PlanIT Geo, the developer behind TreePlotter INVENTORY, is a global leader in urban forestry technology and consulting services based in Arvada, Colorado. Founded in 2012, the company emerged during a pivotal moment when high-resolution satellite imagery and GIS tools were becoming increasingly accessible but remained too complex for most arborists and city planners. PlanIT Geo filled this gap by creating intuitive, map-based software that empowers organizations to manage urban green spaces more effectively. Today, the company serves over 2,000 clients across five continents, ranging from small private tree care firms to major metropolitan governments. Their holistic approach combines cutting-edge SaaS products with expert consulting services, including urban forest management plans (UFMPs) and canopy assessments, positioning them as a strategic partner in climate resilience and urban sustainability.
The company was founded in May 2012 by Ian Hanou, a veteran in the GIS and urban forestry space. Hanou's vision was born from a realization that while cities were increasingly interested in mapping their 'natural capital,' the existing tools were either too cumbersome or too expensive for daily field use. Starting as a 'one-man shop' with a single canopy assessment project in Snoqualmie, Washington, Hanou bootstrapped the company's early growth by focusing on high-quality data and customer service. The mission was clear: 'Mapping the World’s Urban Forests for a Greener Future.' Over the first decade, the company grew to over 40 employees, including certified arborists and software engineers, successfully evolving from a service-based consultancy into a leading SaaS provider while maintaining its deep roots in environmental advocacy.
PlanIT Geo followed a strategic path of growth through both private investment and eventual acquisition. In September 2020, the company received a significant strategic investment from Caymus Equity, an Atlanta-based private equity firm. This funding allowed PlanIT Geo to accelerate its software development roadmap and expand its marketing efforts. A major milestone occurred in April 2023, when PlanIT Geo was acquired by Waverock Software, a vertical enterprise software holding company. This acquisition provided PlanIT Geo with long-term capital and operational expertise to further scale its global footprint. Prior to these rounds, the company operated largely on its revenue, demonstrating a strong, sustainable business model. The acquisition by Waverock has specifically enabled the company to target larger enterprise markets and integrate more advanced technologies like AI and machine learning into its core platform.
The primary offering is the TreePlotter Software Suite, which includes several interconnected products. TreePlotter INVENTORY is the flagship tool for field data collection and asset management. TreePlotter CANOPY utilizes satellite imagery and AI to analyze land cover and tree coverage over broad geographic areas. TreePlotter PROJECTS is a newer module launched to help organizations track specific planting initiatives and progress toward canopy goals. TreePlotter PARKS provides specialized tools for managing non-tree park assets like playgrounds and benches. These products are often bundled with PlanIT Geo's consulting services, providing a 'full-stack' solution where the company not only provides the software but also conducts the physical tree inventories and develops the long-term management strategies for their clients.
From its Colorado headquarters, PlanIT Geo has expanded its reach to serve clients in over 20 countries. Significant geographic growth has been seen in the United Kingdom, where the company established dedicated data centers to comply with local regulations and meet high demand from UK councils and grounds maintenance firms. The software is now utilized across North America, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia and Africa. Strategic partnerships have played a key role in this expansion; notably, a partnership with Husqvarna's HUGSI platform has helped PlanIT Geo provide high-level canopy metrics for over 150 global cities. The company continues to grow its remote-first workforce, hiring specialized account managers and technical support staff in multiple US states and international regions to support its expanding global user base.
PlanIT Geo maintains a rapid release cadence, with major updates often driven by user feedback. In early 2025, the company officially launched 'TreePlotter Projects,' a module that integrates canopy analysis with project management to track grant compliance and planting progress across different geographic scales. Another significant recent addition is the 'Land Cover & Tree Equity (LCTE) Data Pack,' which overlays census-level demographic data with canopy statistics to help cities prioritize plantings in underserved neighborhoods. Improvements to the 'Offline Collector' have also been a priority, featuring a more streamlined sync process for field crews. The integration of high-resolution Nearmap imagery and AI-derived land cover data from EarthDefine represents the company's commitment to bringing cutting-edge remote sensing technology into the hands of everyday users.
PlanIT Geo’s culture is defined by its five core values, most notably 'Reaction Wood'—a term borrowed from tree biology that signifies the company's ability to adapt and grow stronger under pressure. The company prides itself on a 'Help First' mindset, prioritizing product quality and client success over profit. It operates as a remote-friendly organization, allowing employees to work from across the United States, which has helped them attract top talent in both tech and forestry. The workforce is a unique blend of ISA Certified Arborists, GIS experts, and software developers who share a genuine passion for environmental sustainability. This culture extends to their 'Giving Back' initiatives, where the team frequently volunteers for tree planting events and supports industry organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
The TreePlotter community is highly active, supported by a comprehensive online resource library and the 'TreePlotter Support' portal. PlanIT Geo hosts regular 'Trees + Tech' summits and webinars that serve as educational forums for urban forestry professionals to share best practices. They also maintain a strong presence on social media and professional forums where users exchange tips on data collection and grant writing. The 'Internet of Nature' podcast sponsorship and their own blog provide ongoing thought leadership in the industry. For developers and technical users, they provide a SwaggerHub-hosted API community with full documentation and testing environments. This focus on education and collaboration has fostered a loyal user base that actively contributes to the software's ongoing development through feature requests and beta testing.
