Take Your Data to the Field…on a Tablet!

For several years now, Ag Leaders displays have been able to load previously recorded data from the same display as a background map.  We have also been able to import planting reference maps for variety tracking purposes from multiple brands of planting displays using SMS Basic/Advanced.  But how do you view your other data out in the field?   Not all data is recorded by the same display, or even from the same manufacturer for that matter, and that same display likely isn’t in the truck with you when you’re driving by that field.  Data like soil type maps, previous year’s application and harvest maps, and multi-year analysis maps can all serve a purpose whether you’re just passing by a field and have a question about what you’ve done in the past or if you’re crop scouting.

While you can take paper maps to the field, we have several customers that have called into our support group asking how they can do it digitally.   One option is to print your maps and reports to PDF or HTML files, or save the data as KML/KMZ files that can be loaded into Google Earth, and view on a portable electronic devices.

For those that need the ability to not only view the data, but also log data, take written and/or picture notes, or have navigation tools, then you might consider SMS Mobile. Almost all data that can be read into SMS Basic/Advanced can be synced to SMS Mobile, or you can import shapefiles from any GIS software directly into SMS Mobile.  SMS Mobile is available to install on PDAs running Windows Mobile v5.0-6.5.x or laptops, netbooks and tablets running Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and newly released Windows 8*.  This provides you an opportunity to utilize SMS Mobile on many platforms, including the wide selection of new Windows tablets.

If you already own SMS Mobile and want to learn more about how to use its features, please visit sms.agleader.com to find quick reference sheets and video tutorials.

*Windows RT is not a supported operating system at this point in time