New York City should carefully measure a new tree
The author uses LiDAR data to identify potential candidates for the tallest tree in New York City, noting that the current record is over 20 years old. The piece advocates for the city's parks department to conduct new measurements to preserve and recognize these natural landmarks.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of urban planning, environmental conservation, and modern geospatial technology.
New York City's tallest carefully measured tree is the Queens Giant (according to Wikipedia). It was measured at 133.8 feet (40.8 m) tall and a 19-foot (5.8 m) circumference IN 2004! More than 20 years ago. It's time to find some other candidates for the tallest carefully measured tree in New York City.
I started going down this rabbit hole when working on a much larger project around New England (to be announced soon) and when I was taking a walk in Inwood Hill Park . I was just looking up and wondering how tall the tulip trees get in our park. LiDAR was also on my mind as my current project uses a lot of it. LiDAR has allowed for incredible new perspectives on land, terrain, and (in this case) tree canopies .
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