Productivity Increased with GeoXH

Productivity Increased with GeoXH while Mapping Vineyards for Compliancy 

Using a Trimble GeoXH paired with iBase, a real-time and post processed corrections solution, Ginny Thomson, owner of Vititech, has experienced the value of having the right product in the right application. After an overhaul of both hardware and software, Vititech is completing jobs 20% faster, while reaching accuracy levels below 15cm over 80% of the time.

The increase in the number of wineries wishing to map their vineyards, partially to adhere to best practice set in place by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ), has lead to Vititech’s doubling their job bookings. With increased jobs, the Trimble GeoXH, equipped with H-Star technology and Bluetooth connectivity options, enables on-site time to be more productive. “When it’s a team of one mapping a whole vineyard, efficiency is key,” explained Thomson. “Thanks to the ease of use, improved productivity has created a very economical return on investment.”

The GeoXH allows the calculation of land area using vertices rather than requiring a continuous path describing a shape. This reduces time spent retracing steps to separately map row locations and information on root stocks. With the new level of accuracy Thomson has now been able to map the location of hazards as well. Consequently, she can create precise detail points, such as windmills, potholes and irrigation valves, while she plots the layout of the vineyard at the same time.

Accuracy and workflow are the prime contenders for achieving 'a job well done.' GeoSystems' mapping and GIS consultant, Warren Eade, carefully determined specifications of data capture required by Viticulture and was able to suggest a customised total solution. “A few hours with our trainer ensured that Ginny was able to use her new system to its full extent,” stated Eade. “When a Trimble GPS of the right calibre is paired with the iBase corrections service and the appropriate post processing software, gains in productivity are outstanding.”

Vititech is confident that the customised total solution has facilitated improvement in workflow, leading to reduction in time until job completion improving revenues and resulting in greater customer satisfaction. "The level of accuracy I get out of my system now lets me give my clients the detailed figures that their businesses depend on," said Thomson. "Mapping points with this precision, allows the wineries a more accurate tally when determining yields."

By understanding Thomson's business, GeoSystems was able to provide a customised total solution including hardware, software, and support that has allowed Vititech to improve their current mapping strategies and allow for possible extended services to their clients in the future.