Field Management Zones (Productivity Zones) Creation Process
From boundary to better agronomy - a step‑by‑step workflow for building, using, and validating management zones.

1. Define field boundary
Draw or import the field outline (shp, GeoJSON, machine cloud). One polygon is all you need to begin.
2. Select data layers
Data source
Typical layers
Why it matters
Remote sensing
Historic vegetation composites (1988‑2015 & 2016‑2025), DEM‑derived elevation, slope, curvature
Reveals persistent soil influence and recent management impact
Ground truth
Soil sampling grids, soil‑scanner EC, yield & protein maps, as‑applied records
Anchors zones to measured reality
Choose any mix - GeoPard stacks and aligns them automatically.
3. Choose clustering method
Spatially localised - produces single, compact polygons (ideal for soil sampling & lime).
Natural Breaks - finds maximum variability, perfect for variable‑rate seed & N.
Equal Area - uniform‑size zones simplify strip trials and statistics.
4. Set number of zones
Pick 2‑50 classes. Go coarse for broad applications, fine for detailed input control.
5. Generate zone map
Press Generate. Cloud‑free composites feed the clustering engine; your map lands in 30‑60 seconds.
6. Need customisation?
Add or re‑weight layers
Tweak clustering parameters
Insert on‑farm strip or block trials
7. Apply agronomic formulas or Rates Distribution Tool
Convert zones into prescriptions with built‑in or custom formulas (e.g. NUE, P‑index) or assign flat/step rates in the Distribution Tool.
8. Export to equipment
Send VRA files or API jobs directly to John Deere Work Planner, Trimble, AGCO, ISO‑XML and more. One field can store different zone maps for seed, fertiliser, crop protection.
9. Execute in the field
Operators follow the prescription; connected machines stream task stats back to GeoPard in real time.
10. Accuracy & efficiency calculations
After harvest GeoPard automatically matches yield & as‑applied layers to prescriptions, delivering ROI, NUE, and trial analytics per zone.
11. Better next‑season agronomy
Insights loop straight into the next zoning cycle, driving continuous improvement.
Quick start
Import or Draw boundary
Select data layers & clustering options
Generate zones
Review or customise
Export prescriptions
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