About
Forest Metrix Pro is a specialized mobile and desktop software platform purpose-built for professional foresters conducting timber cruises and forest inventories. Developed over 12+ years through continuous feedback from field foresters, it supports every major cruise method used across North America and four continents—including stem tallies, multi-product sections, and the industry's only electronic Dot Tally interface. The app runs on iPhone and iPad, taking advantage of bright screens, built-in GPS, and rugged waterproof hardware for under $500. Its large-button, high-contrast touchscreen interface is optimized for fieldwork, and all analysis runs directly on the device—no internet connection or data export required. Foresters can review results in real time while still in the field. Forest Metrix Pro generates polished, client-ready reports that can be sent or printed directly from iOS. The optional Pro Plus tier adds an Excel Report Engine for Windows, enabling advanced post-cruise analytics and fully customizable report templates. The platform supports custom species codes, product specifications, merchantability parameters, length increments, and optional plot data, ensuring it adapts to any workflow rather than constraining it. Pricing is $1,000/year for Pro and $1,500/year for Pro Plus. A 4-week free trial is available with no payment information required. Ideal for independent forestry consultants, large TIMOs, and state forestry agencies.
Key Features
- Field-First iOS Interface: Optimized for iPhone and iPad with large buttons, high-contrast layouts, and dynamic interfaces that adapt based on your selected cruise method—designed for real-world field conditions.
- Offline On-Device Analysis: Complete forest inventory analysis runs directly on your iOS device with no internet connection required, letting foresters review results while still in the field.
- Every Cruise Method Supported: Supports stem tallies, multi-product sections, and the industry's only electronic Dot Tally interface, covering every major cruise methodology used across North America and internationally.
- Custom Merchantability Specifications: Set product specifications by species including custom product pick lists, minimum and maximum diameters inside bark, species codes, length increments, and optional plot data.
- Pro Plus Excel Report Engine: An optional Windows-based Excel Report Engine enables advanced post-cruise analytics and fully customizable report templates for deeper analysis and client deliverables.
Use Cases
- Independent forestry consultants conducting timber cruises and delivering client-ready inventory reports without leaving the field.
- State forestry agencies managing large-scale forest inventories requiring standardized data collection across multiple field crews.
- Timberland investment management organizations (TIMOs) performing recurring forest inventories across geographically dispersed land holdings.
- Foresters transitioning from paper tally sheets to digital workflows while retaining their existing species codes and product specifications.
- Arborists and tree service professionals conducting tree inventories and risk assessments using the companion UFM inventory module.
Pros
- Purpose-Built for Foresters: Developed over 12+ years with continuous forester feedback, the interface and feature set are deeply tailored to real field workflows rather than generic data collection.
- Fully Offline Capable: All analysis and reporting runs on-device without any internet dependency, making it reliable in remote forest settings with no cell coverage.
- Highly Customizable Workflow: Users retain their own species codes, product calls, and cruise configurations—Forest Metrix adapts to existing workflows rather than forcing a specific methodology.
- Affordable Subscription with Free Trial: At $1,000/year with a no-credit-card 4-week trial, it offers strong value for professional consultants compared to custom or enterprise alternatives.
Cons
- iOS Only for Field Use: The mobile application is exclusive to iPhone and iPad; Android users are not supported, which may limit adoption for foresters who prefer Android devices.
- Excel Analytics Requires Windows: The Pro Plus Excel Report Engine only runs on Windows, creating a platform dependency for foresters who need advanced post-cruise analytics on macOS.
- Annual Subscription Cost: At $1,000–$1,500/year, the pricing may be a barrier for individual foresters or small operations with limited annual budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try Forest Metrix before purchasing?
Yes. Forest Metrix offers a 4-week free trial with no payment information required. At any time during or after the trial, you can convert to a licensed version by subscribing within the database file.
What devices does Forest Metrix support?
Forest Metrix's field application runs on iPhone and iPad (iOS). Desktop reporting and the optional Excel Report Engine run on Windows and Mac computers.
What is the difference between Forest Metrix Pro and Pro Plus?
Forest Metrix Pro ($1,000/year) includes all field cruising and reporting features. Pro Plus ($1,500/year) adds the Excel Report Engine for Windows, enabling advanced post-cruise analytics and custom report creation.
Does Forest Metrix require an internet connection in the field?
No. All forest inventory analysis runs directly on your iOS device without any internet connection or need to export data to another device, making it fully reliable in remote areas.
What cruise methods does Forest Metrix support?
Forest Metrix supports every major cruise method including stem tallies, multi-product sections, and the industry's only electronic Dot Tally interface. It is used across every region of the United States and on four continents.
