ArborCAD
ArborCAD is a specialized CAD software designed for arborists to create professional, scale-accurate tree survey plans and reports while automating critical protection zone calculations and data management.
Forest Metrix
Forest Metrix is a comprehensive forest inventory and ecological data collection software providing professional foresters with high-speed field tallying and instant reporting capabilities on mobile devices.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ArborCAD | Forest Metrix |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cad.com.au | forestmetrix.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1988 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Montpelier, USA |
Overview
ArborCAD
ArborCAD is a specialized design tool built specifically for arborists and tree consultants who need to produce professional, scale-accurate survey plans. Instead of struggling with generic drafting tools, you get a system that understands arboricultural data, allowing you to plot trees quickly and generate comprehensive reports automatically. You can import site surveys, define tree species, and visualize critical data points directly on your plan without manual drafting.
The software simplifies the complex task of calculating Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ) by automating these measurements based on your input data. You can manage large-scale projects with ease, ensuring all your documentation meets local regulatory standards. It functions as an add-on to the PowerCADD engine, providing a familiar yet highly optimized environment for your specialized consulting needs.
Forest Metrix
Forest Metrix is a specialized field data collection solution designed to streamline how you gather and analyze forest inventory data. Instead of juggling paper tallies and manual spreadsheets, you use an intuitive mobile interface to record tree species, diameters, and heights directly in the woods. The system calculates volumes, basal areas, and stocking levels in real-time, allowing you to review cruise results before you even leave the plot.
You can customize the software to match your specific cruising protocols, whether you are managing timber sales, conducting ecological assessments, or performing urban tree inventories. It eliminates the need for office-side data entry by syncing your field measurements directly into professional reports and GIS-ready formats. This transition from field to finished report helps you save hours of administrative work while ensuring higher data accuracy for your clients or organization.
Overview
ArborCAD Features
- Automated TPZ/SRZ Calculation Calculate and draw Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones instantly based on your trunk diameter measurements.
- Tree Survey Plotting Place tree symbols on your plans quickly using a dedicated toolset that stores species and health data.
- Automatic Report Generation Export your survey data directly into professional reports, saving you from manual data entry and transcription errors.
- Scale-Accurate Drafting Create precise, professional-grade plans that you can share with architects, developers, and local planning authorities.
- Species Database Integration Access and manage a comprehensive list of tree species to ensure consistent naming and data across all projects.
- DXF/DWG Compatibility Import site surveys from land surveyors and export your finished plans to work with other industry-standard CAD formats.
Forest Metrix Features
- Real-Time Calculations. View instant volume and basal area results on your mobile device while you are still standing at the plot.
- Customizable Cruise Templates. Configure your own data fields and species lists to match your specific regional requirements or client needs.
- Integrated Mapping. Navigate to plots using built-in GPS and view your inventory data overlaid on high-resolution aerial imagery.
- Automated Reporting. Generate comprehensive timber sale reports and ecological summaries with a single click once your field work is done.
- Offline Functionality. Collect all your inventory data in remote locations without needing a cellular connection or active internet access.
- Ecological Assessment Tools. Track non-timber data like invasive species, wildlife habitat features, and carbon sequestration metrics alongside your timber cruise.
Pricing Comparison
ArborCAD Pricing
Forest Metrix Pricing
Pros & Cons
ArborCAD
Pros
- Significant time savings on calculating tree protection zones
- Produces professional plans that meet local government standards
- Eliminates manual data entry between plans and reports
- Specifically designed for arborist workflows rather than generic CAD
Cons
- Requires a separate base CAD engine to operate
- Limited to specific operating systems (primarily macOS)
- Higher initial cost compared to basic drawing tools
Forest Metrix
Pros
- Significantly reduces time spent on office data entry
- Highly flexible configuration for different forest types
- Excellent technical support from knowledgeable forestry professionals
- Works reliably on standard iOS mobile devices
- Instant feedback on cruise statistics while in the field
Cons
- Initial setup requires time to customize templates
- Public pricing is not available without a quote
- Interface has a slight learning curve for new users