Spatial tree risk determination in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Abstract

Trees are one of the assets to be taken care of. Without proper care, trees that are at risk of collapse can result in loss of life and property. The purpose of this study was to identify tree species and trees that are at risk for falling on UTM campus using GIS analysis. The study also focused on campus areas that are at risk for falling trees. This study focuses on four factors that make a tree at risk for tree fall, including tree species, tree height, tree age, tree size, and tree conditions and its ability to fall. Geospatial databases have been developed using whole data to calculate the level of risk for each tree. The methods highlighted in this study are the use of trigonometric methods, height estimation and growth rate, and the use of measuring tape. The end result of this study is a map of the risk level. This map will show the high-risk trees and high-risk areas within the UTM campus. There are a lot of establishments that will get benefit from this research first of all UTM campus, because they will get an organized data about tree species with the locations for each type of trees and we will design a hazard map for trees inside the campus, Secondly the local council of Malaysia because if any disasters happen inside the campus the primary authority is the local council and they will know what type of tree species inside the campus and where is the hazard area and what kind of solutions can help to protect the environment. Another agency that will get benefit from our research is forestry department because a geospatial data base will be developed for tree species inside the campus so this data will help them.