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FAQ
-What imaging products and services do you offer?
-Does VineView only image vineyards?
-What should I use NDVI images for?
- What actionable information do NDVI images give me?
- How can NDVI help me to improve grape quality and reduce costs?
- What do customers say about VineView’s NDVI images?
-How are NDVI images different from infrared images?
- What is the difference between calibrated and relative NDVI?
- What spatial resolutions are available and which is right for me?
-What is georeferencing and how will it benefit me?
-Can I view my images in Google Earth?
-How are images delivered?
- When is it best to have the images taken?
- How do I place an order and what information do you need from me?
- How much does it cost?
- Why should I choose VineView?
• Calibrated NDVI - Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
• Relative NDVI
• Thermal Images for frost or irrigation management
• Georeferenced images / GIS inputs
• Digital Infrared Images
• NDVI Change Analysis
• Threshold Analysis – Which vines are more or less vigorous than the ideal?
• 3-D views / Google Earth integration
• Weed Distribution
• Agricultural Indices
Does GeoAgronomics only image vineyards?
NDVI provides valuable information for all different kinds of crops, not just wine grapes. VineView has provided imaging services to a wide variety of agricultural projects, including almond farms, tomato farms, and tree plantations.Click here to see examples.
What should I use NDVI images for?
What imaging products and services do you offer?
• Crop quality balance
• Irrigation management
• Canopy uniformity management
• Tracking year to year changes
• Harvest decisions based on maturity assessment
• Guidance for harvest / maturity assessment
• Precision farming – efficiency/accuracy
• Farm plan guidance
• Communication tool / marketing tool for vineyard managers to attract and retain clients
• Environmental benefits - less fertilizer
• Mapping
• Preplanning
Soil samples locations
Vine Spacing
Rootstock
Varietal
What actionable information do NDVI images give me?
• Develop farm plan
• Guide fertilization strategy
• Guide cultivation plan
• Guide pruning
• Determine neutron probe locations
• Pressure chamber site selection
• Develop harvest plan based on vigor
• Guide sugar sampling/tasting
• Identify indicator (ideal) vines: locate vine with GIS
Our customers refer to our images throughout the year. In the winter, many growers develop a farm plan by marking the vineyards based on vigor variations. Fertilizer may be added in weaker areas to improve uniformity.
Our customers also use our NDVIs as the basis for developing a cultivation plan. During spring, the aerial images are used to direct mowing and discing. NDVIs can help guide pruning decisions and be correlated with pruning weight ratio.
Using color images and vigor maps (NDVI) as guides, soil moisture sampling can be performed (e.g. measuring the amount of water present in the soil using the neutron probe).
Our NDVIs also provide guidance for pressure chamber site selection and scouting to obtain information about the vine stress. Additionally, NDVIs can guide sugar sampling, tasting and timing and separation of harvest.
How can NDVI help me to improve grape quality and reduce costs?
Improve grape quality: Find problem areas quicker and start developing uniformity throughout the vineyard.
Save money and time: Work more accurately and precisely AND save labor hours!
Save water: Reduce water usage by 60% by using NDVI images and moisture monitoring equipment to modify irrigation.
Protect your vineyards from pests and viruses: Guide scouting for fanleaf, bluegreen sharpshooter, phylloxera infestation, etc.
Save fertilizer: Perform precise inputs with fertilizer, pesticide and cover crops.
Environmental stewardship: Help protect the environment by reducing inputs.
How are NDVI images different from infrared images?
Vegetation is bright when viewed in the near-infrared wavelengths. Color infrared images display infrared light in red, and thus highlight areas of vigorous vegetation. Normalized Difference Vegetation index (NDVI) is produced by subtracting the red reflectance from the infrared reflectance and then dividing by the sum ((IR-Red)/(IR+Red)). This produces a grayscale image which is then colorized to highlight vigor variations. The NDVI image more clearly maps out differences in vegetation vigor and stress due to variations in chlorophyll content than infrared images. Differences in brightness due to sun angle and shading are minimized in the NDVI. Additionally, effects of soil color are reduced.
