Developments in geospatial science

Developments in geospatial science and technology: The
integration of geographic information systems (GIS), remote
sensing (RS) and global positioning systems (GPS)18 offers
considerable opportunity for site-specific agriculture and the
derivation of data related to the agriculture products, on the
farm and through the subsequent handling operations. Put
together, these technologies enable data to be remotely collected
on individual animals, plants, and blocks on a farm, which can
be processed, transmitted and presented as visual spatial
information on the bio-physical properties of the block, yield
and selected product attributes. With respect to traceability, a
vital feature of these technologies is the possibility to map the
geospatial variability of selected attributes such as yield,
product quality, animal movement, and disease epidemiology.
Software technology for traceability system integration: An
effective traceability chain is an integrated system made of
distinct components involving data collection using standards
measurement procedures, the analysis, storage and transmission
of the recorded information, and full backward and forward
control system that permits the tracking of the product history.
Such an integration of technologies relies on the application
of appropriate information and computer system, and which
links the traceability chain to a central database at the company,
national or international level. Many researchers and
commercial companies have reported the development and
availability of full traceability systems that have been adopted
in industry. Calder and Marr7 described a trial traceability
initiative based on electronic identification (EID), which
enabled full traceability of farm animals. Harvey19 recently
reported an electronic data identification tag (EDIT) that
includes a transponder as part of a typical ear tag, and a
handheld, battery-powered electronic reader or terminal, which
provides farmers with a fully integrated traceable livestock
management tool. The electronic ear tag has the capacity to
record all the details of an animal’s life from its genetic and
birth details, to treatment and productions. Many countries such
as Canada and New Zealand have implemented national cattle
identification programmes using various technologies that are
based on the above principles. Examples of commercially
available traceability software programmes† that have been
reported include QualTrace, EQM (Enterprise Quality
Management),20 and Food Trak21.