Trees and foliage tutorial - Revision history

Frank@tygron.nl at 12:38, 13 April 2026

2026-04-13T12:38:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:38, 13 April 2026
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	The {{software}} will, when a new [[Project]] of a real location is generated, automatically attempt to obtain open data about trees. However, depending on the use-case more accurate datasets may be required and available. In these cases, knowing how to properly manage data about trees (or foliage thereof) will improve the quality of calculations and thus the results.		The {{software}} will, when a new [[Project]] of a real location is generated, automatically attempt to obtain open data about trees. However, depending on the use-case more accurate datasets may be required and available. In these cases, knowing how to properly manage data about trees (or foliage thereof) will improve the quality of calculations and thus the results.

	For this tutorial, there will be a focus on using trees and foliage data with and for the [[Heat Overlay]], but the principles translate over to other use-cases as well.		For this tutorial, there will be a focus on using trees and foliage data with and for the [[Heat Stress Overlay]], but the principles translate over to other use-cases as well.

	===Trees and foliage data in the {{software}}===		===Trees and foliage data in the {{software}}===
	In the {{software}}, trees are stored as a specific [[Function]] (or collection of [[Function]]s) of [[Building]]s. By default, the {{software}} generates trees with the [[Function]] of "Default ~~decidiuous~~ trees". Trees can exist as either small polygons (effectively points) to symbolize a single tree in a fixed location, or as a broader polygon to symbolize a group of trees (such as a treeline or a forest).		In the {{software}}, trees are stored as a specific [[Function]] (or collection of [[Function]]s) of [[Building]]s. By default, the {{software}} generates trees with the [[Function]] of "Default deciduous trees". Trees can exist as either small polygons (effectively points) to symbolize a single tree in a fixed location, or as a broader polygon to symbolize a group of trees (such as a treeline or a forest).

	The visualization of trees governed by a single [[Attribute]] or [[Function Value]]: [[Floor height m (Function Value)\|FLOOR_HEIGHT_M]]. This [[Attribute]], in amounts of meters, will affect how tall the tree is visualized.		The visualization of trees governed by a single [[Attribute]] or [[Function Value]]: [[Floor height m (Function Value)\|FLOOR_HEIGHT_M]]. This [[Attribute]], in amounts of meters, will affect how tall the tree is visualized.

	For the [[Heat Overlay]], it isn't the trees data directly which is required for the calculations, but actually the foliage of the trees. The foliage casts significant shadows and thus affects the impact of solar radiation. By default, because there isn't a general datasource for foliage, the {{software}}'s [[Heat Overlay]] can instead derive an estimation of foliage from the trees data. This is done by effectively buffering the tree polygon with a certain amount of meters. That amount is determined by the [[Foliage crown factor (Function Value)\|FOLIAGE_CROWN_FACTOR]], which is the ratio of foliage radius to tree height. This allows for a spatial dataset of foliage to be estimated based on the presence of trees.		For the [[Heat Stress Overlay]], it isn't the trees data directly which is required for the calculations, but actually the foliage of the trees. The foliage casts significant shadows and thus affects the impact of solar radiation. By default, because there isn't a general datasource for foliage, the {{software}}'s [[Heat Stress Overlay]] can instead derive an estimation of foliage from the trees data. This is done by effectively buffering the tree polygon with a certain amount of meters. That amount is determined by the [[Foliage crown factor (Function Value)\|FOLIAGE_CROWN_FACTOR]], which is the ratio of foliage radius to tree height. This allows for a spatial dataset of foliage to be estimated based on the presence of trees.

	For more information about how trees relate to the [[Heat Overlay]], consult the documentation:		For more information about how trees relate to the [[Heat Stress Overlay]], consult the documentation:
	* [[Foliage height calculation model (Heat Overlay)]]		* [[Foliage height calculation model (Heat Stress Overlay)]]
	* [[Shade calculation model (Heat Overlay)]]		* [[Shade calculation model (Heat Stress Overlay)]]

	{{page break}}		{{page break}}
	==Preparation==		==Preparation==
	For the purpose of this tutorial, 2 datasets are needed, which can be obtained from the [[Public Share]] as is. The [[Heat Overlay]] will also need to have one of its settings changed, both so that there is a baseline from which a change can be seen after the process completes, but also to correctly connect the [[Heat Overlay]] with the intended datasource.		For the purpose of this tutorial, 2 datasets are needed, which can be obtained from the [[Public Share]] as is. The [[Heat Stress Overlay]] will also need to have one of its settings changed, both so that there is a baseline from which a change can be seen after the process completes, but also to correctly connect the [[Heat Stress Overlay]] with the intended datasource.

