The Farm Spatial Database Management System: A GIS for Precision Agriculture

Present day precision agriculture warrants the necessity of automated systems for managing farm data and associated attributes. Agricultural producers who use precision farming techniques are requesting development of GIS software applications to analyze spatial data. The Farm Spatial Data Management System (FSDMS) is an ArcView 3.1 GIS tool developed to manage and analyze spatially-oriented agricultural data and facilitate GIS linkage to the USDA-ARS Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management (GPFARM)decision support system. The FSDMS system provides both pre- and post-processing of spatially-oriented GPFARM data. This paper focuses on general application of the FSDMS system and describes how it integrates with the GPFARM DSS.

INTRODUCTION

The Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management (GPFARM) decision support system (DSS) is being developed as a tool to provide strategic planning for Great Plains farming and ranching systems (Ascough et al., 1997; 1998).� In general, GPFARM will allow the development of long-term strategic planning scenarios in a non-spatially variable environment within defined land management units.� The incorporation or linking of a geographical information system (GIS) to the GPFARM DSS will provide the capability to archive, access, analyze and link spatial and attribute data generated from a variety of sources.� A beta version of GPFARM was made available to farmers, crop consultants, university personnel, and other beta testers in February 1998.� This version will evolve to Version 1.0 of GPFARM in October 1999.� Version 2.0 of GPFARM is to incorporate GIS-based geographical coordinate data and maps.� GPFARM is designed to draw on many sources for input data and information. In many cases, the data will be made available in georectified maps with either latitude-longitude or Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate systems.� Additional data not in map form for many farm and ranch units are linked to coordinate positions in base mapping systems.� GIS systems are efficient in storing, accessing, analyzing and displaying this form of attribute coordinate-linked data to the GPFARM DSS.� The strategic planning output from GPFARM is anticipated to be in the form of tables, reports, and maps.� In order for the map output to be effective for some more advanced end users, the maps and many of the GPFARM spatially-oriented tables should be in geographic coordinate systems for insertion into user GIS systems and data banks.

The objectives of this paper are to:

�        Describe the development of a Farm Level Spatial Data Management System (FSDMS); and

�        Show how the FSDMS will integrate into the GPFARM DSS currently being developed by the USDA-ARS Great Plains System Research Unit (GPSRU) and Colorado State University (CSU).

VARIABLE RATE FARMING AND RANCHING

����������� Producers who implement variable rate or precision farming operations use data generated by differential global positioning system (DGPS) location sensing equipment.� Almost all DGPS data are in either latitude-longitude or UTM coordinate systems.� Whether the digital maps are generated by combine DGPS-controlled yield monitors or the nutrient or pesticide applications are controlled by DGPS-controlled applicators (driven by prescription maps), the need for GIS/FSDMS mapping systems is justified.� The repository for historical yield maps or application prescription maps and map-linked attribute data tables is most efficiently managed by the GIS component of the FSDMS.� Additional data are required for modern farm management.� Government programs are in potential danger of phase-out and profitability of the farm operation in an open and competitive market makes farming more dependent on combinations of remotely sensed soil and canopy imagery, as well as more intensive field scouting for weed and pest problems.� The temporal information requirements and map-based data now required for modern farming justify an automated system of managing spatial data (maps) and attribute data (associated data relating to geographic location within a single map or digital image).

����������� Farming operations can use significant amounts of nutrients and pesticides.� Leaching of farm chemicals has been proven to contaminate groundwater aquifers to the extent that drinking water supplies are endangered.� Farm/ranch and agrochemical enterprises are under pressure to increase the efficiency of application.� Liability considerations are motivations for increased documentation of the spatial and quantitative distribution of agrochemicals and manure in the farm/ranch operation.� The FSDMS GIS and linked databases provide efficient means for storing the temporal, spatial and attribute information associated with the application of agrochemicals.� Historical field data for nutrient, pesticide, and other input applications; yield tracking; and for crop rotations can be mapped and linked to additional attribute data relating to specific fields or changes in field boundaries.� Farm/ranch operations which use trend information from year-to-year for decision making and for documentation for governmental programs require a system of mapping with a georectification of coordinates so that all mapping is on a common coordinate system.� Co-registration of any map throughout time is assured through georectifying all maps to the same coordinate system.� Using a GIS with a common coordinate system allows interchange of the farm maps with any other mapping system or map user whether another farmer, researcher, agribusiness or government program officer.� The FSDMS should have the capability to georegister any map to a common mapping coordinate system.

