A computer-based tool to link decay information to 3D architecture of urban trees

We present a software application suitable for studies of the decay in trees. The application implements the storage of measurements of stem characteristics (related to decay) and visualization of the three-dimensional (3D) structural model of tree stems and branches built using this material. The application has been constructed on the basis of an existing architectural model of trees. A set of photographs taken from discs cut from felled trees works as the input for the application. The user will define, using the application, the contours of the areas of interest (e.g. healthy wood, decayed wood and cavity) manually in the photographs of stem or branch cross sections. The application then builds a 3D structural model of stem and/or branches on the basis of the input. It is possible to study visually the composition of the stem and/or branches of different types of wood. This helps to evaluate the location of potential hazard and its relation to existing damage in tree stems and branches.