Leveraging Boundaries

posted on Monday, December 5, 2022 in Precision Ag

There are several types and uses for boundaries. Let’s start with how boundaries are created in order of least to most confidence.

Bulk Boundary Generator in Operations Center: Found under the “More” tab. This creates a boundary for all of the fields you have data for in Operations Center. Boundaries will be created based on previous coverage. This is a great starter tool if you don’t have any boundaries currently.
Hand drawn in Operations Center: Use the land tool and the background map to draw your boundaries. Click points to create your shape. Double-click to finish the shape. This method tends to be the least accurate due to the drift of the satellite image used and old images. To do this, go into Land and select the yellow “Add” button from the upper right corner. Choose Boundary and then “Draw New.” Confirm the field and begin adding points.
From previous pass in Operations Center (regardless of signal or operation): Use the coverage map from a previous pass to create the boundary. Accuracy will depend on the signal used and the accuracy of machine measurements. A planting pass with RTK will give the best results. To do this, go into Land and select the yellow “Add” button from the upper right corner. Choose Boundary and then “From Previous Coverage.” Select the pass you want to use and then confirm the boundary shape.
Driven with RTK: Drive your fields to mark the exact location of the field edges and internal obstacles (waterways, ditches, etc.). Then send it to Operations Center via USB or Wireless Data Transfer.

Now that you have boundaries, how can they be of use to you?

Field Detection: Sort all of your data based on location instead of name. This allows you to see back multiple years even if everyone in your operation does not have the same name for the field. (Home, Dad’s and Grandpa’s are now all visible under Home)
Simplified Navigation: Fill your map page with each field’s last pass. Click on the shape to see prescriptions or easily navigate to Field Analyzer.
Estimated Time Remaining (App only): Use machine productivity information to get a general idea of when you will need help to move fields, need more fuel or stop for lunch, while saving your brain power for focusing on the job at hand.
Work Planner: Spend less time setting up documentation in the field when you plan everything pre-season. As you pull into the field all you have to do is accept the work plan and things like field name, variety, rate and any prescriptions automatically populate.

Field Locator
Section Control
- If you have boundaries on the display, they WILL be used for section control purposes.

Field Detection
Section Control (or ignore them, an improvement from previous displays)
AutoTrac Turn Automation https://www.kennfeldgroup.com/news/precision-ag/starting-with-autotrac-turn-automation/
Boundary Fill Guidance Track
Work Planner: Spend less time setting up documentation in the field when you plan everything pre-season. As you pull into the field all you have to do is accept the work plan that pops up on your display and things like field name, variety/product, rate/depth and any prescriptions automatically populate.