Sacramento Tree Foundation Streamlines Tree Data Collection and Mapping with Salesforce
"We needed to leverage a mobile solution to capture GPS points and other tree-related data in real-time and facilitate the work of our field staff. With help from Idealist Consulting and Salesforce we are building a mobile application that meets our needs and is seamlessly integrated with our Salesforce database." - Sacramento Tree Foundation team member
The Sacramento Tree Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating property owners in the Sacramento region about the significance of the urban forest and the numerous benefits trees offer to the community, environment, and public health. Sacramento Tree Foundation provides expert advice on tree placement and species selection to optimize shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, and harness the advantages of trees.
The Challenge
To capitalize on the benefits of trees and support the growth and care of urban forests, the Sacramento Tree Foundation recognized the need to map and monitor trees remotely. They aimed to capture accurate GPS points and tree-related data during tree siting to facilitate the evaluation and potential monetization of carbon credits, air quality improvements, and stormwater capture credits. Sacramento Tree Foundation required a mobile application that seamlessly integrated with their Salesforce database, allowing for real-time data capture and interaction.
The Solution
To address their requirements, Sacramento Tree Foundation enlisted the expertise of Idealist Consulting, a trusted implementation partner, and leveraged Salesforce and Salesforce Enterprise Edition, along with Visual Force, Google Maps integration, and PDF conversion customization. This comprehensive solution enabled Sacramento Tree Foundation to build a mobile application that met their needs while seamlessly integrating with their existing Salesforce instance.
The Result
The implemented solution transformed Sacramento Tree Foundation's field operations and improved efficiency for their foresters. Key outcomes of the project included:
Mobile Data Capture: Foresters equipped with iPads received a daily list of location visits on their mobile devices via the mobile application. They were able to access contact and location details, and in cases of any changes, update the information within the application.
On-Site Data Collection: With access to a Google Map through the mobile app, foresters walked the property with residents, identifying optimal tree planting sites. Using an input form within the app, foresters noted orientation details for each site, ensuring accurate tree placement.
Recommendations and Review: After the walk-through, foresters reviewed the identified planting sites and provided recommendations within the tree input form via the mobile app. This information was captured in real-time within Sacramento Tree Foundation's Salesforce instance.
Confirmation and Documentation: Back at the office, a supervisor confirmed the tree planting location details. Using the integrated solution, a map showcasing the property with tree location sites and relevant details was generated as a PDF document. This map could be easily emailed to the resident, providing clear documentation and transparency.
Project Timeline and Effort: The implementation of the solution took approximately three months, with an anticipated launch date in March 2014. The project involved 15 users, including Sacramento Tree Foundation foresters and supervisors, who collectively dedicated 350 hours of effort to ensure successful implementation and adoption.
By leveraging Salesforce and integrating it with Google Maps and other customization features, the Sacramento Tree Foundation successfully streamlined its tree data collection and mapping processes. The mobile application facilitated real-time data capture, improved collaboration between field staff and residents, and enhanced the accuracy of tree placement recommendations. Sacramento Tree Foundation can now leverage the data collected to explore the potential monetization of carbon credits and other benefits of urban trees, ensuring the sustainable growth and care of their urban forest.
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