Remote sensing applications in precision farming for mapping research farm boundaries

Abstract

The development and implementation of precision farming have been made possible by combining the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS). A field study was carried out to measure the research area of the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, with the help of two GPS modules for collecting more precise data and comparing it with the ground truth data measured by measuring tape. Out of measuring the area of 15 plots by two GPS systems, ± 5% variation as compared to the actual ground truth measurements was observed in nine fields. The variation of 5-20% was observed due to measuring a very small area by the GPS and more variations were observed due to the interruptions in network signals near the wall side area, trees on boundaries, and farm structure. It can be concluded from the present study that variation in measuring the area of a particular field will be less for measuring more area having less interruption of buildings, trees, etc. so that the GPS may catch more number of satellite signals.