Ohio Geospatial Program for Agriculture and Natural Resources 32 Agric. Admin. Bldg., 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (614) 688-3442 fax (614) 292-3747 http://geospatial.osu.edu and The Ohio State University Precision Agriculture Team http://precisionag.osu.edu Computerized Software and Mapping Technologies for Crop Management Nathan Watermeier, Program Director and Geospatial Extension Specialist, Ohio Geospatial Extension Program, Ohio State University Extension As energy and input costs rise in agriculture it is not to uncommon for managers to continue to find ways for business efficiency. In many cases this can be a daunting task as operations get large and diversified. It also becomes difficult to keep track of all inputs and activities that go on in a business over time when evaluating the effectiveness of changes in management plans. Whether small or large farm, farm recordkeeping software and digital mapping technologies helps take out the guess work in managing and planning your operation. Combining the use of computerized mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) software, imagery, GPS collected data, and other geo-data sources allows any manager to gain confidence in their management strategies. To determine what set of crop record keeping and mapping tools are appropriate for your business depends on your applications. As markets have developed for premiums and identitypreserved agricultural products tools like geospatial technologies (ie, GIS, GPS, imagery, geodata) have provided a means of documenting and tracking these crops. They also provide a way of keeping genetically modified animal feed crops out of the human food supply and have enhanced food safety by improving the traceability of foodstuffs. When coupled with RFID and bar coding technologies it further enhances the documentation and reporting process. In addition, these tools allow you to create job orders, track employee time and efficiencies, generate records for pesticide applications and site plans for conservation program compliance. Other applications include developing water management plans for irrigation and drainage, farm appraisal maps and reports, documenting crop damage or losses for insurance claims, managing for frost protection, arranging raised beds and planting patterns in fields, yield production evaluation, and understanding spatial variability in the field. They have also been used to generate farm site plans for location of water and electric utilities, buildings, buffers, septic systems, and roads. For fun, growers have even prepared plans for geo-caching, eco-tourism trails, and corn maizes for farm entertainment segments of their operations. Mapping technologies can be used in operations of any size, but every application requires a different approach. You must decide what information you need and assemble a set of tools to gather it. You must decide what you can do yourself and which to contract out, taking into consideration your time, cash flow, and technical aptitude. You must also learn how to use the data you gather for decision making. Overall, the value you obtain from your software depends on how you use it as a tool for decision making. Whatever the case is for you, here are some considerations when choosing crop record keeping and mapping technologies.
2 Crop Record Keeping Software and Mapping Technologies Explored Crop record keeping and mapping technologies can consist of basic record keeping and display software, desktop GIS, web-based GIS, and simple viewers for imagery and maps. Depending on what your applications are, and ability to expand in the future, dictates the sophistication level of your software needs. Desktop and Mobile Platform Software There are desktop field record keeping and GIS programs designed specifically for agriculture. On average, these programs cost anywhere from $600 to several thousand dollars. These programs range from simple crop record keeping to full farm and business enterprise systems that includes connections to livestock, farm financial record keeping, crop management, and managing commercial fertilizer and chemical application operations. Generally, programs that have crop management features work with job tasks, field records, economics, soils, yield data, and creating recommendation maps for variable rate applicator equipment. There are also desktop GIS systems that can be very comprehensive and includes most everything you want it to do. However, some of the advanced GIS programs can have a demanding learning curve. Many of the larger operations and consultants are using GIS-level software. In some cases, they run a combination of software to meet all their needs. GIS stands for geographic information systems. It is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. It allows a user to stack layers of data at specific locations (points), regions (areas/polygons), or transects (lines) to make comparisons or calculations based on that geo-referenced data. This data can also be represented temporally over time to look for trends. For example, placing several years of yield data together can allow you to make comparisons from weather, hybrids, seeding rates, or fertility and pest problems occurring in a field. Some of specialized field record keeping and GIS programs for agriculture include: SMS, Ag Leader Technology http://www.agleader.com Farm Works Software - http://www.farmworks.com John Deere http://stellarsupport.deere.com/en_us/ EasiSuite, MapShots http://www.mapshots.com SST Toolbox, SST Development Group, Inc. http://www.sstdevgroup.com Mobile Farm Software - http://www.farm-software.net/ Large-scale and commercial enterprises and operations can also consider SGIS, Ag-Chem Equipment Co. Inc. http://www.agchem.com, Total Scout, AgCode, http://www.agcode.com/ and CropLands, Enterprise software by Linnet - http://www.linnet.ca. There are stand-alone GIS programs that can input various layers like vector (ie, points, lines and polygons) and raster (ie, images, graphics) data sets. They also use file types like shape files (*.shp) or MapInfo Interchange File (*.mif). These programs range from free to several thousand dollars. They also have a range of features from just viewing to geo-statistical computations. The low-cost programs are most adequate for general field record keeping and site planning work. Several noteable GIS programs used in agriculture and natural resources work today include: DIVA-GIS http://www.diva-gis.org ESRI http://www.esri.com Manifold.net http://www.manifold.net MapInfo http://www.mapinfo.com
