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TIP: Site Mate Scouting

Creating Seed Variety Maps with Site Mate Scouting

Choose your question from the list and link to the corresponding section.

Section 1: Attributes Defined

If you have the scouting (or VRA) module, whenever you start a new log file, you will have the option to set up different attributes to be logged. Attributes are the different items that you want to record for each area, boundary, or point. As an example, if you will be mapping seed varieties, attributes could include: Seed Variety, Population, Date and Notes. Whenever you log a boundary, path, or point, the Properties box will appear. The Properties box will list all of the attributes that you set up for the layer in the Data Items area.

Section 2: Attributes Before Logging and Implement Switches

It is handy when creating your seed variety map to enter attributes as you are filling your planter. This is addressed in the first several steps below. Implement switches allow you to start and stop logging through an external switch, either a manual on/off or automatic whisker switch. This produces a map that does not include end rows, without having to enter information on your computer. To fill out attribute information before you plant, or to set up implement switches:

1. Open Site Mate
2. Open the Configure Tab
3. Tap on +Advanced to open the advanced folder
4. Tap on Advanced Logging Options
5. Tap in the box next to Enter Attributes Before Logging.
   While you are creating seed variety maps, you will want to enter the attribute information before you start planting.
   (Defining attributes after logging may be helpful when weed and insect scouting.)
6. Tap on the box next to Enable Implement Switch if you are using an on/off or whisker switch.
   For supplier information about implement switches, contact Martens Farms at 877.585.6761 or info@123farmworks.com.
7. Tap OK.

Section 3: Pick lists

Now, set-up Pick lists. Pick lists are designed to give you the ability to select something from a list when you map it, as opposed to typing it in each time. To set up Pick lists:

1. Open the Configure Tab
2. Tap on + Settings to open the settings folder
3. Tap on Pick Lists
4. Tap New
5. Type in a List Name, for example "Varieties"
6. Tap New to add types of seed varieties
7. Add in a seed variety you will be using, ex: P3388
8. Tap OK
9. Repeat steps 6 thru 8 until you have added all seed varieties you will be applying.
   Note: If you turn on the "Editable" option for the Pick list, the program will let you add to the list when you're logging. For example, if you map a seed variety, and the variety is one that is not in the list (you forgot to set it up originally), you can type it in and it will be added to the list.
10. Tap OK to exit Pick list

Note: Always set up Pick lists first, then Templates.

Section 4: Templates

Next, set up templates. Templates are made up of a group of attributes you wish to track for each point or area.

1. Open the Configure Tab
2. Tap on + Settings to open the settings folder
3. Tap on Database Templates
4. Tap New to set up a new template, or to edit tap on an existing template and tap Edit.
5. Type in a Template Name, for example "Variety Map"

To add a previously defined Pick list:

6. Tap Add to add attributes to your template. This will add Attrib_1 in your attribute list, and Attrib_1 in the description.
7. To select the Pick list already set-up, tap on the down arrow under Type. Normally, this will default to Number. Find your Pick list in the drop down list, for example "Varieties"
8. The description will default to your Pick list name.

To set up Default Values as an Attribute:

9. Tap Add to add more attributes to your template. This will add Attrib_2 in your attribute list and Attrib_2 in the description.
10. Enter an attribute name: population or date, for example.
11. Select the appropriate Type. For example, population is a number and date is text.
12. In Default Value, type the preferred default information. For population, type in 28000. For date, type in 6/1/2002 (text). Every time a point is logged, the attribute value will default to 28000 and 6/1/2002.

To set up other Text or Number Attributes:

1. Tap Add to add more attributes to your template. This will add Attrib_4 in your attribute list and Attrib_4 in the description.
2. Enter an attribute name, for example, Notes.
3. Select the appropriate Type. Notes would be Text.
4. Size is the number of characters allowed for notes.

When finished adding attributes:

1. Tap OK
2. Tap OK to exit template screen

Note: Always set up Pick lists first, then Templates.
Note: The Default value is editable when logging.

