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Basic Info: How These 2 Apps Work
- Both Apps are intended for use on smart devices (phone, tablet or iPad), not computers.
- Smart devices offer a convenient alternative to purchasing expensive books – and having to carry them around!
- After the initial download, no further Wi-Fi connectivity is required for general use.
- 979 indigenous species and 135 larger woody invasive species;
- Custom-created distribution maps;
- A state-of-the-art, random access, rapid Smart Search engine developed specifically for TreePro Apps – a first in the world of botany Apps;
- Smart Search eliminates the need for a rigidly structured botanical key;
- Smart Search allows data entry on any tree characteristic;
- Data can be input in any order;
- Cutting-edge Location Search function; and
- Sightings can be recorded by notes, GPS, date and time, photos, and saved to a personal computer for further distribution and research.
- Text entry for each species;
- Detailed full colour and monochrome species illustrations for rapid ID confirmation;
- Full colour, botanically accurate Search icons illustrate key scientific terms;
- Over 3 500 photos; many more to be added; and
- Botanical term caption for each photograph; and
- Glossary of academic botanical terms used in the App;
More Detailed Descriptions of Each Entry Covered in the Executive Summary
Once initially loaded, general use of Apps is independent of Wi-Fi connectivity. An internet connection is only required for App updates, plus periodic licence confirmations (Android only).
- The Apps cover 1 114 taller (3m+) tree species found in South Africa – 979 indigenous species plus 135 larger invasive species;
- Custom-created extensively researched distribution maps for each species;
- A world-class random-access Smart Search engine developed specifically for TheTreeApp SA and used in the new App, too;
- Flexible, robust and rapid, Smart Search eliminates the need for a rigidly structured botanical key;
- More flexible approach to tree identification – no need to follow a fixed series of steps;
- Smart Search allows entry of data on any tree characteristic, irrespective of season or age;
- Any-order data entry;
- Cutting-edge Location Search function leveraging off the unique mapping;
- Species lists for ‘specific areas’ of the trees likely to occur within 12.5 km of a given location;
- Location Search boundaries customisable by national borders, current location, GPS coordinates and official boundaries of over 1 400 RSA Reserves, Parks and Botanical Gardens; and
- *Sightings can be recorded by notes, GPS, date and time or photos, and saved to a personal computer for further research.
- Detailed, informative text for each species – currently being updated into academic botanical language;
- Detailed full colour and monochrome illustrations for each species synchronised with text entries to allow rapid ID confirmation;
- Full colour, botanically accurate icons illustrate the scientific terms for enhanced ease of use;
- Over 3 500 photos with botanical term captions, and additional photos added monthly;
- Glossary of academic botanical terms used in the App; and
- The App is ideal for distance learning.
Differences between TheTreeApp SA & TreesBotanical SA
TheTreeApp SA
Terminology
Detailed text can be found under the Information for each species. Each photograph is accompanied by a text caption.
In TheTreeApp SA, both these texts are written in Plain English Plant speak – easy for the average wildlife enthusiast to understand.
Search
Each App features a powerful, random-access Smart Search engine.
The categories, sub-categories and detailed characteristics that help users ID an individual species were generally developed separately for each App.
In less scientific categories (like bark) the two apps have Search categories share the same full-colour icons.
For more scientific categories (such as leaves, flowers or fruit), TheTreeApp SA covers each characteristic using Plain English Plant terms and individually developed visual icons unique to that app.
Glossary
Both apps have the same Glossary. Examples of these differences shown in the image on the right.
Example of screen in search with texts and icons:
Species information text:
TreesBotanical SA
Terminology
Detailed text can be found under the Information for each species. Each photograph is planned to be accompanied by a text caption.
In TreesBotanical SA both these texts are written in scientific botanical terms for people with botanical training or qualifications.
Search
Each App features a powerful, random-access Smart Search engine.
- The categories, sub-categories and detailed characteristics that help users ID an individual species were generally developed separately for each App.
- In less scientific categories (like bark) the two search categories share the same full colour icons.
- For more scientific categories (such as leaves, flowers or fruit, TreesBotanical SA covers each characteristic using Scientific Botanical terms and individually developed visual icons unique to that app.
NB
At the time of launch, February 2021,
• some of the species information texts in TreesBotanical SA need further updating, particularly in the Inflorescence and Flowers sections. These species texts are marked Work still in progress. These are in final edit at launch and will be added, via regular updates, as they become completed. It is anticipated that this will be before the end of March 2021.
• in a similar manner the captions that describe the photographs in TreesBotanical SA need further updating. As with the species information texts these are in final edit at launch and will be added, once they are all completed. This is close to completion as we come to the end of 2021.
Example of screen in search with texts and icons:
Species information text:
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Main Features
Location Based Sorting
Tree Searches can be significantly refined, by using the Location function to reduce the list of trees to just those recorded as occurring within a radius of 12,5 km of the spot. This function is identical in the 2 apps.
