How Tree Data is Visualised: Do You Need Tree Data in GIS, CAD or PDF

When working with tree data in GIS, CAD or PDF, clarity is everything. Whether you're planning a development, assessing constraints or simply need accurate environmental insight, how that data is presented can make or break your workflow. We provide our tree datasets in three key formats, GIS, CAD and PDF, each designed to suit different users and stages of a project. Here’s how each one works and why it matters.

Before diving into formats, it’s worth understanding what the data actually contains. The NTM tree dataset is built using three core feature types:

• Canopy polygons, representing individual trees or closely grouped tree crowns and reflecting the true shape and extent of canopy coverage

• Idealised crowns, which are simplified circular representations designed for ease of use in design environments while maintaining true canopy area

• Points, which provide a central reference location for each canopy feature along with associated height data.

  
  

The dataset includes trees and bushes over 3m in height, delivering over 98% canopy coverage overall with accuracy increasing to over 99% within 50m of buildings.

Our current interface output contains the idealised crowns and points for ease of use, but we can happily provide canopy polygons upon request.

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GIS tree data - data rich and fully interactive

Each tree (or canopy area) is represented spatially and linked to a detailed attribute table. This means you’re not just seeing where trees are, you’re accessing valuable data behind each one.

What you’ll typically see:

• Tree canopy extents shown as circles or polygons

• Scaled symbology reflecting canopy size

• Associated attributes such as:

  • Canopy area

  • Height (mean, max, standard deviation)

  • Unique ID

  • Survey or capture dates

Why it’s useful:

• Ideal for planners, environmental consultants and GIS professionals

• Enables filtering, querying and spatial analysis

• Integrates seamlessly with other datasets (utilities, constraints, planning layers)

  
  

If you like control and detail, this is your format.

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CAD tree data - for clean, structured & design ready

For designers and engineers, CAD is often the preferred environment and the tree data from NTM is built to slot straight in.

In CAD format, tree data is simplified into clear, structured linework that works effortlessly alongside architectural and engineering drawings.

What you’ll typically see:

• Tree positions plotted accurately

• Circular representations of canopy spread

• Numeric labels indicating height

• Clean layering for easy visibility and control

Why it’s useful:

• Perfect for architects, engineers and site designers

• Lightweight and easy to overlay onto existing plans

• Keeps drawings readable without losing key information

Think of this as the “working drawing” version of the dataset, practical, precise and ready to use.

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PDF: Simple, Accessible & Shareable

Not everyone needs (or wants) access to open GIS or CAD software and that’s where the PDF version comes in.

This is a clear, visual snapshot of the data, designed for easy multi-device viewing, printing and sharing.

What you’ll typically see:

• Tree locations and canopy extents

• Simple numeric labels for quick reference

• A clean basemap for context (roads, buildings, open space)

Why it’s useful:

• Ideal for reports, stakeholders and quick reviews

• No specialist software required

• Easy to share with clients, planners or teams

  
  

It’s the “straight to the point” version, everything you need, nothing you don’t.

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All three formats are built from the same underlying dataset, the difference is how that information is presented and used.

Choosing the right format isn’t about better or worse, it’s simply about what you need to do with the data.