Picus Sonic Tomography System

Picus Sonic Tomograph

The leading hazard tree assessment tool

Why use the Picus Sonic Tomograph?

Local authorities and private owners are increasingly being held liable for damages caused by their trees. Most often trees are broken or thrown because of decay caused by fungal attack. To avoid risks, the safety of trees needs to be assessed on a regular basis.

The Picus Sonic Tomograph can investigate very large trees and provide a full cross section of a tree stem in a colour two dimensional image which is easy to;

• interpret
• understand
• explain to clients.

The Picus is available in kit form containing either 10 or 12 sensors. However, any number of sensors can be supplied on request.

For example a Picus 22 (22 sensors) has been supplied!

How does it work?

The measuring is based on the fact that sound wood is a better sound wave conductor than wood damaged by decay. The device uses a series of sonic sensors which detect waves induced and propagated through the wood. Typically eight to twelve sensors are strategically placed around the tree at the level to be tested at known locations; these locations can be assigned with the use of the software or mapped quickly and accurately with the use of the highly recommended Picus callipers. However, this number can be increased to test very large trees. Each sensor is connected to a nail which is tapped through the bark and into contact with the wood. A small tap on a metal pin is all that is required to send sound waves through the tree, which are received and measured by all the other sensors.

Data collection software then takes all of these measurements and will quickly generate a two dimensional colour tomogram of the tree stem at the test level.

The resultant tomograph provides a clear and precise indication as to the extent of any damage within the stem at the test location. The different colours on the image represent different levels of problems from dark brown, sound wood, through to light blue, cavity.

The software also allows you to measure or overlay a variety of additional information to enable safety parameters to be assessed, such as:

• T/R Ratio ( third radius)
• Straight line measurements via mouse (click and drag)
• Angle measurements for non central areas of decay
• Legend showing the percentage good/decayed wood.
• Icons to denote areas of interest.
• Tree Static Assessment

The software itself can be run on two different platforms:

Example Tomographs

Tomograph of a decayed Oak Tree and associated section after felling.

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