	===Obtaining trees and foliage data===		===Obtaining trees and foliage data===
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	{{page break}}		{{page break}}

	===Resetting foliage source of the Heat Overlay===		===Resetting foliage source of the Heat Stress Overlay===
	Finally, it is necessary to ensure the Heat Overlay now operates from a basis where it does not have any foliage information, so that the results of importing data can be verified.		Finally, it is necessary to ensure the Heat Stress Overlay now operates from a basis where it does not have any foliage information, so that the results of importing data can be verified.

	Go to:		Go to:
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	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|Select the PE Temperature Overlay.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|Select the PE Temperature Overlay.]]

	In the [[right panel]], click on "Configuration Wizard". This opens the [[Heat ~~Overlay Wizard (Heat Overlay)\|Heat~~ Overlay Wizard]].		In the [[right panel]], click on "Configuration Wizard". This opens the [[Heat Stress Overlay Wizard]].

	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay wizard button.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|Open the Wizard by clicking the button.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay wizard button.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|Open the Wizard by clicking the button.]]
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	Notice the results for the Project have changed. This is because the calculation now relies on a different dataset.		Notice the results for the Project have changed. This is because the calculation now relies on a different dataset.

	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 0-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The results of the [[Heat Overlay]] now that we changed the foliage setting.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 0-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The results of the [[Heat Stress Overlay]] now that we changed the foliage setting.]]

	{{page break}}		{{page break}}

	==Using trees data==		==Using trees data==
	An accurate dataset of trees will allow for an accurate counting of surface area used for the purposes of urban green. It can also be used by models such as the [[Heat Overlay]] to extrapolate foliage from, which affects the calculations for heat stress.		An accurate dataset of trees will allow for an accurate counting of surface area used for the purposes of urban green. It can also be used by models such as the [[Heat Stress Overlay]] to extrapolate foliage from, which affects the calculations for heat stress.

	===Removing existing trees from the Project===		===Removing existing trees from the Project===
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	{{page break}}		{{page break}}
	Notice the results for the entire Project are now significantly hot. This is because there is now no foliage data for the [[Heat Overlay]] to work with.		Notice the results for the entire Project are now significantly hot. This is because there is now no foliage data for the [[Heat Stress Overlay]] to work with.

	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 1-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The results of the PE Temperature Overlay after removing the trees, thus leaving the simulation without foliage.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 1-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The results of the PE Temperature Overlay after removing the trees, thus leaving the simulation without foliage.]]
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	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 2-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The results of this data are especially notable outside the city centre, as that is where the data exists.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 2-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The results of this data are especially notable outside the city centre, as that is where the data exists.]]

	Also inspect the "Foliage" child Overlay of the [[Heat Overlay]], which shows the presence of foliage.		Also inspect the "Foliage" child Overlay of the [[Heat Stress Overlay]], which shows the presence of foliage.

	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result foliage1-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The locations of foliage can be seen to better understand the results of the calculation.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result foliage1-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The locations of foliage can be seen to better understand the results of the calculation.]]
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	{{page break}}		{{page break}}
	==Using foliage grid data==		==Using foliage grid data==
	Instead of relying on point data for trees, from which the {{software}} then extrapolates foliage coverage, it is also possible to supply a dataset of foliage directly. This is a grid of foliage heights which the [[Heat Overlay]] can then use for its calculations.		Instead of relying on point data for trees, from which the {{software}} then extrapolates foliage coverage, it is also possible to supply a dataset of foliage directly. This is a grid of foliage heights which the [[Heat Stress Overlay]] can then use for its calculations.

	===Importing foliage grid data===		===Importing foliage grid data===
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	{{page break}}		{{page break}}
	===Connecting foliage grid to Heat Overlay===		===Connecting foliage grid to Heat Stress Overlay===

	Go to:		Go to:
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	{{editor location\|Overlays\|PE Temperature}}		{{editor location\|Overlays\|PE Temperature}}

	In the [[right panel]], click on "Configuration Wizard". This opens the [[Heat ~~Overlay Wizard (Heat Overlay)\|Heat~~ Overlay Wizard]].		In the [[right panel]], click on "Configuration Wizard". This opens the [[Heat Stress Overlay Wizard]].

	Continue to the step regarding Foliage.		Continue to the step regarding Foliage.

	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay wizard step foliage2.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The foliage step of the Heat Overlay's configuration wizard.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay wizard step foliage2.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The foliage step of the Heat Stress Overlay's configuration wizard.]]

