM).

 These datasets underpin long term contracts with local and central governments and many major blue-chip companies from a range of market sectors including financial services, utilities, telecoms, web portals, construction and environment. Bluesky International has offices in the UK, US, Republic of Ireland and a dedicated production centre in India.

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