Making GIS a versatile analytical tool for research in precision farming

A held-level geographic information system (FIS) is being developed. The system provides special analytical functions useful for research in precision farming. Spatial data from various sources with different accuracies and resolutions are integrated. Remotely sensed data are used to assist field-data analysis. Region blocking and partitioning are obtained using logic and arithmetic queries and overlays. Spatial patterns are analyzed in spatial and frequency domains in both Cartesian and polar coordinate systems. A discrete model was developed to simulate the time lag inherent to a yield sensor on a combine harvester. Z-transformation was used to numerically remove the lagging effect. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.