In recent years, precision agriculture has become increasingly important for those who want to farm in an efficient and sustainable way. In this article, I explain how centimeter-level GPS surveying works in agriculture and why it is essential to use professional tools like ProTRACK. You will discover the benefits of this technology, how to improve productivity by reducing waste and costs, and how to choose the right receiver for your work.
In recent years, there has been increasing talk about precision agriculture. But what exactly is it? It is a new way of farming that uses technology to optimize every operation in the field. And when we say every operation, we really mean every meter… or better, every centimeter.
What is precision agriculture and why every centimeter counts
Precision agriculture is a set of innovative techniques that allow farmers to monitor and manage crops in a targeted way, using data, maps, and GPS. Unlike traditional agriculture, which treats the field as a uniform area, precision agriculture considers every part of the land as a distinct entity with specific characteristics and needs.
This means that each area of the field can be individually monitored and managed: from sowing to fertilization, irrigation to harvesting. That’s why there is frequent talk about soil mapping and prescription maps: tools that allow resources to be distributed only where needed, in the right quantities.
Practically, thanks to sensors, prescription maps, and precise coordinates, it is possible to know exactly where to intervene, when to do it, and with what quantities of product. But why do they say “every centimeter counts”? Because even a minimal error in positioning can cause waste of seeds, fertilizers, or chemical treatments, with a negative impact on both costs and the environment. Thanks to modern agricultural GNSS systems and RTK technology, today it is possible to work with centimeter accuracy that guarantees maximum yield with minimum effort.
Why GPS is used in agricultural fields
You may have seen super technological tractors or drones flying over the fields. Behind these technologies, there is a common element: agricultural GPS. But not just any GPS. When sowing or applying treatments (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.), it is crucial to have reliable coordinates. Only this way can detailed prescription maps be created and precise, localized interventions be made.
In this context, devices like ProTRACK, an advanced GNSS receiver, prove to be essential. Used for precision agriculture, ProTRACK allows acquisition of georeferenced data with extreme precision, facilitating soil mapping and targeted interventions.
RTK and GNSS in agriculture: why “normal” GPS is not enough
Your smartphone’s GPS has an accuracy of a few meters. But in precision agriculture, this margin of error is not acceptable. That is why advanced technologies such as RTK (Real Time Kinematic) and GNSS are used, which allow obtaining centimeter-level accuracy.
Devices like ProTRACK exploit these technologies to provide highly accurate agricultural surveys. Thanks to multi-constellation support (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou) and RTK technology, ProTRACK guarantees correct real-time positioning data, even without an internet connection, using the Base-Rover mode.
Advantages of centimeter-level GPS surveying in agriculture
Using a centimeter-level GPS for agriculture brings concrete advantages:
- Waste reduction: precise dosing of seeds, fertilizers, and chemical treatments.
- Better crop management: accurate surveys and detailed maps facilitate targeted agronomic decisions.
- Increased productivity: timely and localized interventions improve crop yields.
- Greater environmental sustainability: targeted interventions reduce the use of chemicals.
- Traceability of agricultural operations: every activity can be georeferenced, easing regulatory compliance.
With ProTRACK, these advantages are amplified: it enables detecting soil maps, locating problematic areas, and intervening precisely, even with the help of multispectral drones for agriculture working synergistically with data from the receiver.
Why choose a receiver like ProTRACK
ProTRACK is an RTK receiver for agriculture designed for the agricultural world, equipped with all necessary features to handle even the toughest conditions:
- Centimeter accuracy: ±1 cm + 1 ppm.
- Update frequency: 10 Hz, ideal for dynamic surveys.
- High-performance GNSS antenna: optimal reception even in complex environments.
- Base + Rover mode: to work even without mobile network coverage.
- Compatibility with RTK drones: useful for generating vegetation maps and planning localized treatments.
ProTRACK is the ideal choice for those looking for a precision seeding GPS, differentiated treatments, or crop monitoring with reliable tools.
Software and data management
The simplicity doesn’t stop at hardware. ProTRACK integrates with Analist Mobile software, allowing agricultural GPS surveys even offline. The collected data can then be processed on Analist CLOUD, a cloud platform designed for agricultural data processing, with tools to create thematic maps and prescription maps for agriculture.
Thanks to this software integration, it is possible to digitize and optimize the management of agricultural fields, improving productivity and reducing costs.
Is it easy to use?
Absolutely yes. Analist Mobile is designed to be intuitive even for those without experience. Moreover, ProTRACK has a battery life of 18 hours, is resistant to dust, humidity, and extreme temperatures. You can start working with one click, even without mobile network, and get precise data right away.
This makes ProTRACK the perfect tool for those looking for an easy-to-use agricultural GPS with professional performance.
Conclusion
If until a few years ago precision agriculture seemed something for big companies or experimental labs, today it is within everyone’s reach. Thanks to solutions like ProTRACK, even small farmers can use professional RTK technologies, increase yields, and reduce costs. And all this… with the simplicity of an app on your phone.
