11/18/2023

GIS APPLICATIONS TODAY ON

GIS Integrated monitoring and Analysis

GROUP FOUR
GEGIS & GIS REMOTE SENSING
 Group Four Members
1. E031-01-1746/2021 Kibet Emmanuel ROTICH
2. E031-01-1747/2021 Timothy Mulongo WAMALWA
3. E031-01-1748/2021 Nixon Kiprop TALAM
4. E031-01-1749/2021 Kerich Victor KIPKIRU
5. E031-01-1750/2021 John Omondi OGOLA
6. E031-01-1751/2021 Jonathan Sindiga ONDICHO
7. E031-01-1752/2021 Vincent Kipkoech RUTOH
8. E031-01-1753/2021 Francis OKWAYA
9. E031-01-1754/2021 Enock Ondiere KIVAYA
10. E031-01-1756/2021 Elisha Kipyegon KOSKEI
11. E031-01-1757/2021 Evans Wekesa WANYONYI
12. E031-01-1760/2021 Mary Wambui KIMOTHO
13. E031-01-1762/2021 Derick Ronny KURIA
14. E031-01-1777/2021 Abbey Rodney KARIUKI
15. E031-01-1796/2021 Vincent Kiprono
16. E031-01-1798/2021 Betwel Kiptoo ROTICH
17. E031-01-1893/2021 Sammy EVAYO

Discussion topic:

Explain the data sets and their sources and methods that
you would use in assessing and monitoring crop production
Introduction:

Effective crop production evaluation and monitoring are critical for food security and informed
agricultural decision-making. This entails combining multiple data sets gathered through traditional
surveys and new technology. In this discussion, we will look at important data sources and methods for
effectively gauging and monitoring crop production, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded
strategy for sustainable and productive agriculture.

Various datasets and their strategic uses are examined in this paragraph. We'll provide a brief
overview of each dataset and emphasize how it helps with well-informed decision-making in a particular
setting.

 Satellite imagery:
Satellite imagery is a crucial tool for crop production assessment, providing a broad view for
effective decision-making. Utilizing satellites like Landsat, Sentinel-2, and MODIS, it offers
insights every few days with varying resolutions. By employing methods such as vegetation
indices, land cover classification, and change detection, satellite imagery enables tracking
crop growth, identifying stress factors, detecting pests and diseases, and estimating yields.
This process involves data collection, pre-processing, and the extraction of valuable
information for informed crop management decisions. The accompanying flow chart
illustrates this dynamic process, emphasizing the pivotal role of satellite imagery in modern
agriculture.

 Weather Data:
Weather data plays a crucial role in assessing and monitoring crop production, sourced from
weather stations, meteorological agencies, and climate data repositories. Utilizing sensors
and weather stations, these systems measure various parameters such as temperature,
humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and solar radiation. Statistical and modeling techniques
analyze historical and real-time weather data to predict crop yields. Temperature
monitoring, specifically Growing Degree Days (GDD), aids in predicting plant growth stages
and optimal timing for planting and harvesting. Precipitation data informs irrigation
management, considering factors like Evapotranspiration (ET). Humidity levels are monitored
to predict and manage disease outbreaks, while wind speed and direction contribute to
effective pest control. Weather data also helps anticipate extreme events like storms,
allowing farmers to take protective measures. Incorporating remote sensing and satellite
imagery, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), further enhances the
assessment of crop health and performance.

 Agricultural Surveys:
Agricultural surveys play a pivotal role in monitoring crop production, supplying vital data for
decision-makers and stakeholders. Drones are increasingly utilized for efficient surveying,
covering vast areas swiftly and identifying issues proactively. Survey sources include
government agencies like the Agriculture Rural and Urban Development sector, aiming for
national food security and SDG achievement, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and
 Livestock Development. Research institutions, particularly in academia, foster knowledge
exchange and research documentation, while NGOs, exemplified by Nuru Kenya, contribute
to policy formulation and technology transfer. Surveys collect data on planting, harvesting,
and yield through methods like drone usage during crop stages, with statistical analysis
crucial for estimating production at regional and national levels, benefiting farmers and
ensuring sustainable agriculture practices.

 Soil Data:
Soil data is integral for assessing and monitoring crop production, offering insights into
physical, chemical, and biological soil characteristics. Obtained through field sampling or
database retrieval, field sampling involves strategic site selection, clean tool use, random
subsampling, and proper storage, while database retrieval utilizes existing soil databases
with defined search parameters. The data, whether collected from the field or retrieved,
plays a vital role in decision-making processes for crop management, fertilization strategies,
and overall soil health. The analysis of soil composition, including texture and structure,
nutrient content, pH levels, organic matter, moisture content, microbial activity, erosion risk,
and temperature, guides optimal agricultural practices. Additionally, remote sensing
techniques, data integration with weather forecasts, and precision agriculture technologies
enhance the comprehensive understanding of the growing environment, supporting
informed decision-making for sustainable crop production.

