Recently, I had to advise AECOM on picking proposals for international development project. The project consisted of developing a mobile and dashboard software solution that would help the agriculture process in Mali. One particular focus of the of the proposals was to use GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) technologies that were mentioned here as well. Some of the technologies mentioned were to be used to get location data and display the data on a map.
Besides the example above, it is common to use GIS in the Agriculture Industry. The main use of GIS on farms is to incorporate mobile GIS technology. Also, GIS can be used as an scientific analytical tool for a better look at the farm’s production data. There GIS in agriculture has resulted not only in increased production, but also in reduction of cost and better land management. Natural factors or inputs like erosion, soil conditions, rain and salinity are all inconsistent and therefore cannot be controlled directly. They are, however crucial to the results of farming.
Mobile GIS Technology now consists not just of phones but of satellites, UAV/drones or other types of aircraft. Using these types of mobile GIS technologies to gather images and information of the environment is called Remote Sensing. Using remote sensing, organizations are able to help farmers oversee their crops and much more.
With this in mind, here are some organizations using or looking to use GIS and remote sensing for the agriculture industry.
Esri
Esri is a software supplier channel for GIS and other technological implications. Also, Esri has Arcgis, which is a tool that allows for creating maps online. Also, this tool that allows users to do remote sensing. You can see more about how Esri uses GIS for agricultural purposes here.
RIICE
RIICE is an organization that uses remotely sensed and conducted in Asian regions. Their sensor tool looks to beneficial for small scaled agriculture issues. The use of remote sensing tools of RIICE in Asian region is to ensure there are no shortages of rice.
Monsanto
Monsanto is a agriculture solution provider. A lot of their focus is to use data to engineer some techniques that deal with high complex issues in the farming world. Using data has been seen as more of big deal when they acquired the Climate Corporation. They also have interests in using maps and remote sensing to solve issues involving climate, crop utilization and much more.
This is just a sample of what companies are using GIS and remote sensing in the Agriculture Industry. Anyways, if you are interested in discussing how GIS helps you to solve your issues in agriculture, leave a comment, contact me here or at adetola@adelabs.com.
