What is Computree?
Computree is a 3D data processing platform, oriented towards the analysis of data in natural environments, and more particularly in forest environments.
Its main objective is to allow, from data from remote sensing, to implement processing chains to extract or calculate useful information for the characterization and study of environments.
The platform can handle many types of data: point clouds, 3D geometric primitives (cylinders, spheres, polylines,…), Raster or Vector GIS formats, 3D meshes,…
The logic of the platform is to allow the user to compose a processing chain by chaining unitary processing steps.
As an example, here is a fairly simple processing chain adapted to airborne LIDAR data:
- Loading a point cloud in LAS format
- Ground point filtering
- Creating a TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network)
- Conversion to Digital Terrain Model (DTM, raster)
- Export of the MNT in Geotiff format
The philosophy is to have processing steps each performing a precise and targeted function, so that they are as generic and reusable as possible.
Organization of the platform
Computree is organized in a modular way, in order to facilitate its enrichment by the community. Thus the platform itself is composed of the following central elements :
- Core libraries, in charge of the management of treatments, and offering all the structures and common functionalities
- A graphical interface for creating, executing and interactive analysis of processing chains
- A batch interface allowing the execution of processing chains in command mode, without a graphical interface
All core elements are under the lgpl open-source license.
The processing functionalities themselves, i.e. the maintenance steps, but also for example the import-export formats, are grouped in plugins. The plugins are independent of each other in terms of development, but can be used together in processing chains.
Some plugins offering the basic functionalities are distributed systematically with the platform, and as such are attached to the central elements. But most are developed by teams or individuals who want to help enrich Computree. The license of each plugin is left to the choice of its authors, although open-source licenses are strongly encouraged. For example, the R&D department of the National Forestry Office (France) offers an LGPL license plugin grouping its work on airborne LIDAR and terrestrial LIDAR (more than a hundred processing steps). Subject to the agreement of their authors, the standard distribution of Computree includes all referenced open-source plugins.
Key features
The use of Computree does not require any programming skills, as all operations can be performed via the graphical interface.
Computree is developed in C++ using the Qt framework. In particular, this makes it possible to obtain optimal treatment performance.
Computree is available on Windows, Ubuntu and Mac OS, and offers two deployment modes: via an installer, or in a portable version (folder to be unzipped).
All the core elements of the platform, and the vast majority of plugins currently available are under the LGPL open-source license.
The financing, management and maintenance of the platform (central elements and support for users and plugin creators) are provided by the Computree Group, composed of several public bodies related to forest management in France and Quebec. This makes it possible to secure the availability of the platform over time. The Computree Group is open and may in the future welcome new members who wish to participate in the management and evolution of Computree.