While NDVI images have many advantages, the infrared image contains more detail and therefore can be useful for counting rows and identifying features such as gravel streaks.
Color infrared film (as opposed to scientific digital infrared images) is sensitive to a broad range of visible and infrared light and while it provides good spatial detail, it does not isolate changes in chlorophyll content as accurately as scientific multispectral cameras.
What is the difference between calibrated and relative NDVI?
• Relative NDVI shows vigor variations relative to the vineyard of interest (lowest to highest vigor within that vineyard). This is useful for identifying patterns and segregating areas for different treatments or harvest.
• Calibrated NDVI is produced on a fixed scale and therefore, in addition to the above uses, can be directly compared over time and across different locations. Calibrated NDVI also provides a measure of the scale of variability. Is the vineyard fairly uniform, or are there significant vigor variations? VineView applies calibration methods used by USDA scientists to provide consistent imaging products. Calibration also allows for other types of analyses such as change analysis (comparisons over time) and threshold analysis (comparisons of all vines to the "ideal" vines).
What spatial resolutions are available and which is right for me?
Spatial resolution refers to the ground area covered by each pixel of the image. While VineView can provide most any resolution, the most common for vineyard management are 0.75 meters per pixel to 1.0 meters per pixel (more detail →less detail). Higher resolutions provide more detail and are generally more expensive. They are a good choice for smaller properties or for those growers requiring greater levels of detail. 0.75m/pixel generally provides enough detail for row counting (depending on row spacing). 1.0m/pixel data are adequate for larger properties. Vineyards larger than 100 acres may benefit from the cost savings of 1.5m/pixel images. While providing less detail, vigor patterns are sometimes easier to see in lower resolution images.
What is georeferencing and how will it benefit me?
Georeferencing is the process of mapping aerial images to geographic coordinates on the ground. Georeferenced images may be overlaid with other geographic information such as ranch maps, orthophoto base maps, sample locations or soil maps using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Georeferenced images may also be delivered in Google Earth format in which case they can be opened directly in Google Earth, which makes an impressive presentation tool. If you do not plan to use the images within a GIS or Google Earth, georeferencing is not necessary.
Images can be delivered in a variety of formats. Our most popular method is via download from the VineView server. Once the images are ready, you will be notified and provided with a password. You may then login and download your images. Additionally, images can be delivered on a CD and glossy prints can be provided as well.
When is it best to have the images taken?
The timing of image acquisition depends on the product and planned uses. NDVI images taken around veraison are most often used to make irrigation decisions and plan harvest. Customers often look at images taken just prior to harvest when vines are at peak stress as well. Visible color images taken in late spring can help determine drainage patterns and soil variations.
How do I place an order and what information do you need from me?
Information about property locations can be provided in a variety of formats. Shapefiles created using a GPS are ideal, but we can also locate properties using Google Earth outlines, parcel numbers (APNs) or street addresses accompanied by a ranch map. In addition to location, we need to know what product(s) you would like, the vineyard acres of each property, and the preferred resolution.
In the near future, we plan to implement an online ordering system whereby customers can go to our website, find and outline their property on an interactive map, query available image dates and order the images for download.
VineView prices most imaging by the vineyard acre. Prices generally range from $7.50 to $16.00 per acre, depending on the product and resolution. We do have a minimum charge of 40 acres per location. Discounts are available for multiple properties and large vineyards. For an accurate quote, please provide us with vineyard location, planted acreage and desired product and resolution.
• Consistent, high spatial-resolution images
• Clear and precise image quality
• Rapid turn-around
• Technical academic background
• Georeferenced image formats available
• Personal, customizable service
• Excellent value
General
Q. Who uses GeoAgronomics software?
A. GeoAgronomics has identified three main user groups: land managers and operators (e.g. agronomists, viticulturists, vineyard staff), winemakers, executives and owners.
