Mapping and Boundaries – Accurate Areas and Easy Adjustments
Accurate mapping is the foundation for everything else in Agdir. Incorrect areas lead to incorrect dosages, wrong cost calculations, and flawed journal documentation. Fortunately, mapping is easier than many think: GPS recording, map import, or manual drawing gets the job done. The most important step is getting the areas right from the start – adjustments can be made along the way.
Mapping in Agdir – three ways to get it done
Agdir supports several methods for mapping fields: GPS recording in the field, importing from existing map files, or manual drawing on aerial images. All methods lead to the same result: accurate field boundaries with correct areas.
GPS recording – most accurate and straightforward
Required equipment
A regular smartphone with GPS is sufficient for most fields. For high precision, dedicated GPS equipment can be used.
Procedure
- Start recording in the Agdir app
- Walk around the field edge with GPS activated
- Close the loop by returning to the starting point
- Save with name and soil type/crop
Advantages
Highest accuracy, easy to do, no prior expertise required.
Disadvantages
Requires physical presence at each field.
Import from existing maps
Supported file formats
Shapefiles, KML/KMZ files, and other standard GIS formats can be imported directly.
Sources for map data
- NIBIO maps and soil data
- Municipal maps with property boundaries
- Existing farm management systems
- Own CAD/GIS drawings
Advantages
Quick way to import all fields at once.
Disadvantages
May lack precision, requires follow-up and adjustments.
Manual drawing on aerial photos
When it works best
For fields clearly visible on aerial photos, or when GPS recording is not practical.
Procedure
- Select “Draw field” in Agdir
- Use aerial photo as background
- Click along the field edge to draw boundaries
- Close polygon and save with information
Tips for accuracy
- Use zoom for detailed drawing
- Follow visible boundaries such as fences, ditches, vegetation edges
- Check calculated area against known values
Area calculation and quality control
Automatic area calculation
Agdir automatically calculates the area based on field shape. The result is shown in both decares and hectares.
Quality check
Compare calculated areas with known values (tax lists, previous maps, measurements).
Correction of discrepancies
Minor adjustments can be made by moving field corners. Major deviations may require new mapping.
Handling complex fields
Fields with “holes” (obstacles)
Buildings, ponds, or other obstacles can be marked as separate polygons and subtracted from the main area.
Composite fields
Large fields with different soil types or crops can be divided into sub-fields.
Overlapping uses
The same area can have different “layers” for winter crops/summer crops or livestock/crop production.
Maintaining and updating field boundaries
Annual changes
New drainage ditches, changed cultivation, or structural adjustments may require updated field boundaries.
Seasonal adjustments
Temporary changes in field use can be solved with notes instead of permanent boundary edits.
Version history
Agdir stores a history of field boundaries, so old maps can be restored if needed.
Common errors and how to avoid them
GPS inaccuracies in poor reception
Avoid GPS recording in dense forest or bad weather. Use manual drawing as backup.
Incorrect scale when drawing
Always check calculated area against known values before saving.
Forgetting updates after changes
Set up an annual review of field boundaries as part of seasonal planning.
Integration with public maps and registers
Property boundaries
Agdir can display public property boundaries as reference, but field boundaries may differ.
Soil quality data
NIBIO soil data can be added as background layers to show soil type and drainage conditions.
Protected areas
Automatic application of restrictions based on public registers of protected areas.
Summary
Accurate mapping is the cornerstone of everything else. Correct areas ensure accurate dosages, better journals, and safer compliance. With GPS recording, import, or manual drawing, the job gets done – the most important step is to start.
Begin by mapping your 3–5 most important fields in Agdir, check the areas against known values, and expand to the whole farm once routines are in place.
