Agricultural GIS

Agricultural GIS

GIS in Agriculture

Efficiency in the agricultural sector can be augmenting effectively by using Information Technology tools such as remote sensing and GIS. The database for the agriculture sector can ensure greater reliability of estimates and forecasting that will help in the process of planning and policymaking. Efforts to improve and harness latest remote sensing and information technology techniques to capture, collate, add value and disseminate data into appropriate destinations will be helpful for managing risk and in accelerating the growth process.

Spatial analysis, the study of geographic features, and the relationships that exist among them can be applied to many areas of the agricultural industry. By better understanding how features within the landscape interact, decision makers can optimize operational efficiency and improve economic returns. GIS is becoming fully integrated and widely accepted for helping government agencies to manage programs that support farmers and protect the environment.

Geographical information systems are used for creating tram lines and elevation models. Tram lines for auto-steering are made by creating parallel lines based on the width of the implement being used across a field. Tram lines are commonly used in Europe so the equipment traverses the field in the exact same tracks reducing soil compaction. Elevation models developed in a GIS are used for improving drainage (e.g., crowning) and for leveling (e.g., rice production)

Preserving the environment, managing assets, constant overproduction with low prices, changing government subsidies, biotechnology, and intense global competitions are reasons agricultural professionals are using geographic information system (GIS) technology. With increased awareness of geospatial technologies and its role in society, agriculture has and must continue to embrace GIS to adopt to these changing circumstances.

CyberSWIFT aims at seeing that the benefits of GIS technology is brought to the food and agriculture industries through successful implementation from the farm to agribusiness to the governing bodies that regulate and support the industry domestically and internationally.