Field Management Zones (Productivity Zones) Creation Process

From boundary to better agronomy - a step‑by‑step workflow for building, using, and validating management zones.

GeoPard Field Management Zones (Productivity Zones) Creation Process

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.

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Quick start

1. Import or Draw boundary

2. Select data layers & clustering options

3. Generate zones

4. Review or customise

5. Export prescriptions