What is a task map, VRA map and what are the benefits
A task map is a digital plan that outlines specific tasks (in this case a spraying task) to be performed in different areas of a field, including detailed instructions like where, when, and how to carry these tasks out.When a task map is focused specifically on the application of inputs (such as liquid fertilizers and crop protection products) at variable rates across a field we call these variabel rate application maps (VRA maps). A VRA map divides the field into management zones and assigns different rates of input application to each zone.
Using task maps to spray at plant level ensures precise application of inputs minimizing environmental impact. This targeted approach promotes unhindered crop growth by delivering the right amount of nutrients and protection exactly where needed. Consequently, it enhances overall field productivity and health.
How to work with task maps
Below you will find instructions how to spray with a task map:
Uploading a task map
Step 1: Upload taskmap
Step 2: Convert to grid
Step 3: Assign to machine(s)
Executing a task map using your Virtual Terminal (VT)
Deleting a task map from your machine
Explanation of the different statuses
The difference between an absolute and relative task map is explained in the last section.
1. Uploading a task map
Note: After following the steps below and uploading your task map it can take up to 5 minutes to process the task map and get the task map status complete.
Step 1: Upload taskmap
After you've logged on to leapspace (space.bbleap.com) you can navigate to Task maps. Here you choose [New task map] and you can upload a task map.
Drag and drop a task map to the screen and click [Submit].
The following formats are supported:
shapefile (.shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj)
zipfile that contains the shapefile
A shapefile is a widely used format to present spatial and attribute data. The essential files needed for a shapfile to function properly are (need to be selected together):
.shp (Shape format): This file contains the geometry of the features, such as points, lines, and polygons.
.shx (Shape index format): This file contains the index of the feature geometry.
.dbf (Attribute format): This file contains the attribute data for the features, stored in tabular format.
In addition to these core files, there are other auxiliary files that might be present and useful:
.prj (Projection format): This file contains the coordinate system and projection information. It is important for ensuring the data aligns correctly on the map. Please ensure that the projection is set to EPSG:3857
Step 2: Convert to grid
After submitting the task map, you can choose different settings to convert the task map into a TIFF file (.tif), which consists of a matrix of pixels organized into rows and columns, forming a grid (also called raster data).
Settings to convert task map
Task name: name of task map
Application rate column: select which attribute data (column) defines the rate
Application rate type: absolute or relative
Application rate unit: select which unit defines the rate
Resolution: choose your resolution
Rasterization: the uploaded task map is converted into a raster. With this setting you can choose how a detection should be assigned to a cell.
Center: active if the centre is within the detection
Touched: active if the detection touches the box
Step 3: Assign to machine(s)
In this step you can select to which machine(s) the task map must be sent. After selecting a single or multiple machines you can click [Assign now]. The converted task map is then send to these machines.
Note: When a task map is assigned to a machine it takes approximately 5 minutes before it is visible in the Virtual Terminal (VT).
If you choose [Assign later] the task map will be processed and shown in your overview of available task maps. When opening an uploaded task map you can see the task map shown on the map including its settings. From this page you can always reassign a task map to a machine with the [Assign] button.
When a task map is executed it will disappear from the list in your Virtual Terminal (VT). When you would like to keep the task map available on the machine check the checkbox [Keep task map on Leapbox]. This can be useful if you use a task map more often for spraying, such as a relative task map where you adjust the dosage each time.
In LeapSpace the minimum, maximum and average rate of your taskmap is shown. Besides that the area and required liters for executing the taskmap are shown. When a relative taskmap is chosen the minimum, maximum and average percentage of the rate is given. Required liters will not be shown.
2. Executing a task map using your Virtual Terminal (VT)
Selecting a task map
Press and hold the [Task map] button (drone icon) to enter the task map selection page. The selected task number will appear inside the button.
You can choose between spraying based on an ISOBUS task control server or LeapCat task maps. LeapCat spraying offers high-resolution at the individual nozzle level, enabling ultra-precise application that adapts instantly to plant level conditions.
Select the desired task map and press the [✔ check] button. You’re ready to spray.
Note: The list of task maps shows a maximum number of 9 task maps based on the shortest distance of the actual GPS-location of your machine.
Completing a task map to access as-applied data
To finish a task map you need to:
Press and hold the [Task map] button (drone icon) to enter the task map selection page.
Select the [Isobus task control] and press the [✔ check] button.
Subsequently you will be asked to finish your task map. Once the task map is finished as-applied data of the spraying will be added to Leapspace.
Note: When a task map is executed it will disappear from the list in your Virtual Terminal (VT). When you would like to keep the task map available on the machine check the checkbox [Keep task map on Leapbox]. This can be useful if you use a task map more often for spraying, such as a relative task map where you adjust the dosage each time.
3. Deleting a task maps from your machine
Deleting a task map from your machine
When you want to delete a task map from your Virtual Terminal you need to unassign the task map. You can do this by going to the task map overview in Leapspace and open the related task map. Subsequently, you can click next to "Ready to spray" of the assigned machine the button [x]. This will unassign the task map from this machine.
Note: You can only unassign a task map from a machine with the status "ready to spray".
Deleting a task map from the task map overview in LeapspaceYou can delete task maps from the overview by clicking on the "waste bin" icon.
Note: you can only delete a task map from the overview with the status "Failed" or "Completed", not when the status is "In progress".
4. Explanation of the different statuses
Below you will find the explanation of the different statuses used for uploading a task map and assigning a task map to a machine.
Statuses of uploading a task map
Status | Description | Colour code |
In progress | Task map being processed | Light Blue |
Failed | Upload failed | Red |
Completed | Task map successfully uploaded | Green |
Statuses of assigning a task map to a machine
Status | Description | Colour Code |
Assigned | Task map assigned to machine but not loaded on the machine | Yellow |
Ready to Spray | Task map loaded on the machine and available in Virtual Terminal (VT) | Light Blue |
Failed | Assignment failed | Red |
The difference between an absolute and relative task map
When uploading and converting a task map in Leapspace you can choose to use an absolute or a relative task map.
An absolute task map assigns different rates of input application to each cell.
A relative task map can be used to set a rate in the virtual terminal (VT) of BBLeap that equals 100% of the relative task map.
Example of a relative task map in 5 classes (100%, 200%, 300%, 400%, 500%)
Example:
Rate set in VT: 150 L/ha = 100% of relative task map
Cells of relative task map assigned to 50%: 50% x 150 L/ha = 75 L/ha
Cells of relative task map assigned to 300%: 300% x 150L/ha = 450 L/ha
Relative task maps are useful for recurring sprayings that are based on the same spatial variability of the field, but when you want to apply different rates per spraying.
How to create a relative task map?
Some Farm Management Systems like Agromanager allow you to create relative task maps. An alternative approach is to use an absolute task map that you convert into a relative task map. In that case, your input values will be converted to percentages.