Glossary

(Crop) recommendation equations - These are algebraic equations that determine how much of a product is required for a specified time period of crop production.

*.bln file format - A boundary line file format.

*.dat file format - A data file format.

*.dbf file format - A database file format.

*.rpt file - The report file format created by the Falcon II controller.

*.tif file format - One file format that the Falcon II controller may use for variable rate application.

*.xml technology - http://www.xml.com/pub/a/98/10/guide1.html#AEN58; http://www.xml.com/axml/testaxml.htm;    Extensible Mark-up Language, abbreviated XML, describes a class of data objects called XML documents and partially describes the behaviour of computer programs which process them. XML is an application profile or restricted form of SGML, the Standard Generalized Mark-up Language [ISO 8879]. By construction, XML documents are conforming SGML documents. More Information (Less)

Analysis Lab - A module in SGIS to allow the user to ask questions of the information pertaining to a particular field.  Using an algebraic equation to obtain particular information for better management decisions.

Analysis Lab equations - This is the algebraic formula that asks the questions of the data within SGIS.

ArcView - ArcView is a component of the ESRI suite of GIS products.

ArcView GIS platform - SGIS is a program that is built with ArcView as its base/platform.  SGIS uses ArcView’s abilities and uses “streamline” tools for easier use.

ArcView GIS program - ArcView is the GIS program that enables a user to use data gathered with a specified latitude and longitude.

As Applied Data / Information - Data that is collected from the product controller in the field and shows what product(s), where and when they were applied.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) - A standard set of 128 characters, symbols and control codes used for computer communications. ASCII characters require 7 bits of data to send, but are often sent 8 bits at a time with the extra bit being a zero.

Baud rate - A measure of the speed of data transmission.

Bit (Binary digit) - The smallest unit of information into which digital data can be subdivided and that a computer can hold.

BUS - A generic term to describe the physical connection between a set of electronic components.

Byte - A set of consecutive bits that makes up a single item of information. A byte usually comprises a series of 8 bits and represents one character.

CAN - Controller Area Network.

CAN Bus (Controller Area Network) - The FIELDSTAR system uses a CAN Bus system. This is a system, developed by the German company Bosch, in which all parts are connected via a data bus. An endless string of messages are sent around the network, with special identifiers. While all components see all the ‘messages’ the individual parts read only those messages that are relevant to their operation. In the same way the individual parts of the system communicate by sending a message on the bus addressed to other specific parts of the network.
CAN greatly simplifies the wiring by allowing a large number of individual units to communicate with each other without the need for a complicated wiring system using separate cables. More Information (Less)

DGPS - Differential GPS (DGPS) is used to correct a GPS signal to achieve higher position accuracy. Differential, or correction signals, vary in precision but can provide positioning down to less than 5cm. The differential correction signals can be obtained by radio from coastguard stations, commercial satellites, local fixed receivers or portable beacons. Free satellite signals can be obtained from the WAAS system in the USA and a similar service for Europe, called EGNOS, is due to come on line in 2004. More Information (Less)

Digital soils maps - Soil type information in a form that can be used within the SGIS program.

DIN 9684 - DIN 9684 lays down a standard that enables equipment from various manufacturers to talk the same electronic ‘language’ and transfer information. This helps ensure various monitors and controllers from different makers are compatible and are able to work together in a single system.

ECM - Electronic Control Module, also known as “e-box”.

ECU - Electronic Control Unit.

EPA - Environment Protection Agency – A department of the United States Government concerned with the protection of people and the environment.

ESRI - ESRI has been a supplier of Geographic Information System (GIS) software for 34 years. ESRI provides many levels of software for the many levels of user expertise. The GIS software allows a user to relate information (i.e. - soil test levels, crop yield, etc.) to a known point on the face of the earth (i.e. - a specific spot in the field). More Information (Less)

Extrapolation - A method or technique that extends data from a known location to another position for which the values are not known.

EZQ - A sub-processing program within SGIS to enable the user to process on activity and start on the next activity.

Filtering of data -

FMIS - Farm Management Information System.

FODD - Field Operation Device Driver.

FODM - Field Operation Device Manager

Geocoded - A code that provides a description of the location of data, such as longitude or latitude coordinates.

Georeference system - A coordinate system keeping track of specific points on the Earth’s surface, such as WGS 84 (World Geodetic System 84) used for GPS navigation. The system works in: Latitude (Lat.), describing its north to south position, and  Longitude (Lon.) - the east to west position. Precise location is described in degree, minutes and seconds for example: Lat: 56 degrees, 28 minutes, 52.10 seconds. Lon: 10 degrees, 04 minutes, 38.56 seconds. More Information (Less)

GIS (Geographic Information System) - GIS is a set of software tools that is used to input, store, manipulate, analyse and display geographical information.

