The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Forestry and Logging => Topic started by: bkellyvtme on March 07, 2013, 08:30:01 AM

Title: Smartphone apps
Post by: bkellyvtme on March 07, 2013, 08:30:01 AM
I was surprised when looking for apps to deal with timber crusing and something like what is in the tool box here on FF. It would be nice to "have and app for that" type thing. I have a range finder app on my phone and it is surprisingly accurate. Maybe someone could get one for measuring the hieght of standing logs. It can be done im sure, I'm just too computer illiterate to do it. Would you guys use one?
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: Offthebeatenpath on March 07, 2013, 08:48:56 AM
There are range finder apps out there, but nothing that I've seen relates to forestry. I would definitely use that a forestry based range finder app.  I use my GPS, level and clinometer frequently.  I prefer the real deal- I have a better GPS, real clinometer, levels, and compasses, etc. but rarely are they all sitting in one pocket when I'm in the woods.  It is possible to use the combination of the GPS and the clinometer apps to act as a range finder, but it is far from accurate.
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: beenthere on March 07, 2013, 10:41:02 AM
Being able to pace a distance, and having a 30 deg right triangle I believe will work. Or just pace and use a stick that is calibrated to the length of the arm. Seems we made such sticks called "Biltmore" sticks in a class one time.
The Game of Logging had us making simple tools to measure the heights of trees to know what they might reach when felling them properly.
But an app on the iphone would prolly suffice too.  ;D
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: bkellyvtme on March 07, 2013, 11:14:02 AM
I just figure it would save time. As we all know time is money. ;D
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: OneWithWood on March 07, 2013, 11:59:17 AM
The most cost effective measuring device for tree height and felling is my thumb and forearm...
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: bkellyvtme on March 07, 2013, 12:13:08 PM
Quote from: OneWithWood on March 07, 2013, 11:59:17 AM
The most cost effective measuring device for tree height and felling is my thumb and forearm...

Could you send'em to me Fedex so I can use them.  :D I swear I will return'em. :D
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: GATreeGrower on March 07, 2013, 01:53:58 PM
There is a cruising app called Plot Hound.  I used to have it on my Droid
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: Offthebeatenpath on March 07, 2013, 02:31:18 PM
Ha! Love the name. My closest companion running around in the woods for the last decade was a trusty Plott Hound who just passed away... I am downloading the app now (iPhone version).  We'll see how it works out.

For the record- I love and use the tried and true methods such as arm and thumb, GOL stick method, Tim Ard's cross sight, etc.  My stance is that the newer technologies can augment and double check the older methods and it's always better to know more ways to skin a cat than less... as long as you don't forget how to use a knife.
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: DaleK on March 07, 2013, 10:57:31 PM
Rangefinder from www.yochoi.com lets you reverse it, pace off the distance and measure the height.

I like Treebook for identifying the odd tree I don't see very often.

Some of the farm related ones can be adapted a bit for forestry, I use AgriPlot sometimes for marking out blocks within a bush, etc.
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: justallan1 on March 08, 2013, 07:48:11 AM
Well Shoot! Right when I was just about content with my old flip phone you guys post things like this! I've faught off buying one, but this may very well be the final straw. ;D
Allan
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: harrymontana on March 10, 2013, 09:00:50 AM
Quote from: Offthebeatenpath on March 07, 2013, 08:48:56 AM
There are range finder apps out there, but nothing that I've seen relates to forestry. I would definitely use that a forestry based range finder app.  I use my GPS, level and clinometer frequently.  I prefer the real deal- I have a better GPS, real clinometer, levels, and compasses, etc. but rarely are they all sitting in one pocket when I'm in the woods.  It is possible to use the combination of the GPS and the clinometer apps to act as a range finder, but it is far from accurate.

get a program called 'GPS essentials', go to google applications and download for free. It has all the features you need.
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: harrymontana on March 10, 2013, 09:03:39 AM
Quote from: DaleK on March 07, 2013, 10:57:31 PM
Rangefinder from www.yochoi.com lets you reverse it, pace off the distance and measure the height.

I like Treebook for identifying the odd tree I don't see very often.

Some of the farm related ones can be adapted a bit for forestry, I use AgriPlot sometimes for marking out blocks within a bush, etc.

is there also an english version of www.yochoi.com?
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: DaleK on March 10, 2013, 09:26:05 AM
Not sure but it's at the app store, just search for rangefinder and yochoi and you should hopefully find the app.
Title: Re: Smartphone apps
Post by: Northern Timber Harvesting on March 10, 2013, 09:28:19 AM
Another good one is "esri arc GIS" I use it for measuring acreage, and skid distances a lot. I know it's available for free for iPhones, not sure about droid.