CRS farm mapping Frequently Asked Questions

Note: To see the technical Frequently Asked Questions - Premierpac members should log in and go to the Online Tips in the Mapping User menu

How does the 28 day trial work?

Until you enter a serial number you have a demonstration database to play with but only very limited function for your farm. Once unlocked (by the serial number) you have a full working program for 28 days and can do real work which you can continue to use once the program is purchased and fully unlocked.

Must I have an aerial photo to use CRS Farm Mapping?

No. Importing an existing scale map or GPS survey is quite acceptable. Indeed some users don't use a map at all, just utilising the paddock and livestock recording power of the software.

How do I purchase an aerial photo of my farm?

On a regular basis (every 3-4 years) complete photos of each region are taken. A CD containing an image of your farm can be purchased from a number of suppliers.

What are the specifications for the aerial photo?

We recommend a JPG format image, with the associated world file JPW if possible. Resolution should be between 600 DPI and 1000DPI. A geo-referenced and ortho-rectified image allows compatibility with GPS maps and GPS co-ordinates

Can I import from my hand held GPS

Currently you cannot import directly from a hand held GPS. Please note that hand held GPS units have an accuracy of plus or minus six meters.

Do I need to get a GPS survey done to create an accurate map?

A GPS survey involves taking a surveyor quality GPS to every angle post and every object on the farm and recording the coordinate. Naturally this is time consuming and expensive. CRS farm mapping can easily import the resulting map however we don't believe that expense is necessary unless you really need accuracy to the square meter. Maps traced over an ortho-rectified image have a perfectly adequate accuracy.

How do I get accurate paddock areas?

You trace your fence lines over the photo. If the scale is set and especially if the image is ortho-rectified and geo-referenced the software will accurately work out the area of each paddock for you.

How do I get hold of an up-to-date photo?

A perfectly up to date photo is highly desirable, but not always possible.

Can the photo be changed or added later?

Yes. Placing a new photo behind your existing map is easily achieved.

Will the program suit my type of farm?

The software is very flexible, which means it is suitable for a very wide range of farming systems

Which option do I buy when I have both livestock and cropping?

Purchase the option best suited to the main business type of your farm, but then add either the cropping or livestock module - you will end up with the same functionality.

How long will it take to set up the program?

Any option can be changed at any time. This means the initial setup can evolve as required. It is a common misconception that everything needs setting up before you can begin. We recommend the opposite. Start with a simple setup and let it evolve.

I have several block of land, how do we fit the map on the screen?

CRS Farm Mapping allows you to set up multiple properties. Each property has a separate map and photo. The paddock, crop and livestock records are stored in the one database but can be reported by property or as a whole.

Can the program be installed on more than one computer?

A secondary license is required. This costs $274+GST

I have several farms run quite separately, can I run these on one program?

To run multiple farms you will need to lease the professional version.

How much time will it take to keep the CRS Farm Mapping records up to date?

This depends on your skill and how much you decide to record. Most people keep a pocket Diary and transfer to the computer one a week, spending about two hours.

Is there a feed budgeting module?

The pasture walks module records pasture covers and calculates growth rates. It also produces a feed wedge. A future version will estimate animal demand and pasture growth, providing a feed budget.

I don't need all the power of CRS farm mapping, is there an entry level option?

The price reflects the fact that different users use different parts of the program.

Note: To see the technical Frequently Asked Questions - Premierpac members should log in and go to the Online Tips in the Users menu