Fall Kickoff: City of Cambridge Unveils First-Ever Foliage Map

CAMBRIDGE, MA — After collecting and updating map data on Cambridge’s public trees for many years, the city is utilitzing it in a colorful way. Recently, the Cambridge Public Works and the IT Department’s open data program and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) unveiled a foliage map to help people track the change of leaves as fall rolls into winter.

City of Cambridge Director of Communications and Community Relations Lee Gianetti said Cambridge officials wanted to get it out before the fall colors arrived.

"This year, the City wanted to use the data to engage residents and families in our city’s public trees," he said. "It’s fun to learn which species of tree are nearby and what color their leaves will turn as fall arrives. The foliage map also helps foster public appreciation for Cambridge open data activities."

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Cambridge’s GIS division created a similar map for arbor day during the spring. The City’s Adopt a Tree program also uses interactive mapping technology to help engage the public in sustaining our urban forest, Gianetti said.

Cambridge Public Works’ Urban Forestry is responsible for implementing a program of arboriculture for over 19,000 public trees.

Gianetti said the foliage map project began as an open data program project to make this open dataset more engaging and accessible for residents.

"Cambridge’s vibrant urban forest creates numerous benefits for our City," Gianetti said. "Fostering public support and appreciation for city trees is important. We like the map and are excited to make it even better for next fall."

The arbor data is available on the open data portal.

Courtesy Photo by City of Cambridge