Using a Win CE GPS/GIS Agricultural data collector with ArcView and ArcExplorer

A Rugged Field Computer for Precision Agriculture, the AgGPS 170 Field Computer

The AgGPS™ 170 Field Computer works with Trimble�s AgGPS Parallel Swathing Option and AgGPS receivers for mobile agricultural applications such as guidance, mapping, and automated record keeping. It provides ground-based vehicle guidance and agricultural mapping that enables the accurate application of agrichemical, seed, or fertilizer, saving time and cost while collecting records of the field operation. The AgGPS 170 Field Computer operating system is WinCE, and its native file format is ArcView shape file format.

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer removes the need for foam marker systems and other traditional forms of guidance, while maximizing field application efficiency, automating record keeping, and enabling the creation of field maps.

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer offers multiple guidance patterns that enable the operator to reduce skip and overlap in all field operations. Plus, the system provides sophisticated automated record keeping � a bonus when it comes to customer billing, communications with environmental authorities, and GIS (Geographic Information System) data analysis.

The robust and compact AgGPS 170 Field Computer is designed to withstand the environmental extremes of agricultural vehicles. The AgGPS 170 Field Computer unit has a fully sealed cast aluminum waterproof housing. The high-resolution color screen is readable in direct sunlight, and its brightness is easily adjusted for use at any time of the day or night. The keypad is backlit for maximum visibility. The hardware operates with a wide input voltage range and runs on both 12 and 24 volt systems. If power is lost, data integrity is preserved since the field computer performs a graceful shutdown saving all data. A shock resistant tilt and swivel pole mounting bracket is included for easy installation and protection of the field computer unit.

The modular AgGPS Field Management System includes the AgGPS 170 Field Computer, AgGPS receiver, and AgGPS Parallel Swathing Option. The resultant system is a top-of-the-line precision agriculture solution�providing precise guidance and agricultural mapping capabilities.

The AgGPS Field Management System is very easy to setup and use. The AgGPS 170 Field Computer connects via the Junction Box to the AgGPS receiver and the Parallel Swathing Option Lightbar. The six button External Keypad ensures easy field use.

Trimble offers a number of AgGPS receivers that have been specifically designed for the precision agriculture environment. You can choose a receiver that best meets your accuracy and budget requirements. Contact your nearest Trimble sales representative for more details about Trimble�s AgGPS receivers.

The AgGPS Parallel Swathing Option Lightbar provides clear and immediate guidance along swath lines. The Lightbar has a row of bright lights (LEDs) that indicate the vehicle�s distance offline, and an eight-character text screen to display user-selected information such as swath number and ground speed. It is easily mounted on the dash or from the ceiling of any spray truck, spreader, or tractor cab. The Lightbar�s bright LEDs ensure clear guidance in daylight. A dimmer feature enables the intensity to be reduced for night operations.

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer runs the Microsoft Windows CE operating system that is designed for mobile applications. The AgGPS 170 Field Computer software is modular. New modules and upgrades can be added as they are developed.

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer version 1 software package includes:

� Straight line parallel and curve parallel guidance

� Automated record keeping or logging

� Automatic snap-to swath selection

� Headlands and spiral guidance patterns

� Automatic screen scaling

� Field boundary mapping

� Marking of material out or reload points

� On-the-go mapping of point features

� Field history tables

All data is stored on a CompactFlash data card, for easy removal at the completion of the field operation. The AgGPS 170 Field Computer records data directly into the Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute) Shape (SHP) and dBase (DBF) formats creating layers of field boundaries, field coverage maps, point features, and diagnostic logging information. This format can be easily imported into most farm mapping software for data analysis, storage, or report generation. dBase files can be opened in a dBase editor such as Microsoft Excel. Free viewing programs such as Esri ArcExplorer are also available to view and print field data.

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer software has two main screens that are used during field operation�the Plan View Map and Information Screens.