Intelligent Search Functionality
The intelligent Search process is driven by a highly complex, matrix of data that is not a simple HTML word search as in eBooks. The process is random entry which allows a wide range of personal freedom, each time, for choices as to entries and their sequences. It is rapid, reliable and simple to follow with simple texts and visual icons, both of which are different in each app, TheTreeApp SA and TreesBotanical SA.
Tree List
Over 1 100 tree species – growing to over 3 m high, within South Africa – are covered. There are 979 Indigenous and 136 Invasive/non-invasive aliens, each one with comprehensive-textual data, full-colour artwork, black and white detail drawings, as well as images and distribution maps. Currently, there are over 4000 photographs and more are added with each update. This function is identical in the 2 apps. However, the Information section of each species differs in the language style used – being scientific for TreesBotanical SA and general English for TheTreeApp SA.
Help
In TheTreeApp SA, InfoHotSpots are the educational go-to Help destinations, throughout TheTreeApp, which provide the links between the data required for the Search categories and the User’s understanding. View the Help Index. This is not available in TreesBotanical SA.
Glossary
In TheTreeApp SA the 700 word Glossary covers most of the common words used in general Tree publications as well as defining the words specifically used. In TreesBotanical SA there are over 850 words, covering all entries in the Search and the information sheets.
Settings
This section allow the user to choose between Scientific, English and Afrikaans as Primary and Secondary languages of names for the Tree Lists, as well as determining the method of grouping the names as alphabetical, by Families or by Genera. This function is identical in the 2 apps.
My Trees Sightings
This allows the recording of individual, personal tree sightings, by means of typed-up notes that include data as trip name and custom notes, as well as location taken from the exact map GPS. Photographs can be taken on the app which appear at the bottom of the photos on the Tree List on your app. These Sightings can be synced to any device, Android or Apple, as well as a computer. Here they can be exported to Excel, shared with others and registered through syncing so that a personal new website records them. This will store your Tree Sightings alongside those you synced from our other apps, BirdPro and Dragonflies SA. This function is identical in the 2 apps.
New TreePro Structure for Purchasing the apps
From the launch date for TreesBotanical SA and the upgrade of TheTreeApp SA,
the purchase method for TheTreeApp SA will change to match that of TreesBotanical SA.
For new users only:
- Both TreePro apps – TheTreeApp SA and TreesBotanical SA –will be available from the App Store and Google Play via subscription purchase only.
- The annual subscription price for either App is R179.99, with the second App purchased available at a discounted annual subscription rate of R119.99
For users who already own TheTreeApp SA:
- As TreesBotanical SA will be your second TreePro App, you will be eligible for the discounted annual subscription rate of R119.99
- TheTreeApp SA will continue to be updated alongside all subscription Apps. All App updates are free and automatic, including for users who already own TheTreeApp SA.
To Purchase either app from either store as a subscription model (After the release of TreesBotanical SA – February 2021)
- Enter TreePro to search for either App on the App Store or Google Play.
- This search will bring up both Apps at the R179.99 first purchase yearly rate.
- Choose your primary App.
- Add the second App at the discounted yearly rate of R119.99
- Please note that after the launch of TreesBotanical SA, TheTreeApp SA will not be available as a full purchase option. That is, it will only be available as the second, discounted App to users who purchase TreesBotanical SA.
Buy either TheTreeApp SA or TreesBotanical SA, or both
- Open the browser on your device and navigate to the App Store or Google Play.
- Use an email address that you can retain indefinitely as all App purchases are linked to an email address – we recommend that you, therefore, use a private email address, rather than one linked to your current studies or employment.
- Ensure you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection for the 30-minute purchase and download process.
- Enter TreePro in the search bar.
- Your first TreePro App will cost R179.99 yearly; your second TreePro App will cost just R119.99 yearly.
- Both Apps are represented by the same TreePro icon – even if you purchase both Apps, you will still see just the one icon on your device home screen/desktop.
Status of TheTreeApp SA if You Already Own It
If you purchased TheTreeApp SA when no subscription model was available, you will be able to continue using the App as before.
As long as the App is in its First Edition, you will continue to receive all updates for free. If we launch a major Second edition of the App in the future, you will be required to convert to a subscription model to continue receiving updates. We do not have any current plans to launch a Second Edition, although we will continue to release periodic updates to optimise the functionality and content of the App.
The Why are changes needed? section explains our approach to App development and charging.
- As an existing user of TheTreeApp SA, TreesBotanical SA will automatically be your second TreePro App, so you will be able to purchase it at the discounted yearly subscription rate of just R119.99
- TheTreeApp SA will continue to be updated alongside all our subscription Apps. Updates to this edition of the App will still be free!
If you already own TheTreeApp SA, you don’t need to do anything – unless of course you’d like to purchase the new TreesBotanical SA App at the discounted price of R119.99
Buy either TheTreeApp SA or TreesBotanical SA, or both
- Open the browser on your device and navigate to the App Store or Google Play.