FSDMS SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

����������� The FSDMS has been developed ArcView^TM GIS software with customizations based on the Avenue^TM macro language furnished with ArcView^TM.� FSDMS will be applicable for use by the GPFARM DSS (Version 2) and also as a stand-alone software module.� FSDMS is currently being developed by a team of USDA-ARS GPSRU scientists and cooperators as an independent GIS module for linking to the GPFARM DSS.� The FSDMS development team is training selected users and testing the software with actual farm data.� The FSDMS will also provide an independent platform for general farm producer and agribusiness industry use.� Future programming, evaluation and testing will be completed in a collaborative environment between the USDA-ARS GPSRU, producers, crop consultants, agribusinesses, and other GPFARM evaluation team members.� There are three primary objectives for development of the FSDMS:

Objective 1

The FSDMS consists of a multi-functional system that:

�        Provides an interface (I/O) between users, hardware, and programs;

�        Provides management of spatially referenced data; and

�        Provides interpretation of georeferenced spatial data, and links the program to other programs that provide additional data assessment and interpretation (e.g., GPFARM and previously developed prescription farming modules).

Objective 2

The FSDMS provides a tool for spatial data storage, indexing, analysis, output and transfer of information and data between farmers, consultants, researchers, suppliers, and government agencies.

Objective 3

����������� The FSDMS provides a support mechanism for linking to prescription development modules and for developing mapping products for application of prescription and variable rate application farming.

����������� The ArcView^TM GIS software and associated database and related independent programs running in conjunction with ArcView^TM through DLL, OCX, and ODBC links are being used as the development software.� Hardware platforms are personal computers (PC�s) running Microsoft^� Windows^TM 95/98/NT operating systems.� Data input will include GIS maps and databases relating to cooperator test farms in addition to USDA and CSU research farm data.

FSDMS CAPABILITIES

Generic Spatial Data Management Tool

The FSDMS, as a spatial data management tool for farm operations, is compatible with the strategic planning aspect of GPFARM.� The FSDMS will also be compatible with a short-term management version of GPFARM if this capability is implemented in the future.� The FSDMS also acts as a separate component for farming operations providing mapping technologies, data analysis and storage of maps and related attribute data in GIS data tables.� The FSDMS provides the following functions to a farmer:

�        Allows use of differential global positioning system (DGPS) data for on-farm mapping or acceptance of DGPS signals for modifying or creation of georectified data that can be converted into map layers;

�        Accepts georectified maps from outside sources including combine yield maps, soil sampling maps, field boundary maps, and weed-pest infestation maps;

�        Acts as an information and record keeping manager for spatial and attributal map layer data;

�        Provides spatial data analysis tools providing partial GIS functionality specific to farming operations; and

�        Provides GIS neighborhood and overlay capabilities.

Archive for Short and Long Term Data Storage

The FSDMS provides spatial database capabilities for storage of farm records related to spatial data and farm operations.� Much of the information record keeping is related to spatially oriented operations.� Examples include:

�        Long term data storage maps including base farm maps, soil maps, landscape maps, wetland maps, permanent field boundaries, access roads, and utilities;

�        Shorter term data storage maps including annual field maps, yield maps, irrigation distribution and application maps, crop records and maps, and animal records and grazing maps;

�        Management records such as environmental conditions, weather information, crop damage, pest records and maps, fertilizer and farm chemical application records and maps, and flood maps; and

�        Rental land mapping and field boundary mapping.

Information Tool for Compliance

����������� Farming operations involving farm chemicals and farm byproducts involve liability, hazards to employees, impacts on land and waterways, and impacts on surrounding lands (e.g., adjacent rural subdivisions).� Farm operation records and map information storage, retrieval, processing, and output will be provided for:

�        Chemical and nutrient application maps and associated data;

�        Soil erosion compliance through crop maps, crop rotation maps, and land contouring operations;

�        Tillage maps and associated data;

�        Information analysis and report preparation; and

�        Electronic transmitting and information distribution capabilities.

