Extracting Machinery Management Information from GPS Data

GPS data obtained during yield mapping operations for 23 fields were used to glean machinery management information. Yield monitor data were exported into the Ag Leader advanced format and GPS time, logging interval, mass flow, and distance were used to help assess combine performance. Field efficiency and capacity were determined. Time required to harvest, turn, and unload the crop were estimated. The relationship between efficiency and crop yield or unloading time was weak. Turning and efficiency were moderately correlated. Optimizing field traffic patterns to minimize turns appeared more opportunity for increasing field efficiency than unloading on the go.