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Article
Evaluation of GPS for Applications in Precision Agriculture
Applied Engineering in Agriculture (1996)
  • Steven C. Borgelt, University of Missouri
  • John D. Harrison
  • Kenneth A. Sudduth, United States Department of Agriculture
  • Stuart J. Birrell, Iowa State University
Abstract

Location coordinate information is needed in precision agriculture to map in-field variability, and to serve as a control input for variable rate application. Differential global positioning system (DGPS) measurement techniques were compared with other independent data sources for sample point location and combine yield mapping operations. Sample point location could be determined to within 1 m (3 ft) 2dRMS using C/A code processing techniques and data from a high-performance GPS receiver. Higher accuracies could be obtained with carrier phase kinematic positioning methods, but this required more time and was a less robust technique with a greater potential for data acquisition problems. Data from a DGPS C/A code receiver was accurate enough to provide combine position information in yield mapping. However, distance data from another source, such as a ground-speed radar or shaft speed sensor, was needed to provide sufficient accuracy in the travel distance measurements used to calculate yield on an area basis.

Publication Date
1996
Citation Information
Steven C. Borgelt, John D. Harrison, Kenneth A. Sudduth and Stuart J. Birrell. "Evaluation of GPS for Applications in Precision Agriculture" Applied Engineering in Agriculture Vol. 12 Iss. 6 (1996)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/stuart_birrell/32/