The PICUS SONIC TOMOGRAPH is a non-invasive method that measures the structural integrity of trees and the extent of fungal invasion in all wooden structures. The PICUS Sonic Tomograph complements ENSPEC's comprehensive range of diagnostic equipment for assessing all wooden structures. It uses the variations in the velocity of sound in the tree's wood to measure its elasticity and density. When fungi, pathogens or insects alter tree wood or a cavity is present, the sound wave velocity varies accordingly. These variations in sound velocity are measured by sensors and, through the use of a laptop computer, can be analysed in situ, producing a picture of the inside of the tree.

Sensors are placed in a ring around the trunk or branch to be tested. Each sensor (station) is activated in turn to emit a signal (sound wave) for the remaining sensors to receive and record. Once all sensors / stations have been activated a computer using a sophisticated diagnostic program collates the variations in sound wave velocity from each station and produces a two dimensional picture (tomogram).

Further enhancing our scientific diagnostic service, ENSPEC is the first commercial company worldwide to purchase an Electronic Fracture Meter. This latest addition to our diagnostic armoury allows ENSPEC to conduct accurate wood strength testing on site, allowing us to verify our diagnosis of wood strength in trees, thereby giving our clients unprecedented confidence in their tree management decisions. These results can be graphed and included in our high-quality written reports to give you the best information to present to your stakeholders.

To complement our measuring equipment ENSPEC has an extensive range of GPS and GIS equipment and software. Our Trimble GPS units with wireless reflective lasers allow ENSPEC to map assets to sub-150mm accuracy.

Using advanced GPS & GIS systems ENSPEC can accurately position any tree, at any location, to sub-metre accuracy. The system can be backpack mounted using hand-held reflective lasers or static using offset measurements.

Additional information on the tree such as species, health, size and a photograph of the tree can be logged and linked directly to each position recorded.

This information can then be transferred to create a map of the area or overlayed on existing maps minimising data corruption.

ENSPEC now has a complete range of computer software to back up our GPS hardware; we can offer our clients a choice of software including Mapinfo, Geobasemap, Arcview, Arcpad and Pathfinder. ENSPEC has and will continue developing new mapping software that is compatible with all GIS programs for each individual client. By having this extensive range of software programs available for our clients, ENSPEC can supply a comprehensive level of service in data collection, data presentation and mapping. This enables ENSPEC to complete your mapping project from start to finish, including GIS overlays ready to be integrated straight into your existing systems.