Define the checks against the project brief
A quality check asks whether the schedule is fit for its intended use. Start with the agreed fields, site boundary, inspection scope and delivery format. Not every blank cell is an error: a measurement may be unavailable or outside the brief. Distinguish not recorded, not applicable and not accessible so the reader does not treat all blanks as the same information.
Review identity, location and evidence
- Tree IDs are unique within the agreed project scope.
- Each scheduled tree can be found on the map or using a clear location description.
- Photo captions use the same IDs as the schedule.
- Inspection dates and record authors are available where required.
- Late corrections are reflected in the schedule, map and report together.
A worked review example
The schedule contains two rows labelled T015. One shows a 400 mm trunk diameter and a park location; the other shows a 250 mm diameter beside a building. Do not automatically delete either row. Compare the source records, positions and photographs to determine whether the ID was reused or one record was duplicated. Record the correction and check any report references affected by it.
Check formats without inventing missing values
Check that the diameter column consistently uses the stated unit, that dates are unambiguous and that tree IDs keep leading zeros when opened in a spreadsheet. Flag improbable or inconsistent entries for review rather than silently changing them. An estimated height should retain its estimate status after export.
Keep a review log
Record the affected tree, issue, reviewer, correction and resolution date. The log should identify what was checked and which issues remain open. Download the blank review schedule below; it contains headings only and does not upload your data.
Before handover, open the actual exported file and check that filters, units and identifiers remain understandable. Retain an issued copy with a version name. See stable tree numbering and the report review checklist for linked checks.
Prepared by Canopy.