Ag Leader SMS Basic, SMS Advanced Getting Started Guide

Quick Reference Guide

Getting Started

SMS™ Getting Started

Ag Leader Technology is proud to offer SMS Basic/Advanced to you and thanks you for using our software. SMS stands for Spatial Management System. The word “Spatial” means involving or relating to space. That’s exactly what your Farms and Fields are – the space where you are working every day and that relates to all of your business decisions.

SMS is the easiest to use, yet most powerful precision farming software package available. It provides unique features to support all the Ag Leader precision farming equipment that you currently own and also helps integrate information that you may have from other sources or equipment. Simply put, you have chosen a software package that will continue to grow and adapt with all of your equipment, current and future, which no other software package will be able to match.

Table of Contents

This manual will cover the items listed below:

 Registering your SMS Software  Project Management  SMS Advanced Data Location

Management*

 SMS Software Layout  Reading in Files from a Field Display  Printing Maps  Creating a Report  Creating and Restoring Backups  Comparison Analysis*

*Options are available in SMS Advanced only.

 Equation Based Analysis*  Multi-Year Averages Analysis*  Terrain Analysis*  Batch Importing*  Batch Print*  Booklet Printing*  Customization*  3D View*  Backup Scheduling*  SMS Training Opportunities

Registering your SMS Software [Back to Table of Contents]

The software requires an unlock code to give you unlimited mapping and data creation capability. You have 21 days to try the program before the program will require an unlock code provided by Ag Leader Technology. Once you have received your code you will be able to make unlimited maps and be entered into the Software Maintenance program which guarantees that for the first year after you purchase the program, you will receive all minor and major software releases automatically at no additional cost. After the first year you will be required to pay an annual maintenance fee to maintain your status in the maintenance program.

To unlock the software follow these steps:

1. Create a map and the registration wizard window will appear, or go to the Help menu

and select Register.

2. If you selected the Register option from the Help Menu, the License Manager dialog

will now appear. This dialog displays the software versions and options that you can potentially unlock. Select the item from the list that you wish to unlock and click the Register button.

3. Now the Registration Wizard Window will open. Select one of the Registration Options

and then click the Register button. If you have an internet connection, please use the Online option. If you do not have any type of internet service then you will need to use the Phone option to register your software.

4. If you selected the Online Registration option please follow these steps. a. The first step is to log-in or create a registration account for the software. If you

already have or were provided a Username and Password, you can enter them and log-in, otherwise you need to create a new registration account. To do this, select the Create New Account Button. You will now be prompted to enter in your contact information from your address to your email address. You must enter a valid email, otherwise you cannot successfully register.

b. Once you have created the new account and it has been accepted, your

Username and Password will automatically be filled in for you on the Login screen and you will be emailed your Username and Password for your records. Now click Login.

c. Once you have registered and entered your login information, and clicked the

Login button, you will now be prompted to enter your activation code. The activation code is attached to the outside of your CD case.

5. If you selected the Phone Registration option please follow these steps. a. The Phone Registration dialog should now be displayed.

b. If you are located in North America (English Support Only) call 1-515-232-5363,

select Option 1 (Technical Support), and then the option for Desktop Software. You will be required to provide the Computer ID and Registration Code that are listed on the Phone Registration dialog. If you are an International customer then please contact your local Service Provider and they will help register you and get your unlock codes.

c. A registration account will be manually created for you and you will be provided

with a username and password.

d. As long as it can be verified that you have paid for the software or are currently

enrolled in the software maintenance program you will be provided with an unlock code that you can then enter into the available entry on the Phone Registration dialog.

6. The software should now indicate that the software has been unlocked and you now

have full access to all the functionality you paid for.

If you would like to run the software on more than one computer you can do so. You are allowed to unlock the software on two computers, with the stipulation that you won't be running them at the same time for work purposes. For example, you may have a laptop and desktop computer and would like both unlocked so that when you are in the field or traveling you can fully use the software. Your registration account automatically allows you to get two unlocks automatically via the internet without contacting technical support.

Project Management [Back to Table of Contents]

The SMS Software allows you to create and manage Projects, which keep data from different growers, farms and fields in separate databases and storage locations. This is very useful to help keep any single database and data directory from getting too large, provides privacy and security from different people and allows for the easy setup and transfer of a customer’s data for them. SMS Basic allows users to create and manage up to five projects and SMS Advanced gives users an unlimited number of projects to work with.

 To Access your projects, go to the File menu and choose Projects.  To Open an existing project, highlight the name of the project and click the Open button.  To Add a new project, click the Add New Project button and select the appropriate

project grouping and input a name.

 To Modify the name or project grouping of an existing project, highlight the name of

the project and click the Edit Selected Project button.

