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Conservation commission explores hosted tree inventory/GIS options; seeks vendor demos
Summary
Commission members discussed a city tree inventory/GIS project and plan to contact vendors (including a local FB Environmental) for demos. The group favored a hosted solution rather than managing an ArcGIS license in‑house, and discussed funding and City procurement steps.
The Somersworth Conservation Commission advanced discussion on a proposed GPS‑based tree inventory and online dashboard project (referred to in discussion as the TrueCity/GPS inventory project). Commissioners reviewed vendor outreach and hosting options and agreed to pursue demonstration calls with prospective providers.
Why it matters: a searchable, hosted tree inventory would create a public‑facing dataset and dashboard for tree stewardship, allow updates, and reduce the commission's need to maintain an ArcGIS license onsite.
Discussion highlights - Vendors and hosting: commissioners identified two prospective vendors — FB Environmental (located locally on Central Avenue) and Northeast Conservation Services (Brentwood) — and discussed asking them to host the dataset and dashboard so the city would be a client of the host rather than managing GIS licenses internally. "That was our model we're chasing," a commission member said referencing Dover's dashboard as an example. - Data and functionality: the commission wants a digital, updatable dataset with search and map functionality (tree diameter, crown width, species, photos) that can integrate with ArcGIS Online or be independently hosted by a vendor. - Procurement and funding: members noted the project would be paid from the conservation fund and that City Council approval may be required depending on the dollar amount; Scott Smith (Finance Director) and the new assistant finance director (Robin) were mentioned as contacts for procurement and budgeting questions. - Next steps: commissioners agreed to schedule one or more video conference demos with vendors, share a sample Excel data sheet to help vendors scope the project, and to invite staff (planning and finance) to participate.
Ending Commissioners asked staff to coordinate vendor outreach and to schedule demo calls in the coming weeks; the project will return for evaluation of scope and costs before any procurement action.
