How to Generate a Directory Tree for Support (Using the Windows "tree" Command)

Support may request a directory tree listing to better understand the structure and contents of your data. This is especially important when troubleshooting missing files, incomplete processing, or unexpected project behavior.

What is a Directory Tree?

A directory tree is a text-based representation of all folders and files within a directory. It allows Support to quickly verify:

• Folder structure
• Presence or absence of expected files
• File naming and organization

Step-by-Step: Generate a Directory Tree

1. Open Command Prompt
   Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Run the tree command
   Use the following command (replace the path with your actual folder):

tree "C:\Path\To\Your\Folder" /F /A > output.txt

• /F = Include files (not just folders)
• /A = Use plain text characters (ensures readability in tickets/emails)
• > output.txt = Saves the result to a text file

Example: Generating a Tree for a Cycle Folder

If Support asks for a tree of a Cycle folder, use the full path to that folder.

Example:

tree "D:\Data\Cycle_230624_065551_125SN013" /F /A > Cycle_230624_065551_125SN013.txt

This will:

• Scan the entire Cycle folder
• Create a file named Cycle_230624_065551_125SN013.txt
• Save it in your current Command Prompt working directory

This exact method is commonly used by Support to review customer datasets.

Example Output

Below is an example of what a directory tree output looks like when generated for a Cycle folder:

Folder PATH listing for volume Data
Volume serial number is 1234-ABCD
D:\Data\Cycle_230624_065551_125SN013
|   trajectory.txt
|   mission.log
|   settings.json
|
+---Camera
|       IMG_0001.JPG
|       IMG_0002.JPG
|       IMG_0003.JPG
|
+---Lidar
|   +---Raw
|   |       scan_0001.laz
|   |       scan_0002.laz
|   |
|   \---Processed
|           scan_0001.las
|           scan_0002.las
|
+---GNSS
|       base.obs
|       rover.obs
|       navigation.nav
|
\---Reports
        trajectory_report.pdf
        processing_log.txt

How to Read This

• Each level of indentation represents a deeper folder level
• +--- indicates a subfolder
• Files are listed beneath their respective folders

Attach the File to Your Ticket

Once the command completes:

1. Locate the generated .txt file
2. Attach it to your support ticket or reply email

Important Notes

• Always include /F — without it, files will not be listed
• Always include /A — avoids formatting issues in support tools
• Use the full folder path — avoid relative paths to ensure accuracy

Common Issues

Command fails or returns nothing

• Verify the folder path is correct
• Make sure you have permission to access the folder

Output file not found

• The file is saved in the current Command Prompt working directory
• You can check your location by running:

cd

Why Support Requests This

Quick Copy Version

tree "FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER" /F /A > output.txt

Replace FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER with your actual data location and attach the resulting file to your ticket.