Sonic Tomography For Tree Assessments: Advanced Arboriculture Technology

The ArborSonic 3D Acoustic Tomograph is an impressive tool that can detect the size and location of decayed or hollow regions in a tree trunk without causing any damage. This innovative device operates by measuring sound velocity among multiple sensors placed around the trunk. When there’s a gap or cavity between two sensors, the sound velocity decreases, providing invaluable insights into the tree’s internal condition.  

Thoroughly evaluated and validated by our esteemed team of experts at the Davey Institute, the ArborSonic 3D represents innovative technology in tree assessment. Its unwavering reliability and remarkable effectiveness have been extensively demonstrated. This advanced tool has earned its reputation as a trusted and dependable solution for precise tree evaluation and care.

Tailored specifically for consulting arborists, commercial arborists, urban foresters, municipal arborists, and university researchers, the ArborSonic 3D Acoustic Tomograph delivers a comprehensive solution that empowers professionals to achieve exceptionally accurate results in their work. Its versatility and customized features are designed to support individuals every step of the way in their professional endeavors, providing the necessary assistance and accuracy required for successful tree risk assessment.

1. Drive the transducers through the bark using a rubber hammer with even spacing around the trunk.
2. Measure the distances between the transducers with a caliper and enter the measured data to the computer.
3. Tap each transducer with a steel hammer to generate sound waves. ArborSonic 3D measures the travel times with microsecond precision to each transducer and transmits the data to the computer.
4. The software calculates and displays the internal sound-velocity distribution of the tree.
5. Measurements taken at various heights can be assembled into a 3D model.

Below are instructional videos showing how to set up, measure and remove layers

• ArborSonic 3D- Arrival and set up
• ArborSonic 3D- Measurement
• ArborSonic 3D- Measuring another layer and removal

• Measured time precision: ± 2 microseconds
• Sensor: Low noise SD02 piezo sensor
• Number of sensors: Variable from 8 up to 32
• Amplifier box size: 127 x 58 x 25 mm
• Power consumption: 240 mW
• Power supply: Standard (rechargeable) 9V block battery
• Continuous operation time: *Approximately 2 hours
• Carrying case: Peli Case 1500EU
• Total weight** 6 kg
• PC connection: RS232 over cable or Bluetooth
• Data transmission time per sensor tap:  Below one sec
• Total measurement time of one tree ***20 minutes
• Operating temperature range: 0-40 °C

*with one battery
**without PC, including case, hammers and 10 sensors
***one section, including assembly, geometry registration, tapping, and disassembly, using 10 sensors