Design of a distributed data acquisition and spatial decision making system for precision agriculture

One of the key technologies for implementing precision agriculture is to collect and process timely spatial-temporal information from various sources that affect crop production in the field. That means the system must integrate the Client's data acquisition and Server's spatial analysis functions, and transfer data rapidly via Internet, by which different decision makers can realize dynamic communication mutually. Using ArcIMS technology framework and ArcXML language, a technology system was designed. The system has four functional modules, including data acquisition, data handling, information analysis, and intellectualized decision making modules. Based on its application in Laixi High-tech Agricultural Demonstration Zone, the system logical design, physical implementation, technical characteristics, and its main functions were described and analyzed. The results show that the system can provide an integrated set of technologies for efficient data acquisition, handling, transferring and decision making, which has good adaptability specifically for precision agriculture.