- Use an email address that you can retain indefinitely as all App purchases are linked to an email address – we recommend that you, therefore, use a private email address, rather than one linked to your current studies or employment.
- Ensure you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection for the 30-minute purchase and download process.
- Enter TreePro in the search bar.
- Your first TreePro App will cost R179.99 yearly; your second TreePro App will cost just R119.99 yearly.
- Both Apps are represented by the same TreePro icon – even if you purchase both Apps, you will still see just the one icon on your device home screen/desktop.
Why Are Changes Needed to The Overall Structure?
Sophisticated, reusable Apps, with relatively regular updates, are a new phenomenon as a resource for interpreting the natural world. As handheld guides, they have become indispensable for anyone interested in nature, either for pleasure or for work.
The developers of TreePro and BirdPro face the same dilemma as all-natural history App developers.
Apps generate relatively little income, while the ‘free updates’ model doesn’t allow for sustainable revenue streams despite the costs of having to constantly add new content and update Apps to ensure they remain compatible with evolving digital platforms.
While service Apps often allow for other revenue streams, resource App developers are having to adopt new ways of selling their products.
Nobody would expect to buy a hard-copy field guide and then get free copies of subsequent editions for life – and yet this is the expectation surrounding Apps. Without a more sustainable business model, these resource Apps will become rarer than the species that they profile.
Options include the App being taken on board by a commercial venture as a marketing tool; philanthropic funding models; allowing adverts within the App or charging a price that more accurately reflects the lifetime development costs of each App. This last option could push the costs of typical resource Apps beyond the budget of the very people they are designed for.
We believe the model we first implemented with BirdPro at the end of 2020 – that is, to move from outright purchase to offering a subscription alternative – is the way forward. This has been successfully integrated and well-received by our users, both new and existing.
As we launch TreesBotanical SA and carry out the latest upgrade of TheTreeApp SA, both these TreePro Apps will follow the BirdPro subscription model.
Our pricing structure is based on making the TreePro Apps affordable for as many nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts as possible, while still offering us long-term sustainability as a developer of world-class ecological Apps.
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Advantages for Students Using TreesBotanical SA
We believe that TreesBotanical SA should be on the 2021 list of approved resources for students.
TreesBotanical SA offers multiple advantages as an educational resource.
Executive Summary
- Apps and smart devices offer a convenient, lighter and more cost-effective alternative to field guides and textbooks;
- TreesBotanical SA is easy to purchase and use – see the #Note at the end of this email;
- Once initially downloaded, no Wi-Fi connectivity is required for general use;
- The App covers 979 indigenous and 135 larger woody invasive species; • Custom-created distribution maps;
- State-of-the-art, random access, fast and powerful Smart Search engine;
- Smart Search eliminates the need for a rigidly structured botanical key;
- Smart Search allows entry of data on any plant characteristic;.
- Data can be entered in any order;
- Cutting-edge Location Search function;
- Sightings can be recorded by notes, GPS, date and time or photos, and saved to a personal computer for further distribution and research;
- Text entry for each species;
- Detailed full colour and monochrome illustrations for each species allows rapid ID confirmation;
- Full colour, botanically accurate Search icons to illustrate scientific terms;
- Over 3 500 photos, with more, added regularly;
- Botanical term caption for each photograph;
- Custom Glossary covers academic botanical terms used in the App;
- Ideal for distance learning;
- Ideal for recording information about species and habitats; and
- It’s a fun, educational App that offers an intuitive user experience and free updates.
For more information on any of the points above, please see the additional content at the end of this email.
For the specific advantages of TreesBotanical SA as a study aid, please see the next page.
Specific Advantages of Studying Botany with TreesBotanical SA
To succeed in botany, students must master two major areas of learning:
- The specific terms relating to various parts/functions of plants, including understanding differences and similarities;
- Applying plant science terminology to different structures and using this knowledge to distinguish and identify species.
In traditional teaching, the second body of knowledge depends on the first, and students are to some extent limited in the full understanding that leads to the excitement of the discovery of ‘new’ species until they fully comprehend the academic implications of the characteristics.
When using an App, the two functions happen simultaneously and complement each other. Equally, students are not restricted visually to the few plants that happen to be nearby. The photos in the App cover the entire range of species found nationwide.
The interactive Sightings function allows students to record their findings in detail (including GPS coordinates and photos) and forward these to external computers via a web site.
This lets them develop material both in the field and back at their desks, and projects can be managed by the educator from afar and judged and corrected remotely.
The App also features a comprehensive Glossary, which by February will feature both Plain English Plant terms and technical botanical language, to facilitate the learning process for students who are new to classical botany.
Summary
No other educational resource offers students the same quantity of images and information on South African trees for such an affordable price.
No Wi-Fi connection is needed and there are no heavy books to carry around.
App searches are faster than traditional book keys, but the fundamentals of the botanical language are taught en route to exciting species discoveries.
Please email Val Thomas or Dr Robbie Robinson for more information or to request a free inspection copy of either App: ask@thetreeapp.co.za