GPS Apps in Agriculture: Working on Challenging Fields

Farm machinery doesn’t always operate on perfectly flat and rectangular fields. Many farmers face the challenge of working on complex, non-standard plots: hilly terrain, irregular field boundaries, narrow row spacing, orchards, vineyards, or fields with obstacles. In such conditions, precision and navigation stability become particularly important. Modern GPS apps help efficiently plan routes, minimise operational errors on complex fields, and ensure high-quality agricultural operations regardless of terrain or field shape.

In this article, we explore the TOP 5 most challenging types of land that farmers encounter and explain how GPS apps make it possible to successfully apply precision farming technologies even under the most demanding field conditions.

Orchards and Vineyards

Working in orchards and vineyards requires high precision, as machinery moves through narrow rows where even slight deviation may damage tree trunks or vines. Limited turning space, uneven terrain, and the high value of planting material add extra complexity. GPS apps enable the machinery to follow exact paths with centimetre-level accuracy, minimising the risk of mechanical damage while ensuring precise fertilisation, pruning, spraying, and inter-row cultivation. Get the consultation on Fieldbee — learn how to maintain stable machine operation even in densely planted areas.

Hayfields

On hayfields, even grass cutting and efficient use of the entire area are key priorities. These fields often have irregular shapes and uneven terrain, which complicates route planning. GPS apps help optimise movement lines, eliminate skips and overlaps, reduce working time, and lower fuel consumption. This ensures maximum use of the hayfield area and produces a uniform, high-quality forage yield without unnecessary losses.

Pastures

On pastures, the goal is to ensure even grazing and monitor grassland condition. Challenges include uneven terrain, numerous natural obstacles, varying grass density, and the need for precise rotational grazing management. GPS apps allow farmers to track grazing patterns, control even pasture utilisation, plan herd movement, and maintain grassland recovery, ultimately increasing pasture productivity.

Rice Fields

Rice farming demands special precision in paddy preparation, land levelling, and irrigation control. Even small elevation differences can disrupt water distribution, reduce yields, and create uneven ripening. GPS navigation support accurate planning of earthworks, field levelling, and precise control of tillage depth. This creates optimal conditions for paddy flooding and uniform rice growth across all field zones.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a GPS App

The app should support RTK correction and multi-constellation systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) for stable navigation across various field conditions. Essential features include route planning, field mapping, operation logging, overlap and skip analysis, and integration with autosteering systems and farm management platforms.

Ease of use, offline functionality, regular updates, strong technical support, and compatibility with existing equipment are equally important. A quality GPS app should be equally effective on large flat fields as well as on complex areas — such as hilly terrain, orchards, pastures, or irregular-shaped fields — helping the farmers make the most of every hectare while collecting accurate data for farm management decisions.