The Dashboard view can be used by anyone, including seasonal workers, to view operations in a simple format, compare blocks, translate work demands to plans, add field data or receive advice.
The Management view can be used by vineyard directors or winemakers to set alerts and identify operational improvements using more advanced curves and features.
The Reporting view can be used by executives to compare vineyards and identify best and worst performers, calculate productivity or financial data and demonstrate the savings as a result of specific projects.
Q. What if I want to show production information to anyone?
A. GeoStore has an option to display your Dashboard as a public webpage or it can be embedded in your organization’s webpage.
Q. Where can I use GeoStore?
A. As GeoStore is web-based software, it operates anywhere with an internet connection, from your desktop PC to your smartphone.
Q. I’d be interested in working with you professionally. Are you looking for partners?
A. Yes, we are always happy to talk with new and interesting people, get in touch.
Q. Is GeoAgronomics hiring?
A. GeoAgronomics is always looking for talented and motivated individuals. Check out the careers page for more info on specific job offerings.
Q. Would you be happy to present to our growers' association, co-operative, trade association or academic department?
A. Of course we would. It helps that vineyards tend to be in such beautiful parts of the world. Get in touch.
Getting Started
Q. I would like to buy a vineyard. Can you help me?
A. Yes. We can survey both planted and virgin real estate. We can help you understand the true value of any potential purchase, provide guidance on how to get the best of the land, warn you of any potential pitfalls and put you in touch with gifted wine consultants, who can help make a reality of your dreams. And, if you want to emulate an existing terroir, we can help you find the right place to do it and help you achieve it.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. GeoAgronomics offers pricing on a per acre, per hectare, or portfolio basis. Simple payback periods are usually in the range of 6 to 18 months.
Q. Who do I contact for more information?
A. For more information about GeoStore, submit your contact information here or call 707-709-8414.
Q. How can I pay?
A. Payment is made online, electronically through your account either using your credit or debit card. For larger projects contact us for payment options.
Technical
Q. Do I need to install any software?
A. No. GeoStore is web-based software, which means all you have to do is log in online.
Q. How secure is GeoStore?
A. GeoStore is hosted on secure servers in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and is compliant with all relevant regulations including FOIPPA. We have implemented multiple levels of hardware and software security to ensure the protection of your information. Contact GeoAgronomics if you still have concerns.
Q. Can’t I just do this stuff with some software on my PC?
A. Sure you can. Sign up for a few years of night school. Maybe get a PhD or two from the world’s best science university. Spend thousands on the software, and its updates... And then get lucky. Maybe you could invent the next killer application while you’re about it? Or, simply give us a call and get us to do it for you today.
Q. So you’re just using vegetation indices?
A. No, vegetation indices are simply a crude mapping technology that scratches the surface. NDVI for example tells you how vigorously your blocks are growing at a particular moment, but it does not explain the reasons for the variation of each and every vine in your vineyard. To do this we need to examine the major drivers of plant productivity ranging from climatic to geologic. We do use NDVI but only as one small part of a much more powerful solution.
Q. Can I use this technology for other agricultural products?
A. We’re often asked this, and the answer is yes. Our technology can be customized to any crop, just give us some lead time to calibrate our system and monitor the phenology of your crop. In no time you can be as careful with your corn, or wheat or whatever as winemakers are with their vines.
Customer Support
Q. Is any training required to learn to use GeoStore?
A. GeoStore is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, unlike many of the GIS packages that take years to understand....and thats before you stat collecting data! Our support team will help you get started and show you some common tools.
Q. Is training available if I need it?
A. In addition to our online help, GeoAgronomics support staff are available to instruct all users of the software. If you need more information about our advanced tools or how to make the most of GeoStore, we will arrange for training that best suits your needs.
Q. Where is the help section?
A. Most pages within the software have a “?”. It can also be accessed by clicking the Support link in the top right corner of every page in the software, and clicking the “Help” tab.
