Tree Mapping Data to Inform Future Plantings

New data which allows the public to view tree canopy and height, alongside heat mapping, for their local area is now available online.

The online map is aimed at helping councils, governments and community members to identify where to protect trees and increase planting for a cooler, greener and more sustainable region.

City of Salisbury collaborated with 17 other local councils, State Government and local company Aerometrex on the project, which used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to capture high resolution, three-dimensional tree data by flying over the metropolitan Adelaide study area in April 2018 and November 2019.

The data, which is a first for the Adelaide region and captures trees that are three metres high or taller, can be used to track progress in tree loss or gain trends, with the ability to repeat the study at a later date.

This is particularly important as we experience longer and hotter heatwaves to help identify ways to reduce the impacts of urban heat and support climate change resilience.

City of Salisbury will use the data to understand areas where canopy cover can be increased to move toward the target outlined in our City Plan 2035, which is centred on sustainability.

The results will inform priority locations where new street trees, vegetation and water sensitive urban design initiatives could provide the greatest benefits to our City and community.

Since 2014, City of Salisbury has planted more than 16,300 trees on our streets and reserves, and more than 41,600 trees and plants as part of our revegetation works across our biodiversity corridors.

Access the mapping tool via the Department for Environment and Water here.