1. Introduction to Geospatial Technologies in Ag
Introduction to Precision Farming
Ag Geospatial Program of Study
This project is partly funded by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions expressed within are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.

2. Overview Tools of Precision Farming Processes of Precision Farming
Uses of Precision Farming
Benefits of Precision Farming

3. Tools of Precision Farming
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Intelligent Devices and Implements (IDI)

4. GPS tutorial websites http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/gps.html

5. Global Positioning System
Global Navigational Satellite System for the US
Composed of:
Satellite constellation (31 satellites)
User based receiver units
Satellites transmit one way ranging signals which the receivers use to calculate a location
Accurate latitude/longitude to 10 – 30 feet
Correction to submeter to subinch possible

6. GPS – User Segment Components Antenna Receiver Display Firmware Input
Graphic from

7. GPS – basic information
Location – specific coordinates to identify your position within 10 – 30 ft
Time – using the atomic clock, a very precise time that an event occurred can be determined
Speed – by calculating continuous positions, your speed can be calculated
Direction – by calculating continuous positions, your direction of travel can be determined.

8. GPS – Ag Applications Determine location
Navigate to a known coordinate point
Data logging
Data Logging is most valuable use in ag
Combined with yield monitor for yield mapping
Used in scouting to create scout maps
Used to distribute and record variable rate products
Used to georeference soil sampling

9. Tools of Precision Farming - GIS?
Computerized Map
Combines a map with database information about each feature on the map
Analyze information about feature

10. Components of a GIS Map – displays reference and thematic map layers.
Each map layer has one type of feature
Map layer can have from 1 to thousands of that feature
Map layers can be grouped together
Table – stores and manipulates data about features in map layers
Looks most like a spreadsheet
Each feature on a map has one row in the table
Attributes of each feature is stored in columns
Table and Map are digitally connected

12. Functions of a GIS Viewing mapped features Storage of data
Retrieval of data - Query
Analyze data
Manipulation of data/information
Presentation of information

13. Tools of Precision Farming - IDI
Remote Sensing/Digital Imagery
Digitally recording the light reflectance from various ground and plant surfaces
Small differences in materials characteristics can be identified by reflectance values
Example: healthy plants and unhealthy plants
Example: plants short of nutrients

14. Processes of Precision Farming
Data Collection (builds data)
Data Analysis (creates information)
Interpretation (uses information for decision making or implementation)
Duplicates the decision making process

15. How are the tools used? Data collection Data Analysis Interpretation
Georeference data to a map - GPS
Manage and display data - GIS
Sensors to measure and sense soils or conditions - IDI
Data Analysis
Statistical Summary - GIS
Query objects and areas of interest - GIS
Interpretation
Spatial records in database - GIS
Interpretive maps - GIS

16. Uses of Precision Farming
Variable Rate Application and Guidance
Use of tools and analysis to apply correct amounts on fields
Recordkeeping
Use of Precision farming tools to record inventory, production or management
Spatial Analysis
Use of tools and records to analyze records for decision making

17. End products of Precision Farming
Recordkeeping

18. End products of Precision Farming
Spatial Analysis

19. End products of Precision Farming
Variable Rate Application

20. Benefits Economic Environmental Sustainability
Financial – higher yields/lower inputs
Environmental
Protecting the natural resources
Sustainability
Making decisions that balance both