 To Delete a project, highlight the name of the project and click the Delete Selected

Project button.

NOTE: You cannot delete the (Open) project.

 To Move* an existing project(s) to your current Data Location, click the Move

Project(s) button and select the Projects to be moved.

*Options are available in SMS Advanced only.

 To Create or Restore a backup, click the Backup/Restore Project(s) button. Choose to

Backup Project Data Now, Schedule a Backup* for Your Project Data, or Restore Project Data.

 To Check Out* a project to your local data directory, select the project name and click

the Check Out Selected Project button.

*Options are available in SMS Advanced only.

SMS Advanced Data Location Management [Back to Table of Contents]

The SMS Advanced Software allows you to manage multiple Data Locations easily using the Project Manager dialog. You can easily switch between Data Locations, Add New Locations and Search for Existing Data Locations.

 To Access your Data Locations, go to the File menu and choose Projects.  To Change to a different Data Location, use the drop down list under Select Data Location.  To Add New, Search, Edit, or Remove Data Locations, click the Edit button.

 To Add a new Data Location, click the Add New Data Location button.  To Search for existing Data Locations, click the Search for Data Locations button.  To Edit an existing Data Location, highlight the name of the location and click

the Edit Properties button.

 This tool will allow you to modify the Data Location Name, and manage

the Migration and Backup Settings for this location.

 To Remove a data location from this list, highlight the name of the location and

click the Remove Data Location button.

NOTE: You cannot delete the Data Location currently being accessed.

SMS Software Layout [Back to Table of Contents]

The Management Tree allows you to select, manage, and view the data that is stored in the management system. It provides a visual interaction with your data when deciding what data that you would like to work with since your selection(s) is tied to what is displayed in the Preview Window. There are two tree options available, the Main Tree and the Monitor Tree. By default when the Management Tree is discussed, the Main Tree is what is normally being referenced. The Main Management Tree displays and manages data in its logical form and displays information for all types of data that have been archived, created, or imported.

Management Tree Toolbar

A. Collapse

Click this button to collapse the entire management tree, closing all the branches that are currently open to the Grower Level.

B. Collapse Item

Click this button to collapse the management tree up to the currently selected level in the tree.

C. Expand Item

Click this button to expand the management tree below the currently selected level, opening all branches below the current selection.

D. Show Management Tree Menu

Click this button to open the Management Tree Menu. This menu can also be opened by right clicking your mouse in the management tree window.

E. Enable/Disable Management Tree Filter

Click this button to enable or disable the Management Tree filter. Once a filter is set you can use this button to toggle the filter on and off without having to reset or clear your filter manually.

F. Edit Management Tree Filter

Click this button to open a Data Filter dialog that allows you to select the management items and/or date ranges for data that you would like to be displayed in the Management Tree. For example you can select a Year filter to only show data from the current year in the Management Tree.

G. Edit Item

Click this button to view and/or edit the settings or properties for a selected item in the management tree.

H. Edit Resource Tracking

Click this button to assign or edit resources that can be assigned to a dataset, such as an Operator, Vehicle, Implement, and Containers.

I. Edit Pest

Click this button to assign or edit a Pest that can be assigned to a dataset. A Pest can be assigned to any dataset and not just Scouting datasets.

J. Edit Expense/Income

Click this button to add, edit or delete simple income and expense entries.

Management Tree

Preview Window

The Preview Window allows you to quickly and easily see if spatial data exists for a selection(s) in the Management Tree. It is a powerful tool that allows you to decide what data to create a new map of or add as a layer on an existing map.

Create New Map Button

Click this button when it is bold to add the data in the window below to a new main map window.

Add to Current Map Button

Click this button when it is bold to add a new layer to the active map using the data shown in the window below.

Reading in Files from a Field Display [Back to Table of Contents]

Follow these steps to read files into the system:

1. Start the program.

2. Now go to the File menu or the main toolbar and select Read File(s)...

3. A dialog will now appear with three options on it for reading files into the software. To

read files logged or created by a supported field display, select the first option Read File(s) from a Supported Field Display or Monitor. The option is selected if there is a green check mark over the top right corner of the display icon. Once the option is selected, click the Start Reading Field Display Files... button.

4. A dialog will now appear that lists all the companies that the software can read files

directly from as well as the options for searching for or selecting files. Click one of the company names to select it, then in the list to the right of the buttons a list of supported displays/file formats will be displayed. By default the Search for ALL File Formats Below option should be selected and it is recommended that generally you leave the selection set to this option. Lastly you can select the search or selection option. By default the option will be set to search a folder or a directory. You can also manually select files or search an entire card/drive. Once you have selected your

options click the Start Automatic File Search... button.