� Plan View Map: A graphical screen that displays a plan view of the field being worked, including the field boundary, any mapped features, the vehicle location, and the coverage logging being performed. At all stages of a field application, cultivation, or planting, the Plan View Map displays the complete status of the field job. This allows you to identify any gaps in field treatment, and take immediate corrective action. A scale bar and a data storage indicator can be displayed on the Plan View Map. Zooming in and out is simple using + and � on the AgGPS 170 Field Computer�s keypad.

Softkeys for commonly-used swathing and logging functions are displayed along the bottom of each main screen. These Softkeys can also be used to map point features such as weeds, rocks, tiles, and plant variety changes with a single key stroke.

� Information Screens: These screens display user-selectable text information that suits the specific field operation. A wide range of information can be assigned to these screens including current swath or headland number, latitude and longitude, number of satellites, ground speed, distance off the current swath line, total time, and total area covered.

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer has an easy to use graphical interface. Drop-down menus are accessible via a Menu key. From the menu, you can access many screens, such as: field definition and guidance functions, configuration and diagnostic tools, and online help.

� Configuration Menus: The AgGPS 170 Field Computer software uses default settings to ensure easy configuration. Using the Setup and Equipment menu options, you can configure the AgGPS 170 Field Computer to suit specific equipment and operational requirements. For example, you can:

Generally, there is no need to alter these setup options once they are established. A manager can choose to hide the Setup and Equipment menus so field operators access fewer menu options�therefore ensuring that settings are not inadvertently changed during field operations.

� Operation Menus: If a manager chooses to hide the Setup and Equipment menus, there are only two menus visible while operating: Field and Help. As the operator drives to new field jobs, or uses different equipment, some swathing parameters (such as desired guidance pattern, swath line direction, or swath width) may change. The Field menu allows the operator to easily alter these parameters.

Each field can have any number of events. An event is any operation on one field such as cultivation, planting, pesticide, or fertilizer applications. To begin a field event, the operator opens a new field. If New Field (boundary) is selected, the operator will map the boundary by driving the first headland pass. Once the boundary is established, swathing can begin. Alternatively, an operator can select an existing field or select New Field (no boundary). In new fields with no boundary, the operator can immediately begin swathing.

For each event, the operator can enter descriptive information, such as the farm, field, and event names. Other data can be entered, such as the:

To facilitate input of this information, the AgGPS 170 Field Computer softkeys display previously used data entries.

After entering the farm, field, and event information, the Pattern Check Map graphical screen is displayed. This screen can be used as a final check to ensure the swath pattern, swath width, and field boundary settings are correct before starting the field event.

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer software offers a wealth of features. The most commonly used features are:

� Field boundary mapping

� Guidance

� Record keeping or logging

� Data transfer to a GIS

These features are described below.

Field Boundary Mapping

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer software enables fields to be defined in one of two ways:

� Field boundary driven: This type of field definition is usually performed as the first field headland or circuit of the field is driven. The field is defined by simply starting the auto-map function and driving the boundary. It is not necessary to return to the starting point to close the field boundary as the software will automatically close the field from the point where auto-mapping is turned off.

� A-B baseline or curve: This field definition technique does not require the boundary to be driven. You simply set an A and B point in the field to form a straight baseline along one edge of the field. If you select a curve guidance pattern, then the path driven between the setting of the A point and the B point will be recorded. Guidance lines are then generated from the straight A-B baseline. Curve guidance is generated from the last swath driven, allowing for obstacle diversion and guidance like a �virtual foam marker�.

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer offers a variety of guidance patterns. These include:

� Straight line parallel guidance

� Curve parallel guidance

� Headland (end row) guidance

� Spiral guidance

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer automatically records a number of records for each field event. This information is stored directly onto a CompactFlash data card. The following data is collected:

Event coverage maps: The AgGPS 170 Field Computer automatically creates a coverage map for each field event. When logging is on (i.e., while applying or planting), the coverage map is recorded. Logging can be manually controlled via Softkeys or automatically controlled via external master spray or spreader switches.