	Opt to use a Grid Overlay to define the Foliage.		Opt to use a Grid Overlay to define the Foliage.
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	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 2-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The temperature across the Project has changed.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 2-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The temperature across the Project has changed.]]

	Also inspect the "Foliage" child Overlay of the [[Heat Overlay]], which shows the presence of foliage.		Also inspect the "Foliage" child Overlay of the [[Heat Stress Overlay]], which shows the presence of foliage.

	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result foliage1-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The map of foliage is a lot more detailed.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result foliage1-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The map of foliage is a lot more detailed.]]

	{{Tutorial completed		{{Tutorial completed
	\| learned=how to import trees and foliage data, with an emphasis for use with the [[Heat Overlay]]		\| learned=how to import trees and foliage data, with an emphasis for use with the [[Heat Stress Overlay]]
	}}		}}

Rudolf@tygron.nl at 12:51, 16 May 2023

2023-05-16T12:51:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:51, 16 May 2023
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	{{Tutorial completed		{{Tutorial completed
	\| learned=how to import trees and foliage data, with an emphasis for use with the [[Heat Overlay]].		\| learned=how to import trees and foliage data, with an emphasis for use with the [[Heat Overlay]]
	}}		}}

Rudolf@tygron.nl: /* Obtaining trees and foliage data */

2023-05-16T11:55:49Z

Obtaining trees and foliage data

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:55, 16 May 2023
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	The "foliage data" [[GeoTIFF]] file contains a grid dataset with information about foliage heights in and around the [[Demo Heat Stress Project]].		The "foliage data" [[GeoTIFF]] file contains a grid dataset with information about foliage heights in and around the [[Demo Heat Stress Project]].

	For ~~both~~ files, select them by clicking on them, and then access them by clicking on "Web Link". This will open the file in the web browser, and prompt a download.		{{page break}}
			For all files, select them by clicking on them, and then access them by clicking on "Web Link". This will open the file in the web browser, and prompt a download.

	[[File:public-share-tutorial-trees-and-foliage-weblink-highlight.jpg\|350px\|frame\|center\|The web link will open the file in the web browser, and either prompt a download or easily allow for a download.]]		[[File:public-share-tutorial-trees-and-foliage-weblink-highlight.jpg\|350px\|frame\|center\|The web link will open the file in the web browser, and either prompt a download or easily allow for a download.]]

Rudolf@tygron.nl: /* Obtaining trees and foliage data */

2023-05-16T11:55:25Z

Obtaining trees and foliage data

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:55, 16 May 2023
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	[[File:public-share-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The Public Share.]]		[[File:public-share-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The Public Share.]]

			{{page break}}
	Navigate to the following directory: tutorials/tutorial_trees_and_foliage/		Navigate to the following directory: tutorials/tutorial_trees_and_foliage/

Rudolf@tygron.nl: /* Obtaining trees and Foliage data */

2023-05-16T11:54:52Z

Obtaining trees and Foliage data

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:54, 16 May 2023
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	For the purpose of this tutorial, 2 datasets are needed, which can be obtained from the [[Public Share]] as is. The [[Heat Overlay]] will also need to have one of its settings changed, both so that there is a baseline from which a change can be seen after the process completes, but also to correctly connect the [[Heat Overlay]] with the intended datasource.		For the purpose of this tutorial, 2 datasets are needed, which can be obtained from the [[Public Share]] as is. The [[Heat Overlay]] will also need to have one of its settings changed, both so that there is a baseline from which a change can be seen after the process completes, but also to correctly connect the [[Heat Overlay]] with the intended datasource.

	===Obtaining trees and ~~Foliage~~ data===		===Obtaining trees and foliage data===
	Go to:		Go to:
	{{editor location\|geoshare\|Public Share (top-right of the Geoshare window)}}		{{editor location\|geoshare\|Public Share (top-right of the Geoshare window)}}

Rudolf@tygron.nl at 11:54, 16 May 2023

2023-05-16T11:54:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:54, 16 May 2023
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	[[File:public-share-tutorial-trees-and-foliage-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The Public Share offers a number of files relevant for this tutoruial.]]		[[File:public-share-tutorial-trees-and-foliage-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The Public Share offers a number of files relevant for this tutoruial.]]

	The "trees data" [[GeoJSON]] file contains a vector dataset with some tree data of the environment of the [[Demo ~~heat stress project~~]].		The "trees data" [[GeoJSON]] file contains a vector dataset with some tree data of the environment of the [[Demo Heat Stress Project]].