5. Depending on which search option you selected you will now either be prompted with

a file selection dialog, a folder/directory dialog, or the drive/card you selected to search will be searched for files that match your selection.

6. Once the search for files is completed you will see a dialog that lists the results of the

search as well as the current settings that will be used to read the selected files. At this point you can edit the selected files to either add more files or remove files by clicking the Edit... button to the right of the list of files. File processing options are provided and if you want to edit them select the Edit...button to the right of the listed options. Lastly, there is an On/Off button that controls how management information will be created for the data being read in as well as whether you will see the data processing settings. It is HIGHLY recommended that you leave this option set to On.

7. Once you are happy with the selected files to be read in and the various processing

settings click the Start Processing Selected Files... button.

8. Now depending on what type of file(s) you selected to read and the options selected,

you may be prompted to enter/set management information or set format specific information that is missing.

 The following are examples of some formats that will require you enter/select

management information. The CNH Voyager format requires the entry/selection of a Grower. The Case IH and New Holland ENS file format contains only Farm and Field names and requires the creation/selection of a Grower for data from a new monitor. If the file being read in is an Ag Leader BDY, TGT, or PFN file you will have to enter/select Grower, Farm, and Field names.

 The following are examples of formats you have to enter settings for. You

must select an archive data type for all Harvest or Site Verification files from

Ag Leader’s YM2000’s and early firmware versions of the PF3000 as well as all Case IH AFS yield mapping systems. Newer Ag Leader PF3000 YLD’s

provide the information to auto-detect the type when read in. Another example is for the CNH Voyager 2 file format you will be asked to select whether or not you want to also read in addition files such as field boundaries, guidance files, etc when the logged data is read in.

9. The file(s) will now be read into the software. When processing is finished, the data

will be selectable in the Management Tree.

Printing Maps [Back to Table of Contents]

Current Layer

Follow these steps to print a map for each of the layers that are currently open in the active map:

1. Select and map data from the Management Tree.

2. Go to the File menu and select Print or click the right mouse button and select the

Print option from the menu or click on the Print icon on the Main Toolbar.

3. A print wizard dialog will now appear that shows all your map/layer printing options.

Select the first option, Print Current Layer(s), select an available layout to print from the right side of the dialog and then click the Print... button at the bottom of the dialog.

4. The Single Layer Layout window will now appear with a screen preview of the

printout. By clicking on one of the boxes in the layout and activating it, you can adjust the size and position of all the visible boxes. Double click the left mouse button on a box to view properties for it or go to the Tools Menu and select Edit Properties for the selected box.

5. Once all the desired changes have been made select one of the available print

output types. Go to the File Menu or the button at the bottom of the dialog to see your print output options.

 Print - This option when selected will print to your default printer. This option

can also be used to print to a custom PDF print driver.

 Print to Image - This option will create an image file such as a BMP, JPEG, or

TIFF (uncompressed) file of your printout.

 Print to PDF - This option will directly create a PDF file of your printout.

6. Click the Close button to close the layout window or click Print again to make

another printout.

Current Map

Follow these steps to print a map of the active map:

1. Select and map data from the Management Tree, creating several map layers.

2. Go to the File menu and select Print or click the right mouse button and select the

Print option from the menu or click on the Print icon on the Main Toolbar.

3. A print wizard dialog will now appear that shows all your map/layer printing options.

Select the second option, Print Current Map, select an available layout to print from the right side of the dialog and then click the Print... button at the bottom of the dialog.

 If you would like to change the formatting and base contents of this print

layout type, click the Map Printing Options... button and this will provide you with the available formatting options for the printout.

4. The Map layout window will now appear. Make any changes to the layout that you

would like.

5. Once all the desired changes have been made select one of the available print

output types. Go to the File Menu or the button at the bottom of the dialog to see your print output options.

 Print - This option when selected will print to your default printer. This option

can also be used to print to a custom PDF print driver.

 Print to Image - This option will create an image file such as a BMP, JPEG, or

TIFF (uncompressed) file of your printout.

 Print to PDF - This option will directly create a PDF file of your printout.

6. Click the Close button to exit the Map Layout window.

Creating a Report [Back to Table of Contents]

Follow these steps to print a report:

1. Go to the File Menu and select New and then Report… or select the New Report icon

from the Main Toolbar.

2. The Report Wizard dialog will now appear. Select the type of report that you would

like to print and then click the Next Button.

Choose from the following options:

 Grower Report - Prints summary information for the selected Grower, Year(s), and

Operation Type.

 Condensed Farm Report - Prints summary information for the selected Grower,

Farm(s), Year(s), and Operation Type.