GIS-based - Geographic Information System-based – Information using latitude and longitude as a reference.

GPS (Global Positioning System) - The GPS is a constellation of 24 radio navigation satellites that transmit signals used by GPS receivers to determine location (position, velocity and time) to an acurracy to within about 10m. GPS signals are available world-wide, 24 hours a day, in all weather conditions. Further accuracy is available usng a DGPS receiver. More Information (Less)

Grid sampling - The act of sampling, by “laying” a grid over the specified area as a point of reference.

GTA Console - An AGCO technology machine console (virtual terminal) capable of controlling and reading machine and implement functions operating on the ISO-BUS 11783 standard.

Interpolation - A technique for obtaining statistically unbiased estimates of position variation of known points such as yield measurements. Interpolation refers these various locations to a set of known control points.

ISO - International Organization for Standardization.

ISO 11783 (International Standard Organization 11783) - ISO 11783 is an international standard to which all manufacturers should work to ensure their equipment is compatible with others world-wide. It incorporated main elements from other existing standards like DIN 9684.

LBS - The LBS system is a CAN Bus protocol specially adapted for use in agricultural engineering. This takes into account the special need for process control in tractors, implements and PC-based programming (including farm computer programs). The LBS system is also included in the creation of the DIN 9684 standard. More Information (Less)

MapInfo - GIS program using a *.tab file format.

MapInfo Exchange Files (*.mid/*.mif file extension) - A file format that is used by MapInfo Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs to use and transfer information.

MCID - Mapping Centre Identification.

Microsoft Access - The Microsoft database data management program.

MS SQL - Microsoft Structured Query Language

Nested "if/then" statements - The ability to ask “if these multiple conditions occur, then this is the desired outcome.”  Nested – (by rough definition-similar to embedded where a formula lies within another formula); nested “if” statements are “if” statements within another formula including other “if” statements; for example a maximum of 7 “if” statements can be nested in one another. More Information (Less)

NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) - An association that defines marine electronic interface standards for the purpose of serving the public interest. Fieldstar uses NMEA standard, along with most GPS receivers used in agriculture.

NPK - Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium (Primary fertilizer components).

Nutrient difference maps - The difference between the nutrient levels from one soil sample to a subsequent soil sample.

Oracle - Software Company generally associated with database information systems and the internet.

Prescription Lab - The module in SGIS that crop recommendations are made and maps are created for application.

PRN - Each GPS satellite generates its own distinctive PRN code, which is modulated onto each carrier. The PRN code identifies the satellite, as a timing signal, and as a sub carrier for the navigation data.

Production management zones - Creating an area in a field that has similar characteristics or capabilities for specific management practices.

Profit Analysis Calculator - The tool within SGIS to determine the potential added profitability of a site specific fertilizer program over a conventional fertilizer program.

QuickMap - A tool to convert application files in a *.shp file format to the Falcon *.tif format.

Relational Database Technology - A collection of several data tables linked by a common index.

RS 232 - RS 232 is a serial communication standard for digital data that specifies a number of signal control lines. RS 232 is often associated with a 25-pin connector called DB-25. FIELDSTAR uses an ‘open interface’ that can send information, such as variable dose rates, that can be read and used by partner systems that also use the same RS 232 protocol. More Information (Less)

RTCM (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services) - Commission that recommends standards for Differential GPS services. Fieldstar uses RTCM SC 104 Ver. 2.0 1200 Baud.

Sampling Summaries - A summary of soil sampling activities from a given field, farm, grower or service provider.

Serial communication - A system of sending bits of data on a single channel one after the other, rather than simultaneously.

SGIS - Soil Geographic Information System.

Shape files (*.shp file extension) - A file format that is used by ArcView Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs to use and transfer information.

Spread Map Summaries - A summary of the spread maps that have been created in SGIS.

Sub-processing program - A program within the main SGIS program to streamline the workflow.

TC - Task Controller.

TECU - Tractor Electronic Control Unit.

Temporary variables - A variable created within an equation to make writing the equation easier.

TMC - Tractor Management Centre.

UTC time (Universal Time Coordinated) - Uniform atomic time system/standard that used by satellites and is maintained by the US Naval Observatory. UTC defines the local solar mean time at the Greenwich Meridian.

VRT (Variable Rate Technology) - An implement that is capable of varying a product according to a pre-defined application plan.

VT - Virtual Terminal.

WGS 84 - see Georeference System

WGS84 lat/lon - The GPS projection that SGIS and Falcon require to operate properly.

XML documents - Documents including word processor-type files as well as other file types that include vector graphics, e-commerce transactions, mathematical equations, object meta-data, server APIs, and a thousand other kinds of structured information.