Spatial referencing
- Spatial referencing links data to a specific coordinate location on the Earth’s surface.
- Global navigation satellite systems, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), are the technology that has made geo-referencing possible with accuracy from several metres to sub metre.
- Geo-referencing from global navigation satellite system (GNSS) made it possible to provide accurate location information that is crucial for sensor technology, GIS and VRT.
In addition, geo-referencing has provided producers with
- a navigation aid known as parallel tracking, which allows farm equipment operators to visualize their position with respect to previous passes;
- auto-guidance to steer agricultural vehicles automatically with occasional oversight by the operator; and
- autonomous vehicles where the operator’s presence is not required, allowing for the safe application of farm chemicals that are hazardous to human health.
Some examples of site-specific techniques
- Variable rate irrigation
- Precision mechanical weeder
- Herbicide application techniques
- Spectroscopy for identification of disease in Horticultural crops
- Canopy sensor-based pesticide application