 Remote Sensing and IOT Devices

In assessing and monitoring crop production, two key technologies, Internet of Things (IoT)
and remote sensing, play crucial roles. IoT integrates sensors and wireless technology to
provide real-time data on soil nutrients, moisture, and pH levels, aiding farmers in decision-
making processes related to planting and crop management. Applications include cloud and
fog computing for soil fertility monitoring, crop growth and yield enhancement through
advanced analytics and models, improved irrigation systems, and weed detection and
removal using image algorithms. On the other hand, remote sensing employs satellites
equipped with various sensors to assess crop conditions, identify issues, and optimize
agricultural practices. Through techniques like Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
(NDVI), it helps monitor crop growth stages, detect pests and diseases, assess water stress,
implement precision agriculture, and estimate crop yields by integrating data from weather
patterns and soil conditions. Together, IoT and remote sensing offer comprehensive insights
for informed decision-making in modern crop farming practices.

 Crop Modelling.
Crop modelling, facilitated by computer programs, is a potent tool for monitoring crop
production by simulating the growth and development of crops under diverse environmental
conditions and management practices. Farmers can utilize crop models to identify potential
issues, assess risks, and make informed decisions regarding crop management. These models
also serve to forecast crop yields, aiding farmers in planning marketing strategies and
logistics, while governments can develop food security policies based on such predictions. By
assessing the impact of climate change on crop production, farmers can adapt their practices
 accordingly. To employ crop modelling, farmers provide data on soil characteristics, crop
parameters, and meteorological conditions, allowing the model to simulate crop growth.
This tool enables monitoring at various scales, from individual farms to national and regional
levels, providing insights into water stress, nutrient status, pest and disease risks, and yield
forecasts. Ultimately, crop modelling empowers stakeholders to address challenges
proactively and optimize agricultural outcomes.

 Market Data
Market data related to crop production involves collecting information on crucial aspects of
the agricultural sector, encompassing crop yields, prices, demand, and supply. This dataset is
sourced from a blend of primary and secondary sources, with diverse methods employed for
assessment and monitoring. Government agencies, such as the USDA, provide
comprehensive data on crop production, while international organizations like the FAO
compile global agricultural statistics. Satellite imagery aids real-time monitoring, surveys and
interviews offer insights from farmers, and commodity exchanges reflect market dynamics.
Methods for assessment include remote sensing and GIS for monitoring crop health,
statistical models for predictions, machine learning for pattern identification, weather
monitoring for climate impact predictions, and market surveys for understanding dynamics.
On-site inspections by agricultural experts provide firsthand information. In essence, the
combination of diverse sources and methods contributes to a comprehensive understanding
of the agricultural market, facilitating informed decision-making by stakeholders in the
sector.

 Historical And Geospatial Data

The history of geospatial data spans ancient civilizations' hand-drawn maps to the present-
day digital era. From the Age of Exploration's navigation-driven improvements to surveying
and cartography in the 18th and 19th centuries, each era contributed to the evolution of
geospatial data. Aerial photography, the Global Positioning System (GPS), and the digital
revolution with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) further transformed the field. The
internet's advent enabled widespread access through services like Google Maps, while
remote sensing technologies and open data initiatives marked the late 20th and 21st
centuries. Geospatial data, crucial for understanding spatial relationships, encompasses
various types and sources, including vector and raster data, 3D modeling, temporal data,
satellite imagery, aerial photography, ground surveys, and remote sensing. This continual
evolution reflects the intersection of technology and the growing need for accurate and
accessible spatial information.

 Crop sensors and Drones

Farmers utilize various datasets for assessing and monitoring crop production, employing
image and vector types with specific resolutions. These datasets include LANDSAT TM for
land use/land cover at 30m resolution, FEWSNET RFE for rainfall at 8 km, SPOT VGT for NDVI
at 1 km, and HWSD for soil data at 1 km. The methods applied encompass the use of drones
for close-up monitoring of crop health, disaster management, and disease outbreaks, with
data processed through image analysis software and AI algorithms. Additionally, stand-alone
 multi-sensor stations are employed for agricultural monitoring, building performance, and
environmental research, while remote monitoring stations find applications in cannabis
cultivation, agricultural research, and irrigation/water management. These comprehensive
approaches leverage geospatial technologies for effective crop production assessment and
monitoring.

In conclusion, the integration of diverse datasets, ranging from geospatial information and weather data
to crop modeling and market trends, provides a holistic approach to assessing and monitoring crop
production. Leveraging advanced technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, and IoT, coupled with
traditional methods like agricultural surveys and soil sampling, enables a comprehensive understanding
of the factors influencing crop health and yields. The synergy of these methods not only aids farmers in
making informed decisions for optimized crop management but also contributes to broader agricultural
policies and practices. This study underscores the pivotal role of data-driven insights in navigating the
complexities of modern agriculture, fostering sustainable practices and resilient food systems.