	The "foliage data" [[GeoTIFF]] file contains a grid dataset with information about foliage heights in and around the [[Demo ~~heat stress project~~]].		The "foliage data" [[GeoTIFF]] file contains a grid dataset with information about foliage heights in and around the [[Demo Heat Stress Project]].

	For both files, select them by clicking on them, and then access them by clicking on "Web Link". This will open the file in the web browser, and prompt a download.		For both files, select them by clicking on them, and then access them by clicking on "Web Link". This will open the file in the web browser, and prompt a download.

Rudolf@tygron.nl: /* Preparation */

2023-05-16T11:53:10Z

Preparation

@@ Line 32: / Line 32: @@
 This provides access to the [[Public Share]].
 Navigate to the following directory: tutorials/tutorial_trees_and_foliage/
-Tutorials
+[[File:public-share-tutorial-trees-and-foliage-small.jpg|650px|frame|center|The Public Share offers a number of files relevant for this tutoruial.]]
-Opt to check for the value of the [[Attribute]], by checking the "With Value" option as well.
+The "trees data" [[GeoJSON]] file contains a vector dataset with some tree data of the environment of the [[Demo heat stress project]].
-Ensure the value check is set to X > 0. This will only export [[Building]]s which have a [[Foliage crown factor (Function Value)|FOLIAGE_CROWN_FACTOR]] of more than 0.
+The "foliage data" [[GeoTIFF]] file contains a grid dataset with information about foliage heights in and around the [[Demo heat stress project]].
-Find the export option "Download GeoJSON File", and click on "Export File".
+For both files, select them by clicking on them, and then access them by clicking on "Web Link". This will open the file in the web browser, and prompt a download.
-Place the file somewhere on your computer where you will be able to find it again later.
+[[File:public-share-tutorial-trees-and-foliage-weblink-highlight.jpg|350px|frame|center|The web link will open the file in the web browser, and either prompt a download or easily allow for a download.]]
 {{page break}}
@@ Line 125: / Line 83: @@
 {{page break}}
 ==Using trees data==
 An accurate dataset of trees will allow for an accurate counting of surface area used for the purposes of urban green. It can also be used by models such as the [[Heat Overlay]] to extrapolate foliage from, which affects the calculations for heat stress.

Rudolf@tygron.nl at 11:21, 16 May 2023

2023-05-16T11:21:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:21, 16 May 2023
Line 25:		Line 25:
	{{page break}}		{{page break}}
	==Preparation==		==Preparation==
	For the purpose of this tutorial, 2 datasets are needed, which can be obtained from the [[~~Demo Heat Stress Project~~]] as is. The [[Heat Overlay]] will also need to have one of its settings changed, both so that there is a baseline from which a change can be seen after the process completes, but also to correctly connect the [[Heat Overlay]] with the intended datasource.		For the purpose of this tutorial, 2 datasets are needed, which can be obtained from the [[Public Share]] as is. The [[Heat Overlay]] will also need to have one of its settings changed, both so that there is a baseline from which a change can be seen after the process completes, but also to correctly connect the [[Heat Overlay]] with the intended datasource.

			===Obtaining trees and Foliage data===
			Go to:
			{{editor location\|geoshare\|Public Share (top-right of the Geoshare window)}}

			This provides access to the [[Public Share]].

			Navigate to the following directory: tutorials/tutorial_trees_and_foliage/

			Tutorials

	===Downloading trees data from the Project===		===Downloading trees data from the Project===

Rudolf@tygron.nl: /* Connecting foliage grid to Heat Overlay */

2023-05-11T14:57:29Z

Connecting foliage grid to Heat Overlay

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:57, 11 May 2023
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	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 2-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The temperature across the Project has changed.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 2-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The temperature across the Project has changed.]]

	~~{{page break}}~~
	Also inspect the "Foliage" child Overlay of the [[Heat Overlay]], which shows the presence of foliage.		Also inspect the "Foliage" child Overlay of the [[Heat Overlay]], which shows the presence of foliage.

Rudolf@tygron.nl: /* Connecting foliage grid to Heat Overlay */

2023-05-11T14:55:13Z

Connecting foliage grid to Heat Overlay

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 11 May 2023
Line 302:		Line 302:
	[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 2-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The temperature across the Project has changed.]]		[[File:tutorial trees pe temperature overlay result 2-small.jpg\|650px\|frame\|center\|The temperature across the Project has changed.]]

			{{page break}}
	Also inspect the "Foliage" child Overlay of the [[Heat Overlay]], which shows the presence of foliage.		Also inspect the "Foliage" child Overlay of the [[Heat Overlay]], which shows the presence of foliage.