GTA300 Mapping

Create multiple map reports

• Yield data
• Product applications (as-applied maps)
• Wheel slip
• Fuel consumption
• Other machine operational information

Field boundary editing

• Create new field boundaries and edit existing ones
• Import or export a field boundary as a 'shape' file
  

Provided the data is saved in one of a number of common formats, GTA300 Mapping’s ‘open file’ structure allows the user to create maps from a wide range of other machine data.

In the Read Task Data screen, which is used to import this data, there is a simple check box that enables the user to filter out any erroneous information that has little or nothing in common with the majority of the data recorded. This automatic filtering process helps to ensure that the information being dealt with is ‘local’ and that the maps created are accurate.

However, the additional features provide further enhancement of existing functions and allow many tasks to be completed with just a click or two of the mouse. The high degree of automation means that information can be added or edited quickly and simply.

The screen divides into two windows, with the map appearing in the upper window and full details of the task in question, listed under various headings, in the lower window.

The Map window has a number of controls for customising the view according to user requirements. These controls can be used to select specific areas of the map, zoom in and out, choose from the various display options or preview and print the map report.

On the left-hand side of the information window are three vertical tabs – Task Selection, Map Properties and Information – used to view the maps and the information they contain.

Just click on a box in the View column of a completed task and it automatically appears in the Map window – providing it contains geo-referenced data. It’s as simple as that!

This useful feature lets the operator select tasks without leaving the Map window. It also enables tasks carried out in the field by different machines to be merged for the same crop and year. On the other hand, a task can be split up if, for example, a number of fields were harvested for a single task. Tasks previously merged can also be separated again.

The map displayed on clicking ‘View’ during task selection contains ‘raw data.’ The attribute list contains all the information options that can be viewed in a map – simply click to view the desired map information. It is also possible to create either a Grid or Contour view using the Add View button. In both options, the image data can be further fine-tuned to achieve precisely what’s required.

The Legend button can be used to set and edit the Legend Properties, providing three options for selecting and altering the template parameters, as well as determining the range of values and the colour of the map legend displayed. This powerful feature is easy to adjust and can be applied over and over again.

This valuable information highlights exactly where remedial action needs to be taken.

A major advantage of the seamless compatibility between AGCO equipment and the GTA software is that markers can be named on either the Fieldstar terminal or Console II and edited on the map. Alternatively, they can be set up on the software and transferred to the terminal, so the operator simply has to select the desired marker from the list to pinpoint and record information, such as specific weed infestations or poor ground conditions, that would not be logged automatically.

For closer examination of certain areas, just use the selection tools to specify the area required. The Information Tab then reveals the minimum, maximum and average values for the data selected.

By right-clicking the Field name or Enterprise in Farm Manager, then selecting ‘edit field boundary’, additional controls are displayed for editing the map boundary to the exact requirements.

Field boundaries show the entire perimeter of the field or area, whereas Enterprise boundaries enclose areas within the field where the crop is grown. This function is especially useful for excluding non-cropped areas from the map, such as set-aside or conservation headlands and margins. Clicking the mouse is all that’s required to edit boundaries.

Once a boundary is created, individual crops can be made easily identifiable simply by assigning different colours to wheat, oilseed rape, maize, etc, using the Commodities window in the Resource menu. Just select the crop, click on ‘properties’ and apply a colour.

GTA300 Mapping allows fields to be sub-divided into one or more Crop Enterprises, enabling records to be kept for each year and sorting Crop Enterprises within the farm or field.

This advanced mapping system eliminates the often laborious task of creating field boundaries manually by automating the function, so all that’s required now is a single click of the mouse to generate the boundary.