Comparing Tree Management Software: The Complete Selection Guide

Functional requirements are all about professional content. The software must be Handboek Bomen 2022 compliant, with standardized inspection forms, safety classes, and validations. VTA inspection workflows are essential — automatic calculations, frequency tracking, and documentation. A mobile app with offline functionality is indispensable for fieldwork in areas with poor connectivity. And don't forget the contractor portal: external parties must be able to gain access without you having to share the complete dataset.

Technical integration determines how well the software fits into your existing landscape. GIS integration provides connection with base maps and topography registrations. IMBOR alignment guarantees standardized attribute definitions for interoperability with other systems. Check whether an API is available for connections with your existing software, and pay attention to export formats: Shapefile, GeoPackage, CSV, and Excel protect you against vendor lock-in.

Non-functional requirements concern infrastructure and legal frameworks. Hosting can be cloud or on-premise, but pay attention to data location (NL/EU required) and security compliance for government organizations. Data ownership must be arranged according to GIBIT 2023 provisions, including complete return upon contract termination. And GDPR compliance requires processing agreements when personal data is processed in the software.

The most common mistake is selecting on price alone. Total Cost of Ownership includes much more than license costs: implementation, training, data migration, and support count heavily. A cheaper solution that nobody uses delivers zero value. Equally dangerous is ignoring field workers in the selection process. Software that looks good in demos can fail completely in daily use. Tree inspectors have specific usability requirements that only they can assess.

Data migration is almost always underestimated. Converting from legacy systems requires mapping, validation, and often manual cleanup. Budget €2,000-15,000 and at least 4-8 weeks lead time. Mobile usability also receives too little attention: if field inspections are painful on a smartphone, employees inevitably return to paper forms. Additionally, actively verify compliance claims from vendors — some claim Handboek Bomen compliance but then require manual configuration of all forms and validations.

Finally: prevent vendor lock-in by contractually specifying which export formats are supported, what data completeness is upon extraction, and what prices are for data return. Without these agreements, you can end up stuck with a vendor you no longer like after five years.

Before diving deep into details, it's wise to first verify the absolute basic requirements. These criteria are non-negotiable — if a vendor doesn't meet them, you don't need to look further.

Every serious tree management application must offer explicit Handboek Bomen 2022 compliance, have a mobile app with proven offline functionality, and support BGT/PDOK integration. VTA inspection workflow support is essential for daily practice. Data export must be possible in standard formats like Shapefile and GeoPackage. GDPR compliance is legally required, hosting must take place within NL or the EU, and contract terms must be GIBIT-compatible for complete data return.