What tree inspection software should do
Tree inspection software should make a structured inspection fast to complete in the field, capture the right evidence, and update the asset record at the end. If the inspection ends as a PDF in someone's inbox, the register did not learn anything.
Field capture requirements
A reasonable inspection captures identity, condition, defects, risk, actions and evidence — enough to support routine decisions and stand up under review.
Offline and mobile considerations
Many tree inspections happen in environments with patchy connectivity. Useful software needs an offline mode where inspections can be queued and synced when connection is restored. Photos should retain their EXIF data, including timestamps and GPS.
Linking inspections to work orders
An inspection that recommends action should produce a work order — not require someone to re-enter the recommendation into a separate system. The work order should reference the tree, the inspection, the action and the target timeframe.
Avoiding disconnected PDF reports
PDF reports are useful as supporting evidence. They are not a substitute for an updated tree record. Software that produces only PDFs leaves the operational state of the asset where it was before the inspection.