GIS in Agriculture

Abstract

This chapter introduces the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) in agricultural production. Precision agriculture is a catch-all term that describes using GIS and GPS technologies to manage specific areas of fields. Precision agriculture technologies use information from multiple sources to assist farmers in making crop production and management decisions based on the variability of production potential within fields. In this chapter, we describe the technologies used in production agriculture and we review some of the research associated with the use and future trends of these technologies. The purpose of this chapter is to define and explain GIS and GPS technologies used in agriculture and some of the economic benefits, impacts, and challenges of using these technologies.