How do I generate variable rate prescriptions?

The following is an example of loading a SlantView shapefile into SMS. The process for loading shapefiles into other Ag and farm management softwares is similar.

The dataset here is a weed detection map of an unplanted field, where the grower generated a variable rate prescription to spray weeds prior to planting.

1. Click "Read File(s)" from the main menu, then "Import a file from a generic source", and locate the file.

2. The most confusing part is identifying and defining the metadata. At first, a blank field boundary is all that will show up.

3. Select "Generic" as the import type, and "Assign Column."

4. Select "Use as Attribute" and "Add new."

5. Enter a name, abbreviation, decimal number, and leave units dimensionless.

6. The name you assign will be a new option in the attribute imports, click OK.

7. Select Next, and finish the rest of the import Wizard (options to clip to field boundaries, enter the appropriate grower/field/year names, etc.) The .shp file will show up in the project hierarchy, click "Create New Map" button above the field outline.

8. Select weed detections (or whatever the data layer was named) from the Attributes drop down bar in the menu to the right of the map.

9. The color scale applied to the data can be adjusted using the "Edit Legend" button.

10. Within the Edit legend menu, set the color scale to red-yellow-green and uncheck the "visible" option for the green boxes where there are no weeds (value 0.0).