How to export a variable rate map to terminals of different tractor/sprayer brands - PIX4Dfields

This article explains exporting a prescription map to a tractor/sprayer terminal using the Targeted Operations feature. This prescription combines geographic locations with rate values, allowing targeted spraying and variable rate applications, instructing the machine on where to apply what amount of product.

Why export a prescription map to a tractor/sprayer terminal?

After creating a Targeted Operations map using a clean grid, annotations (i.e., Magic tool detections), or a zonation based on an index layer, easily export a prescription map to a drone or tractor terminal for variable-rate applications.
This approach leads to cost savings by enabling us to apply products precisely where necessary and in the appropriate quantities.

Export to different brand terminals

To export the Targeted Operation prescription map:

• Go to Export, Operations.
• Select the operation to be exported.

For tractors/sprayers, the brands available are:

AMAZONE

A Spot Spraying export format for new Amazone Sprayers, compatible with the AmaTron 4 terminals.

• SpotSpraying shapefile.
• ISOXML zipped file.

For more information: AMAZONE monitors - PIX4Dfields.

HARDI GeoSelect

When exporting to HARDI, there are two formats available:

• GeoSelect, a .tiff file will be created.
• ISOXML (ISOBUS), for more information: How to export ISOXML / ISOBUS in PIX4Dfields.

John Deere

Using the John Deere Operations Center is recommended when exporting to John Deere machinery. If it's unavailable, the option Generic tractor/sprayer should be selected.

Agrifac

When exporting to Agrifac monitors, it is recommended to:

1. Select Generic tractor/sprayer
2. Cells with no rate, set them to Ignore.
   

Other brands

For other brands, choose Generic tractor/sprayer option, it allows exporting to most terminals in the market. Formats available are:

• • Shapefile: used by most of the terminals in the market, recommended.
  • GeoTiFF.
  • ISOXML: It is now compatible with terminals like Case, New Holland, AGCO, Trimble, ClAAS, Amazon, CCI, Müller, Topcon, Deutz-Fahr, Valtra, Kubota, and more. For more information: How to export ISOXML / ISOBUS format in PIX4Dfields.

• Once the format is selected, click Continue.
• In this step, the cells with no rate assigned (empty cells) can be either:
  • Assigned with a 0 rate: this will provide a new zone with a 0 rate.
  • Ignored: this will ignore the empty cells, meaning the file will not cover that area.
• Click Continue.
• The Operation menu appears in case some parameters need to be adjusted.
• Click Export.
• Save the files into a USB Drive.

How is the shapefile organized?

1. The attribute table of the exported shapefile has four columns: rate, rateInt, unit, zone.

• rate: rate assigned to each zone when creating the operation. This value has decimal values.
• rateInt: rate value with no decimal values.
• unit: units referring to the rates.
• zone: id number of each zone.

2. The number of rows corresponds to the number of zones, which can vary from 1 to 7.

The following table is an example of the attribute table that you will get with PIX4Dfields:

Import prescription map to a tractor/sprayer terminal

Export a zonation map as a shapefile for a terminal tractor:

1. Import the shapefiles into the desired tractor terminal.
2. Select rate.
3. Select the units.
4. Ok.

How to change the zonation and prescription map units?

Click here for more information about the dashboard.

1. Go to the dashboard SETTINGS.
2. Select either Imperial to Metric units.
3. Export the zonation as shapefile again.