Description
Gaiasense is a smart farming system available both as a mobile app and online app that continuously records and analyses field-based data, featuring also technological tools that support farm management and an advisory service. Farmers, researchers, and advisors can make use of the collected data to make informed decisions about water and soil management, pest control and farm operations. The system is structured around four key dimensions, namely: Remote, Field, Eye and Farm. In the “Remote” dimension, the system periodically updates satellite imagery to provide detailed data on plant growth and soil conditions, regardless of the farm's location. The “Field” dimension uses strategically placed sensors in agricultural areas to continuously collect air, soil and plant condition data for further analysis. The “Eye” dimension makes use of a network of specialists who use advanced tools to collect field samples, adding an extra human layer of expertise to the data observation and collection process. Finally, the “Farm” dimension allows producers to digitally record their work activities, the inputs they use and the harvest outcomes, without requiring any specialized computer skills. Gaiasense is designed to be customizable to different regional conditions, including soil types, microclimates and crop varieties. The minimal annual subscription fee and the absence of any upfront investment outlays for hardware ensure the accessibility of the multidimensional data even to smallholder farmers. Users register through the website and can utilize the app immediately through a structured annual subscription.
Technology
Gaiasense is available both as an Android and iOS app for tablets, computers and mobile phones. Gaiasense collects and uses data from the field (proximity sensors), from satellites (remote sensing), from scientists (on-site observations and sampling, analyses, processing of cultivation models etc.) and from the producers themselves (digital recording of all work carried out in the holding). It uses Cloud technologies and IoT to sync the data to the app, providing farmers with updates on crop conditions. The Gaiasense system makes use of a multitude of digital technologies, such as Big Data, Cloud Computing, Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning, along with a layered architecture of app services (Service-oriented Architectures), programming languages and Semantic Web, supporting such interdisciplinary fields as soil science, agricultural engineering, meteorology, agronomic, agricultural and biological sciences, and environmental sciences.
Target
The main users of Gaiasense are farmers, researchers and farm advisors in 70 regions in Greece, and the app is available in the Greek language. Gaiasense operates with a wide network of users and partners (www.gaiasense.gr/download-gaiasense-app/#diktyo).
Business model
Gaiasense is based on a Smart Farming as a Service (SfaaS) approach. The annual subscription fee for Gaiasense is USD 30 for the basic plan, which is suitable for smallholders, although users can request additional features. The basic plan includes the following features: Your parcels, Forecast, Severe weather warnings, Suitability of sprays, Risk warnings, Water indicators, Growth factors, Germination index, Territorial suitability and Knowledge guide. The second-tier plan is priced based on the area of land inputted into the app, and includes the following features: Irrigation tips, Plant protection recommendations, Plant hazard indicator, Fertilizer recipe, Soil analysis and Parcel customization. A third-tier subscription is in development and will provide access to all the features of the second tier, plus: support from an agricultural consultant and a production optimization plan.
Impact
Gaiasense, today, covers more than 25 types of crops, and has infrastructure installed in 70 different regions across Greece covering more than 150 000 acres. It has been downloaded over 5000 times from the Google Play Store. The company claims that in a few years, most of the Greek agricultural land will be covered. The company claims that its priority is now to integrate new regions of the country where there is more interest in terms of the local productive economy.
Partners
European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC); The Alliance for the Internet of Things Innovation (AIOTI); The Big Data Value Association (BDVA); The Hellenic Emerging Technologies Industry Association (HETiA)
Four Betters
Better production