Section 5: Open Scouting File

Before you can begin logging your data, you must open a file in which to record the information. To open a scouting file:

1. Tap on the Open Scouting button.
2. Under Log, tap the drop down arrow and select New
3. Enter the file name in which to store the logged data, such as "Field 1 Varieties." Tap OK.
4. Select My Documents in the folder area, or Storage Device if you have a PCMCIA or Flash Card inserted. This saves your new file to the location you have chosen.
5. Select the template from the list: Variety Maps, for example. You may also create and/or edit templates from this location
6. Tap OK
7. Verify the attributes in this template. Add or Edit as needed.
8. Tap OK.
9. Load any background maps, such as boundary files by tapping on the down arrow under Background area.
10. Tap OK

Section 6: Set up Automatic Logging Info

The logging method (Automatic or Manual) will depend on what type of data you are recording. Automatic Logging logs continually based on criteria you set up - great for seed varieties. Manual logging allows the operator to control when points are logged, and is appropriate when you are logging soil samples. To set up automatic logging:

1. Open the Configure Tab
2. Tap + Logging to open the logging file
3. Tap Auto Logging
4. Set the following recording intervals that are appropriate for seed variety mapping:
   Min. Time = 0 seconds
   Min. Distance = 30 feet (where 30 feet is the planter width)
   A point will be logged once both of these criteria have been met. In this case a point will be logged every 30 feet.
5. Tap OK
6. On your menu bar, tap Log. Select Automatic. Once selected, a check will appear next to Automatic. With Automatic selected, a point will be logged based on the Auto Logging criteria set up in Step 4.

Note: The Menu Bar is found at the bottom of the screen if on a handheld and at the top of the screen if using a laptop.

Section 7: View Options

The Log menu includes Auto Scroll and Auto Scroll & Zoom features. When Auto Scroll is used, your screen will remain focused on your current position. When Auto Scroll & Zoom is used, the screen will zoom out as your map is made, allowing you to see the map in its entirety.

Section 8: Start Logging

Now that you are ready to start logging your seed varieties in the field, follow these steps:

1. Open Map Tab
2. Tap on the middle button down arrow. This will give you the option to log a Boundary, Path or Points. Select Points.
3. When you are ready to start planting, tap Go. (When you are logging, the Go button will switch to Stop and Pause buttons.)    
   
4. The attribute screen will open with your latitude, longitude information, along with each attribute that you set up. This will include the Varieties, Population, Date and any other attributes you have set up. Tap to the right of each attribute to fill in the information you wish to record. Attributes set as Default will already be filled with the default amount or text.
5. To choose Pick list items such as Varieties, tap in the box and select from the drop down list. To edit Default text or amounts, tap in the box and fill in the correct information.
6. Tap OK when all information has been entered.
7. As you plant, you will see your starting point and each successive point you have logged. Each point will have the entered attributes.
   
8. As needed, push Pause/Resume while logging to Pause while logging points, then Resume logging points. This is useful if you need to fill up the planter or perform other maintenance. Note the implement switch will do this for you.
9. When you are finished planting your first seed variety, tap Stop.
10. Repeat Steps 3 thru 9 to log additional seed varieties in the same field. To start a new field, export this file ( See Section 10 ) and open a new Scouting file ( See Section 5 ).

Section 9: Set up Exporting File Default

1. Open the Configure Tab
2. Tap + Settings to open the settings folder
3. Tap Exporting Log Files
4. Tap in circle next to Ask Each Time a Log is Saved
5. Check box next to Arc View Shape File (shp)
6. Tap OK

Section 10: Exporting Files

1. Tap File on the Menu Bar
2. Tap Close
3. Yes, Export the file
4. Tap OK
5. The next screen verifies the type of data being saved and the location in which it is saved. Tap OK.
6. You will now be able to use this file as a background map, or import it into Farm Site on your desktop machine for further use.

NOTE: Farm Works Software X2 and higher includes new features for VRA and tracking varieties.

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Martens Farms has been providing individual training and setup for customers by phone and in person across the United States since 1996. We help you make the most of Farm Works software.

Call us at at 877-585-6761 and ask for Lorra.