GIS for Analytical Use

����������� Farm operations require processing of raw spatial data and analysis of spatial information for management of the farm enterprise.� The FSDMS:

�        Provides capability for neighborhood-type GIS analysis;

�        Provides capability for overlay-type GIS operations;

�        Prepares map and table preparation for printed report outputs;

�        Provides data input from a variety of sources including DGPS point, scanned aerial photography, digital georeferenced maps from a variety of sources, tabular data input by crop consultants and the farm operator, and GIS data layers and tabular databases from other GIS program modules;

�        Allows data transparency through the use of common geographic coordinate systems; and

�        Routes data input and output through the Internet or modem-based electronic data transmission.

Farm Query Tool

����������� Although previously mentioned as an FSDMS capability, the importance of data and information query is a significant component of the product.� Ease of interaction with both maps and tabular data will be provided to the user.

Spatial Data Interface for GPFARM Version 2.0

The FSDMS will act as a linked module to GPFARM and provide the following functions:

�        Spatial data maps and tables are most efficiently stored in a GIS.� Georeferenced information needed by GPFARM can be accessed and stored within the GIS function of the FSDMS.

�        Mapping and printing engine.

�        Spatially distributed statistical data analysis.

�        GIS overlay and neighborhood functions for spatially mapped data.

�        GIS charting and graphing engine.

�        Spatially distributed database access and table joining to GPFARM database tables.

�        Linking to precision farming map development or prescription development modules for importing into GPFARM.

FSDMS USER FUNCTIONALITY LEVELS

Definition of Function Levels

Effective use of the FSDMS requires that different levels of user experience with computers and the product be considered.� Four levels of use or computer literacy will be provided based on the following criteria.� All levels of use expect that data storage, query, analysis, and output will be required; however, the interface and help screens provide different levels of information access and analysis sophistication, from elementary analysis to complex spatial analysis and data table management.�

Function Level 1

����� An entry level user is presumed to be someone interested in elementary mapping (i.e., simple map and report output and archival of farm records and maps) and spatial data storage/analysis in a simple georectification coordinate system, including a farm-based grid system.� FSDMS Level 1 provides users the capability to sketch farm layouts and develop databases related to specific locations on the farm layout. Users have the choice of either creating a sketch of the farm on a blank screen or creating a sketch on top of an aerial photo, as shown in Figure 1.


Figure 1. Lindstrom Farm (Eastern CO) Outline Sketched Over Aerial Photo


When the farmer tills the fields or �scouts� the crops for weeds and pests, the digital field image can be annotated on-screen and associated data stored in image-related databases tied to the image within the FSDMS (Figure 2).


Figure 2. Lindstrom Farm Databases

Crop yields can be entered by field into the image-linked databases.� Additional information relating to soil fertility, crop yield, government program controls, and crop production costs can be entered into conventional PC-based database software programs and linked or �joined� electronically to the image-linked database tables. �This is the most elementary of the FSDMS functions, or Level 1 functionality.� Specific features at this level include the following basic functions of interest to all users:

�        Based on ArcView^TM commercial off-the-shelf GIS software ;

�        User-friendly for shortening the learning curve of busy farmers and consultants whose attention span is spread across many simultaneous operations during the growing season;

�        Capable of accepting digital data in the form of maps, images and attribute data through file transfer protocol (FTP) or modem communications from remote sources;

�        Provides choice of differing levels of complexity for ease of use from beginner to expert, i.e., user can shift to Levels 2, 3, or 4 from this level;

�        Provides �help� or wizard guides for specific applications or operations;

�        Provides temporal or historical trending for important parameters; and

�        Provides indexing maps and tables for ease of review.

����� Level 2 functionality is a farming operation or enterprise in which the complexity of cropping or farm size justifies a mapping operation controlled by a geographic coordinate system such as latitude-longitude or UTM.� Any information or any maps that pertain to the farm can be entered into the FSDMS in the geographical coordinate system thus assuring transparency between data sources and any single location within the farm boundary.� With spatial commonality for all locations within the farm boundary for any digital map or digital information layer, historical information can be developed for any location on the farm.� The true capabilities for commercially available geographic information systems can now be applied to the FSDMS and multiple sources of spatial and attribute data can be entered into the FSDMS.� Map-linked data tables can be accessed by pointing to a specific location on the farm map and any tabular data associated with the specific geographic location in the farm can be viewed and accessed for additional analysis.� This level provides all capabilities of Level 1 in addition to the following:

Function Level 2

�        Provides a linkage to GPFARM;

�        Provides the capability of DGPS input for on-the-go mapping;

�        Enables farmers to georectify their own digital geo-locational data and imagery;

�        Provides temporal and spatial indexing for data tables and maps; and

�        Provides 3-D, contouring, or color-ramping for contouring elevation and other z-related data;

�        Provides access to elementary GIS analysis functions.