Event coverage maps are useful to graphically display the quality of the field operation. On the AgGPS 170 Field Computer, swaths are colored according to the GPS status during the field event. For example, high accuracy submeter (less than 3 ft.) DGPS positions are shown as green; lower accuracy 1-10 m (3 � 30 feet) DGPS positions (high DOP or old DGPS correction age) are shown as yellow; positions collected with no differential correction are shown as magenta; no GPS or invalid GPS positions are shown as red. The GPS status values are recorded in the coverage file for each DGPS position.

Feature mapping: The AgGPS 170 Field Computer allows the mapping of user-definable point features. A default set of point features and icons are provided for agricultural point and target mapping. When features are marked, they are shown on the Plan View Map as icons representing the feature. For example, weed icons are drawn on the screen for weed plants that were marked as the operator was driving the field, a rock icon for a rock observed in the field, or start point icons for different plant varieties sown in a field. Once a field is selected the color screen can be used to navigate back to selected locations.

Field boundary mapping: Field boundary maps and A-B baselines are stored in field boundary files. The field boundary files contain information collected to summarize the field:

Diagnostic logging: An optional layer of information called Diagnostic Logging can also be collected to store point elevation data for topography maps and to track more specific information on a vehicle�s movements throughout the day.

By default this logging layer is turned off. If diagnostic logging is turned on, the following information is logged at 1 second intervals:

GIS Data Transfer

All AgGPS 170 Field Computer data is recorded directly in Esri Shape (SHP) and dBase (DBF) files enabling efficient data transfer to a wide range of office software including ArcView, ArcExplorer, and dBase editors such as Microsoft Excel. The Esri ArcExplorer software is included with the AgGPS 170 Field Computer and is recommended for simple viewing and printing. Most agricultural GIS packages today can import and use Shape and dBase files, enabling widespread easy access and transfer of the AgGPS 170 Field Computer data. The summary data for each field event can be used to generate simple reports for you and your customers.

Trimble�s AgGPS 170 Field Computer is a highly accurate precision agricultural guidance, mapping, and record keeping system that is designed to enhance your existing precision agricultural equipment. With it, you can save both time and costs by improving application and planting efficiency, and ensuring the accuracy and maintenance of your records.

The AgGPS 170 Field Computer builds on the successful AgGPS Parallel Swathing Option and AgGPS receiver technology. It is this full functionality and modular structure, combined with innovative hardware design, simple operation and installation procedures, that enables the AgGPS 170 Field Computer to set the standard in precision agriculture today.

Optional Accessories for the AgGPS 170 Field Computer

CompactFlash PC Card Adapter Part Number 38364-00

8 MB CompactFlash Card Part Number 38363-00

The Trimble AgGPS Field Management System can be custom built by combining a number of Trimble AgGPS products. You choose the components to create an AgGPS Field Management System that suits your needs. To form the top-end AgGPS Field Management System, you need each of the following three items:

� Cable and Junction Box

� CompactFlash PC Card Adapter

� CompactFlash data card

� Shock Resistant Tilt and Swivel Pole Mounting Bracket

� AgGPS 170 Field Computer User�s Guide

� Quick Reference Card

� Esri ArcExplorer software

AgGPS 122 DGPS/Beacon Receiver Part Number 28937-00

AgGPS 124 DGPS/Beacon Receiver Part Number 33606-00

AgGPS 132 DGPS/Satellite/Beacon Receiver Part Number 33300-00

AgGPS 214 Dual-Frequency RTK Receiver Part Number 33577-10

* When an AgGPS 124 or AgGPS 132 receiver is connected to the AgGPS 170 Field Computer, the Everest™ and Fast Rate™ options are automatically activated. A number of options exist for each receiver�see specific AgGPS receiver product literature for more details.

Alternative DGPS receivers can be used with the AgGPS 170 Field Computer, by setting them to output a NMEA GGA and ZDA, or GGK message to the field computer. However, additional cabling is not provided to interface to alternative DGPS receivers and GPS performance is not guaranteed with non-Trimble sensors.