3 JUMP http://www.jump-project.org/ AGIS - http://www.agismap.com/ Delta Data Systems, AGIS - http://www.deltadatasystems.com/agis/ GRASS - http://grass.itc.it/ Global Mapper http://www.globalmapper.com TatukGIS Editor http://www.tatukgis.com There are field-based data collection systems using handheld, TabletPC, and laptop computers to generate field data and then sync or integrate into desktop software for creating maps and reports. These programs are intended for crop scouting and field record keeping. Most of these have functionality of using attached GPS units to collect geo-referenced data. StarPal HGIS http://www.starpal.com ArcPAD ESRI http://www.esri.com/arcpad Site Mate Farm Works http://www.farmworks.com PocketCrops MapShots http://www.mapshots.com AgGPS EZ-Map Trimble http://www.trimble.com/ SST Stratus and Summit SST Development Group, http://www.sstdevgroup.com PocketDlog Delta Data Systems - http://www.deltadatasystems.com/dlog/ FieldWorker http://www.fieldworker.com/ Field Recon AgRenaissance, http://www.fieldrecon.com/ Total Scout AgCode, http://www.agcode.com/ Internet Based GIS and Mapping Tools An online or web-based GIS system is simply that, a mapping system you can use on the web. These systems provide data that go beyond your farm operation and provide data at the county, state and national levels. The benefit from using these tools is that you don t need to purchase stand-alone software. You can either download a viewer or use a web browser to access online web maps. You can overlay several data layers, make measurements (ie, acres, feet), obtain data, display, and print maps. However, many of these online GIS systems are designed for specific purposes and are limited to the data that it represents. In many cases you are not able to download data to your own software or add your own data through the online GIS. In the future, there will be more services that can allow you to add your own data. Since these tools rely on the Internet it requires fast bandwidth to refresh and display maps adequately on your computer. This can be a large drawback for rural communities with limited bandwidth capabilities. In some cases, the map will not even display. Some examples of online GIS systems include county and engineering offices for putting up real estate parcel and tax information. The USDA-NRCS Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/) and the University of Illinois MarketMaker (http://www.marketmaker.uiuc.edu) are a few agriculture examples to visit. Other noteable Internet based mapping tools that are available to display US level topographic (elevation) and aerial, satellite imagery and other data include Google Earth http://earth.google.com, Microsoft Terraserver http://terraserver-usa.com, and USAPhotoMaps http://www.jdmcox.com. Microsoft Terraserver works through any web browser. Google Earth and USAPhotoMaps require you to download a viewer that pulls data directly from the Internet. The most popular tool is Google Earth. It has taken the best-of-the-best aerial and satellite imagery and has created a seamless map for the world. It even has the capability for making linear measurements. You can also purchase extensions that can allow you to add your own data. Here s a tip for those of you who want to attract visitors to your farm. Consider creating a link from your web site using a keyhole markup language (ie, *.kml) link. Microsoft Terraserver and USAPhotoMaps both rely on black and white digital orthophotoquads (DOQs) and topographic data represented as digital raster graphics (DRGs). They also provide a format that you can download as a geo-referenced image for use in stand alone mapping programs. USAPhotoMaps also allows you to add GPS data points straight from a handheld GPS unit.
4 Obtaining Geo-Data for Making Maps Stand-alone software is only useful if it has data. There are several sources of data that you can obtain locally, at the state and national level or by collecting it yourself. In many cases your county auditor and engineers office have many data layers needed to start your mapping. Typically, these offices use GIS and will provide the data in a shape file format (*.shp). They can generate CDs of the data for you for free or a nominal fee. Each state typically has a state GIS repository of geo-datasets to access existing layer data for aerial and satellite imagery, roads, rivers, streams, utilities, transportation, soils, elevation, population densities, census information and other unique data sets. For example, Ohio s geo-data repository is the Ohio Metadata Explorer (http://metadataexplorer.gis.state.oh.us/metadataexplorer/). In order to get more specific data for your operation you may need to collect or digitize your own data. This is particularly important if you want to generate field and plot boundaries, riparian areas, soil samples, wells, irrigation and drainage routes, logistic routes and roads, physical building and utility locations, easements and property boundaries, and trial or research plots. This becomes important for overall crop and site planning, assessing field variability, and managing inputs. This can be accomplished by using GPS devices or drawing new layers from an existing geo-referenced layer in your mapping program. An appropriate GPS device tends to be more accurate. If you need estimates, the digitization process works just as good. Keep in mind that GPS is not precise and depending on the accuracy of your unit it may provide errors up to 50 feet. Obtaining GPS coordinates and calculations for use in zoning, property boundaries, and other legal binding contracts that require surveying need to be accomplished by licensed land surveyors. General Considerations for Choosing Software The following are some guidelines to consider when selecting stand-alone field record keeping and GIS mapping software for use in crop production. Before you buy, consider obtaining a free demonstration version of the software. Most companies will provide the software for evaluation on a limited time frame or for so many uses before they require you to purchase the software. Features The features are by far the most important consideration when selecting software. You need to take into consideration it s expandability, functionality, and appropriateness for your application. The following are a few questions to ask yourself for use in crop and site planning software. What data formats does it accept? Does it work with certain hardware equipment and controllers? Are you able to display imagery (ie raster data)? Does it provide you the ability to import and export files? This becomes particularly important when you create application maps that need to communicate with other programs and VRT controller equipment. Does it display and edit vector layers (ie, points, lines, polygons) and query attribute data? Does the software allow you to digitize field boundaries, buffers, or areas? Are you able to clip, merge or join data sets together? Can you generate reports? Can you provide economic data? Can you analyze several years of data together? Can you make calculations to create grid and spatial maps for variable rate applications, profit maps, or other management maps? Do you have the capability to change data projections, coordinates, and units? If not, other services or software may be needed if you intend to work with several spatial layers of different projections.
