Abstract
This study demonstrates the potentials of Geographic Information System (GIS) as a management tool for avenue trees (Street trees) populations in small communities (using Idi-Ishin community, Ibadan, Nigeria as a case study). GIS is a decision support system which integrate data or set of data from different sources, bringing them under the same referencing system in a computer system. An Ikonos Imagery (1m Spatial Resolution) of the study area was digitized to produce a digital map using ArcGIS 10.1 version. The avenue trees species ≥ 5cm diameter at breast height (DBH) was selected for enumeration. These trees were then measured and tagged. The Height, Girth and Geographic location (X &Y coordinate) of the trees were measured with Haga altimeter, Girthing tape and Hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) respectively. The species and families of the trees enumerated were also identified. Data were analysed for basal area (BA) and volume (V). A total number of 43 avenue trees were assessed in Idi-Ishin Community. <i>Roystonea regia</i> accounted for the majority of the avenue trees (25.58%), followed by <i>Polyanthia longiflora</i> (23.26%), <i>Gliricida seprium</i> (20.93%), <i>Eucalyptus toreliana</i> (13.95%), <i>Delunix regea</i> (6.98%). However <i>Terminalia catapa</i>, <i>Terminalia radii</i>, <i>Azadrachita indica</i> and <i>Newbodia levis</i> had the same abundance of 2.33%. It was also observed that the benefits derived from these avenue trees includes; Carbon sequestration, Beautification, Wind break and shade. A spatial relational database was created for the assessed avenue trees using ArcCatalog of ArcGIS 10.1 version. Based on the findings from the study (which serves as baseline information for the management of the avenue trees in the study area), it was therefore recommended that subsequent assessment should be carried out at 3-5 year interval in other to ensure proper and continuous monitoring and updating of the data.
Highlights
Avenue (Street) tree is an important component of the urban forest
This paper examined the potentials of Geographic Information System (GIS) as a management tool for street tree (Avenue trees) populations in small communities, using Idi-shin Community as a case study
In terms of the species abundance, Roystonea regia accounted for the majority of the avenue trees (25.58%), followed by Polyanthia longiflora (23.26%), Gliricida seprium (20.93%), Eucalyptus toreliana (13.95%), Delunix regea (6.98%)
Summary
Avenue (Street) tree is an important component of the urban forest They are trees located on land forming or adjacent to a street, which have both direct and indirect effect on those using that street (Heimlich et al, 2008). With their canopies overhanging the roadway, street trees help to protect asphalt from deterioration by sunlight (Mcpherson et al, 1993) and reduce storm-water runoff from impervious surfaces (Nowak and Crane, 2002). Their shade keeps pedestrians, parked cars, and nearby buildings cool in the summer (Scott et al, 1999; Akbari, 2002). This paper examined the potentials of Geographic Information System (GIS) as a management tool for street tree (Avenue trees) populations in small communities, using Idi-shin Community as a case study
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