This project page is available as a repository for accurate measurements of tree dimensions in accordance with the methods pioneered by the Native Tree Society and now accepted by American Forests as the standard for scientifically valid dendromorphometry.

By joining this project, members are also given easier access to entry fields for morphometric data in the field when using the iNaturalist smartphone app, making measurement sessions more efficient. On the other end of the process, being able to export spreadsheets of the collected data directly from iNaturalist saves further time in contributing to the new NTS-Virginia Tech database effort.

All measurements entered are understood to have been carried out in accordance with the American Forests Measuring Guidelines, and more specifically:

1) Sine method with a laser rangefinder must be employed for height,

2) Circumference measurements should seek to represent an individual tree rather than fused multi-stem forms, and

3) Crown Spread should be gathered as an average of 10 or more spokes.

For a detailed explanation of each of these methods and why they are the standard for accuracy, please refer to the AF Measuring Guidelines document: https://www.americanforests.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/AF-Tree-Measuring-Guidelines_LR.pdf less ↑