Q. How do I contact customer support?
A. On every page within the application, there is a Support link in the top-right corner. Submit this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also contact us at 707-709-8414.
Features
Q. How does GeoStore know when there is a problem in my vineyard?
A. GeoStore uses a complex algorithm, developed in conjunction with top scientists from NASA, Cambridge and CSIRO to generate an early warning system for vineyards. Depending on your package, the diagnostics system shows when vines are under abnormal stress at a given a time relative to other vines. GeoStore can automatically send alerts via text or email when vine stress varies too much from the desired benchmark.
Q. What sort of variables can be displayed with GeoStore?
A. We have a core set of variables that include: stress, brix, titratable acid, pH,...these can be added to and customised by you depending on what other factors you deem to be important.
Q. Can I use GeoStore to measure the difference from one season to another?
A. Yes! The Change Management application (which shows you to see the actual difference between seasons on an image) can be compared against current production.
Q. What time intervals can be displayed using GeoStore?
A. Time intervals depend on the package. Our basic package provides an annual image that is taken pre-harvest in order to direct precision harvesting. The regularity of new imagery and therefore new information then increases from quarterly to monthly.
Q. Can I upload existing data to GeoStore?
A. Yes! We strongly encourage our clients to do this as this strengthens the models we can apply and enables you make use of data that would ordinarily be consigned to a filling cabinet. This can be used for longer-term comparisons and trending, as well as comparing great seasons.
Q. Can I use GeoStore data for other applications?
A. GeoStore Charts and Reports can be exported to common applications such as Excel. Reports can also be printed. The amazing views from Google Earth are great for marketing brochures.
Q. Could I use your technology to help with financial instruments and investments linked to grape and wine production or cash crops?
A. Yes. Potentially. We’ve already had some discussions about this with hedge fund and real estate investment managers, and we have now incorporated some economic data into our model too. Although it is not our main focus, it is an interesting area. Get in touch if you want to talk about it.
Other
Q. Are you saying winemakers are no longer important?
A. Absolutely not. Just as computer modeling has revolutionized aircraft design or weather forecasting, we’re just providing better information to enable better decisions. Weather forecasting is a great example. There are probably a lot more people involved in weather forecasting now that it is a lot more useful than it was. We respect winemakers. We’re about empowering them, not replacing them. For instance, if you are a consulting winemaker, we can help you make better use of your time by providing better information than you've ever had before, even before you physically visit your clients.
Q. Can you really analyze the techniques and characteristics of vineyards without ever visiting them
A. Well, visiting helps obviously, but we don’t need to. We were talking to a Professor in California who was deeply impressed with our work and who immediately understood vital elements of what GeoAgronomics is doing. We wondered how he was so well informed.
Q. Isn't this just Precision Agriculture applied to viticulture?
A. No, our models are far more sophisticated and with a far higher level of resolution than those used today in precision agriculture. Our models work at the level of each and every vine. Modeling individual vines in the typically complex topographies of vineyards is far more difficult and interesting than analyzing how uniform, flat fields of corn behave.
Q. What do people from England know about wine?
A. Well, we may not have the best weather right now, but our models are telling us that you might not be scoffing in a couple of generation’s time. Oh, and Cambridge’s Colleges have some of the finest wine cellars in the world. Why not read Tim Unwin’s Wine and the Vine to see how the English market was the springboard for French wine.
Q. Are you saying that all that climate change stuff is true?
A. No, we’re just saying that one of the unique abilities of a solution such as ours is that we can apply the latest climate models to existing or potential vineyards, so that you can think about how profitable they might be in ten, twenty or fifty years time. Given the price of real estate and the cost and longevity of vines, that really isn’t a bad idea, is it?
Q. Aren’t you expensive?
A. Not as expensive as you might think, particularly given the current strength of the dollar and the euro against the pound sterling. When you think about how much money you can make with improved quality grapes and wine, we’re amazing value for money. And, given the hundreds of thousands of dollars it can cost to buy real estate and plant it, we’re incredibly cheap.