Function Level 3

����� Level 3 functionality is an expansion of Level 2 mapping system operations.� As large and complex farming operations adopt modern variable rate application technologies, a spatial data repository and database system is needed.� The use of combine-based yield data from DGPS locational information and combine output requires a mapping of the data into yield maps.� The yield maps in themselves provide spatial information about the variable yield across the field.� However, the benefit of the yield map is to provide the producer and crop consultant with part of a �prescription� for enhancing yields by applying nutrients or other chemicals to hopefully reduce the cost of chemicals and at the same time increase potential crop yields.� Precision application may be justified in some cases not by �bottom line� profit margins, but by government mandates for reduction of soil erosion or for reduction of nitrates or other farm chemicals being leached to ground waters.

This level provides all the capability of Level 2 in addition to the following:

�        Provides a linkage to GPFARM;

�        Provides capability of interfacing with yield monitoring and variable-rate application equipment.� This is a variable-rate application or precision farming application rate �map maker.�

�        Provides a linkage to prescription development modules.

�        Provides ease of use in joining map-linked data tables to external relational databases (primarily PC databases such as Microsoft^� Access^TM).

�        Offers additional advanced GIS analysis capabilities including spatial statistics.

Function Level 4

Level 4 functionality encompasses all attributes of Levels 1, 2, and 3.� In addition, Level 4 functionality provides linkage to peripheral models and analysis modules such as neural network or artificial intelligence prescription farming, i.e., �prescription development.�� In addition to linking to peripheral modules, the GPFARM DSS will provide an integrated analytical tool for strategic management of the complete farming operation.� Level 4 functionality includes linkage to GPFARM and other user managed or resource databases through electronic communication.� Sharing and transfer of information between researchers, farm producers, crop consultants, governmental agencies and cooperative extension, and agricultural suppliers becomes more important in the future of optimized farm production systems.� The expanding popularity of the Internet and the use of FTP file transfers between different computer systems operated by the above-named user groups makes the incorporation of interfaces for ease of transferring information and data between computer systems via telephone lines. The transfer of data between crop consultants, producers and USDA-ARS researchers involved in calibrating and beta-testing versions of GPFARM is necessary and the ability to transfer mapping and tabular data for use by GPFARM makes the inclusion of electronic communication paramount in importance.

Level 4 provides research tools for advanced producers, crop consultants, cooperative extension, and government or university research.� The development of a prescription module for assessing the spatial characteristics of the farm portrayed by digital maps, the farmer or crop consultants knowledge of their farm, and the historical information trends of the data tables and maps of the FSDMS, becomes an important part of the additional modules or programs linked to the FSDMS.� This level provides all capabilities of Levels 1, 2, 3, and in addition provides full data communication for receiving and transferring data to other users, crop consultants, researchers, and governmental agencies.

CONCLUSIONS

FSDMS will provide an integrated module for interfacing with GPFARM, a DSS now under development for agricultural resource management.� Farming systems researchers will be able to use the interface and record storage, record management, record analysis, and information output to farm simulation and management modules.� Farmers and crop consultants will benefit by having a system that can receive spatial and tabular data from remote sources for on-farm analysis and viewing as well as for entering into variable rate application equipment.� GPFARM will incorporate GIS capability in future versions, and users who are interested in both GPFARM and precision farming will want linking between both modeling systems.� Transferability and transparency of data are extremely important to both technologies.� In conclusion, the development of the FSDMS benefits a wide variety of users requiring spatial and temporal data management and analysis.

REFERENCES

Ascough II, J.C., M.J. Shaffer, J.D. Hanson, G.S. McMaster, and L.A. Deer-Ascough.� 1997. The Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management (GPFARM): A decision support system for whole farm/ranch strategic planning. �Am. Soc. Agric. Eng. Paper No. 97-5053.� Proc. Am. Soc. Agric. Eng. 1997 Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota.� August 10-14.

Ascough II, J.C., G.S. McMaster, M.J. Shaffer, J.D. Hanson, and L.R. Ahuja.� 1998.� Economic and environmental strategic planning for the whole farm and ranch: The GPFARM decision support system.� Proc. First Interagency Hydrologic Modeling Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada.� April 19-23.

AUTHOR INFORMATION