5 Does it provide online connectivity for pulling in other data sets and online help? Ease of Use Learning new software can be challenging and will require an investment in time to learn. Ask yourself these questions when looking at the software. Is the overall presentation and layout beneficial to your needs? Is it easy to understand and do specific tasks? Does it stall or take long periods of time to generate maps and data? In many cases, you can get more proficient in using the software by participating in training opportunities provided by the software company. Computing Hardware Requirements All software comes with minimum computing hardware requirements. This includes the operating system, memory, and hard drive space needed to guarantee adequate operation and storage of data using the software. The more elaborate GIS software that works with large data sets and imagery needs additional memory for the video card for speed of displaying the information. In some cases it may require you to think about updating or replacing your computer and operating system. At a minimum, a computer system to run a GIS-based software program would include something similar to a Pentium 4, 2.0 GHz processor, 80 GB hard drive, 1.0 GB memory, and 256 MB video memory. Keep in mind this software will generate it s own data so sufficient data storage and back up plans are needed to keep your data safe. You should also backup your data and store it in several locations in case of data equipment corruption, theft, fire or other natural disasters destroying your property (ie, bank vault, other family or business offices, Internet data warehouses). Additional back up storage drives, USB memory sticks, PCMCIA cards, secure digital (SD) cards, and burnable CD and DVDs all work when backing up and storing data. Another requirement may require you to use a mobile computing platform like a laptop, tabletpc, or handheld computer (ie, PocketPC or Palm OS). Some field record keeping companies like SST Development Group, FarmWorks, ESRI, and Mobile Farm Software develop independent solutions for different operating system and computing hardware platforms that ultimately work together for your application. For example, you may have a mobile data collection system that includes a Pocket PC and GPS unit that collects field based data. This unit requires software that can only run on a Pocket PC. You sync or connect your mobile system to your desktop computer and it transfers data into another software platform. This would be needed to further analyze, display and print data collected from the mobile system. Support and Training Like any software user you will encounter issues in installation, general operation errors or difficult in understanding the uses of different features and functions of the software. It is important to know what is being provided by the software supplier in means of phone, email, online support and training to help answer your questions. It is wise to participate in training opportunities provided by the company as soon as you get the software. Check to see what training times and methods are offered that best fit your needs. These typically are instructor-lead training courses but can also consist of online courses involving instructional methods using self-guided tours and training modules included on CD or DVD media. You can save time and frustrations down the road by learning the basic tasks of using your new software. Most support calls are added fees either through annual subscriptions or per incidence contacts. Also check to see what level of help and support is provided by means of manuals, help section built into the software, and online help through the company web site, knowledge base, or user groups. Price Software prices can range from free to several thousands of dollars. However, prices typically range from $250 to $1,500 for most basic crop production mapping and GIS based software. You should also take into consideration annual subscription fees. These fees can range from $100 to $1,000 per year. Also check to see if there is a money-back guarantee or time frame where you can return the software if you are not satisfied with the software. Maintenance In order for software companies to make their livelihood and guarantee your software is updated annually they require subscription fees. As mentioned earlier this is an
6 additional price you need to consider when investing in software. In many cases where you forgo your maintenance they may ask you to repurchase the software at list price and start with a subscription fee. If you plan to use your software for the long-haul it is ideal to keep up with the maintenance of the software. In many cases part of this maintenance agreement also includes free phone and email support. Ultimately, this could save you more money if you see yourself calling for support frequently. Many of these considerations mentioned here vary by software supplier. Make sure to fully investigate the various functions of the software and that it meets your application needs. Talk with others around your community who have invested in this technology. Many users post questions to several online agriculture message boards asking others who use the software for their opinion. Agriculture.com (http://www.agriculture.com/) and New Ag Talk (http://talk.newagtalk.com/) are a few examples that have online message boards. Additional information on considerations for selecting mobile GPS data collection and field record keeping systems can be found at http://geospatial.osu.edu/resources/handheldgps.html