Step-by-Step Field Mapping Guide

Part 1: How to Create Your Field Boundary Link

We use Google Earth to locate your field. You will need a free Google/Gmail account to save and share your map.

Step 1: Open Google Earth

1. Open your web browser and go to https://earth.google.com.
2. If you aren’t already signed in, click the Sign In button in the top right corner and log into your Google account.

Step 2: Find Your Field

1. Click the + New button on the left side of the screen and select New Map.
2. If you would like, click on “Untitled map” at the top left of the screen to change the title of this map. If you do not name it now, you will have a popup requesting a title when you go to share this project. 
3. Click the search bar on the top left side of the screen.
4. Type in your nearest town, address, or crossroads and hit Enter.
5. Use your mouse wheel to zoom in and click and drag the map until your specific field is clearly visible on the screen.

Step 3: Draw Your Boundary

1. On the top menu, select the Add path or polygon button. It looks like four circles connected by lines, or a model of a molecule.
2. Click your mouse on one corner of your field. Move to the next corner and click again. Continue clicking around the outside edge of your field until you get back to your starting point.
3. Click your very first point to “close” the shape.
4. A box will pop up on the right side of the screen. Click Save to project and then you may rename this field boundary where the default title “Untitled polygon” is populated.
5. You have the option to view the acreage of this area. Knowing this now can make filling out the form on our website easier later. Google Earth auto-populates the area in square meters, but you can change this unit to acres by clicking the downward-pointing arrow in the Area data and selecting Acres.

Step 4: Get Your Shareable Link (Crucial Step)

1. Click the Share button on the top right of the screen. (It looks like a blue button with an icon of two people and is labeled “Share”)
2. A sharing box will pop up. Click Continue if you get a screen that says, “Share a project you own?”
3. Click the word “Restricted” and change it to Anyone with the link. (If you skip this step, our team will be locked out and cannot view your field).
4. Click the Copy Link button. You now have the link saved to your computer’s clipboard.

Part 2: How to Fill Out the Work Order Form

Now that you have your map link, return to our website to finish your work order.

1. Contact Information: Fill in your name, email, and the best cell phone number to reach you during the day in case we need more information or if we have questions while out in the field.

2. Name of Field: Use the name you call it (e.g., “Center” or “Smith Farm”) so we can discuss it easily with you. Or you may enter the field name you used on your Google Earth map so we can easily match them up.

3. County: Select the Missouri county where the field is physically located.

4. Total Acres: Enter the total amount of acres. If you are unsure, you can check the area in Google Earth (See: Part 1, Step 3, 5.)

5. Grid Sampling Size: Select your preferred testing density. If you are unsure, 2.5 Acres is the industry standard for precision agriculture and our most popular option.

6. Crop History & Plans: Enter your “Current Crop” (what is currently in the ground or just harvested) and your “Planned Crop” (what you are planting next). This ensures your fertilizer recommendations are perfectly tailored to your goals.

7. Field Boundary URL: Right-click inside this box and select Paste. The Google Earth link you copied earlier should appear here.

8. Message: Add any special instructions for our team. Let us know about locked gates, wet spots to avoid, or preferred entry points.

9. Submit: Click the Submit Work Order button. You are all set! We will review your order and contact you to schedule sampling.