Components For A Successful

Precision Agricultural System

In Citrus
Scott L. Peterich
Integrated GIS, Inc.
January 21, 2004

Overview
What

is a Geographic Information System

Misconceptions of a GIS
Benefits of a GIS
Summary

What Is A Geographic
Information System
A system

that allows all functional

components of a company to analyze and
quantify information, both text/tabular and
spatial.
A system that allows for and factors in
change.
A system that is extremely complex in
design, operation, and management,
however, easily displays to all parties
information in summarized reports.

Misconceptions of a GIS
A company

GIS that consists of a full-time

employee being assigned to a part-time
position to manage the program.
Reality - A GIS requires a full-time
employee to manage and direct the
program. Part-time dedication leads to
frustration for all parties.

Misconceptions of a GIS
Our

company is going to wait until other

citrus companies have figured out the
benefits of technology and the we will copy
what they have done.
Reality Even though an agricultural GIS
has similar components, each system is
customized to fit the company. This
customization is accomplished by both trial
and error and learning how to think in
spatial terms.

Misconceptions of a GIS
Our

company does not have the technical

personnel to run the sophisticated and
complicated equipment and collect field
data.
Reality Do not underestimate your
personnel. Technical expertise can be
learned and does not necessarily require a
formal education. Most individuals
currently involved in agricultural
technology are self-taught.

Misconceptions of a GIS
Citrus

prices are so low our company does

not have the money to spend on a GIS at
this time.
Reality During tough economic times a
GIS will allow you to apply your limited
financial resources in areas where ROI can
be maximized. Re-visit your budgets and
find the money.

Misconceptions of a GIS

We have

a GIS. We have configured our

equipment for VRA, collected georeferenced soil samples, created a
prescription map, and have begun making
cultural practice changes to the grove.
Reality All of the above are good and
components of a GIS, however, there is no
system for handling the data. Refer to the
meeting agenda: Geo-database
development, data collection, data analysis,
site-specific applications.

Misconceptions of a GIS
We know

our property inside and out. We

know both the good and bad areas. We do
not need a GIS and it would be a waste of
money.
Reality Yours, of all companies, would
receive the most benefit of a GIS. Property
knowledge is essential in working with GIS
professionals to develop the best strategy to
correctly manage crop inputs. By working
together positive changes will occur more
rapidly.

Misconceptions of a GIS
As

an employee of a citrus company, I do

not want a GIS since it could cost me my
job in the future.
Reality A well designed GIS will allow
individuals the opportunity to showcase
their knowledge, skills, and talents. You
will be evaluated more quantitatively rather
than subjectively.

Misconceptions of a GIS
Our

company does not like computers and

our personnel are not interested in learning
how to use them. We are going to contract
everything out to GIS professionals.
Reality This very well may be what most
companies do. Your personnel do not have
to be computer experts and contracting with
GIS professionals would be a wise move.

Reality - Continued
However, the

information that is a created

as a result of these GIS professionals
expertise must reside in a known safe and
secure place. Information on 4 or 5
different computers can not be properly
integrated, analyzed, and quantified. This
information, in the long run, is your
companys financial future.

Benefits Of A GIS
A GIS

will allow a company to better

understand their financial producing assets.
Not all land was created equal. Future property
values will be based on productivity potential
for agricultural use and proximity to urban
areas for commercialization.

Benefits Of A GIS

Preparation

for addressing Government

compliance issues. In the past, most
agencies had proprietary databases that
were not easily interchangeable. Most
agencies have now adopted a GIS and are
operating on similar geo-databases that can
easily be transferred to each other.

Best Management Practices

Water Management Districts
EPA
City, County, State Land-use plans

Benefits Of A GIS
Commodity

buyers and the consumer.

Technology has brought the world closer
together and consumers are demanding
detailed information on what they are
purchasing.
Country of Origin
Food Safety Where was the commodity

grown and what was applied on the crop.

Benefits Of A GIS
Product

Quality and Compensation

Evaluation of product quality components such

as rootstock/scion relationships, soil, moisture,

etc.
Compensation Processing facilities are
making a move to pay for lbs. juice, not lbs.
solids. Depending on the factors previously
described, there could be a difference in longterm financial compensation.

Summary
Prior

to the adoption of a GIS, design it to

reflect the current and future strategic
direction of the company.
What market segments are you currently

involved in Citrus, sod, cattle, sugarcane,

ornamentals, etc.
What is the best use for the land long term
Agriculture or Commercialization.

Summary
Listen

carefully to the following Presenters.

Each presentation is a valuable component
of your GIS. How you integrate these
components will ultimately determine the
sophistication and success of your GIS.

Summary
The

design, implementation, and

management of a GIS is extremely difficult.
Senior Management of the company must
provide their vision and financial support
and remain involved through each phase of
the GIS development if positive results are
to be obtained. Without Senior
Management support less than desirable
results will occur.

Summary
Geo-Database
Yield
Monitoring

GPS Equipment Tree Size Assessment

Sensors
Irrigation
Geographic
Information
System

Weather

Labor Tracking
Soil Fertility

Soil Profiling
Variable Rate Applications