 Field Report - Prints summary information for the selected Grower, Farm(s), Field(s),

Year(s), Operation Type, Product/Crop(s), and Operational Instance(s).

 Crop / Product Report - Prints summary information for the selected Crop / Product(s),

Year(s), and Operation.

 Operator Report - Prints summary information for the selected Operator(s), Year(s),

and Operation.

 Resource Usage Report - Prints summary information for a selected Grower(s), Farm(s),

Year(s), Product(s), and Operation.

3. Use the filters on the next dialog to select the desired information to be printed

on the report.

4. To modify the items that will be included in your report click the Edit button on the

Report Item Selection Screen. The Displayed Items dialog should now appear. This dialog allows you to select specific attributes to display on your report other than what defaults and even change their display names to meet your needs.

5. The Report Options screen will now open. You can modify the title, the logo that will be

included in the report and the report colors. You can also select whether or not you would like each individual report to print on its own page. This is checked by default and is recommended for best printing results. The option to print an image file in the upper right-hand corner of the printout next to the report title such as a logo for your business or farm is also provided. Click the Finish button to create your report.

6. Your report will now be created as a report document that will be displayed in the

main window of the software. From this document you can go back in and adjust the data filters for the report and all the settings that you made while setting up the report to run. You can also print the report or save it to an HTML file (which can be imported directly into Excel for example).

Creating and Restoring Backups [Back to Table of Contents]

The software provides you the ability to create a backup copy of all the data and settings that you have stored in the system. Backup files can then be restored at a later date to go back to a previous state of your data or to recover data that may have been lost. Choosing to create a backup creates a compressed file of all the data, archived files and settings that are stored in your Data directory. It is recommended that you periodically create backups of your system to protect the data that you have loaded into it and the management settings that you have made. SMS Advanced allows you to create backups of a single project, multiple projects, or all your projects that you wish to backup.

Follow these steps to create a backup of the data in the SMS Software:

1. Go to the Services menu and select Backup/Restore Project(s)

2. Select to Backup Project Data Now and click OK

3. Proceed with the steps below for the SMS product you have installed:

a. You will be prompted with a dialog that allows you to select one, multiple or all

projects to be backed up. Each project, even if multiple or all are selected, will

be placed in its own backup file.

b. Enter a custom description and custom name for the backup folder. c. Select the directory to store the backup file in. d. Click OK to begin creating the backup file(s).

Restore

This feature allows you to select one or more backup files that were previously created to restore your data, archived files, and settings to the same state that they were in when you

created the backup(s).

Analysis Tools

SMS Advanced includes many powerful analysis tools to help you translate all of the data you have collected into meaningful management decisions. These tools can all be run for multiple fields at once insuring that your valuable time is spent analyzing the results of these tools instead of running them for each field.

We will cover four of the eight analysis tools in this document. For details about any of the tools not covered, please review the Key Differences between SMS Basic and SMS Advanced document, online tutorials, and the Help menu topics.

Comparison Analysis [Back to Table of Contents]

This analysis tool allows you to compare attributes and properties across multiple types of data. For example, you can compare Soil Type to Yield to see how the different soil types in the field affect yield performance.

To create a Comparison Analysis follow these steps:

1. Open the Analysis Menu by clicking on the Analysis Wizard icon

in the main toolbar.

2. Select the Comparison Analysis button on the left hand side of the screen and then

click the Add button.

3. Input a name and enter a description for your new analysis before clicking Next.

4. Select the Datasets for Comparison by clicking the Edit button. If you wanted to see

the Yield and Moisture attribute values in the results of this comparison you would add a harvest dataset as the Input Dataset.

5. On the Edit Input Dataset Settings dialog use the Edit button to modify the Grid and

Interpolation settings if needed. Click OK when complete.

6. Select the Comparison Dataset by clicking on the Add button. The datasets added

here will be used as the source for the attributes/properties that the values selected from your input dataset will be compared to.

7. On the Edit Input Dataset Settings dialog use the Edit button to modify the Grid and

Interpolation settings if needed. Click OK when complete.

a. Use the Point Overlay Method for Processing checkbox if you need to compare

the information in your analysis on a pass-by-pass basis, such as split planter data. This option does not use any interpolation and the grid size needs to be set to reflect the spacing of your point data.

b. Multiple Comparison Datasets can be added by repeating Steps 6 & 7.

8. Click Next after selecting all datasets you wish to include in your analysis.

9. Select the attribute(s) that you would like values generated for in the comparison

results report and chart by selecting the name on the left hand side and clicking the Add button. Click Next when complete.

10. Select the attributes /properties to group your comparison results by. Highlight

their name on the left hand side and use the Add button to include them in your result grouping. Click Finish.

11. On the Select Reference

Dataset screen, select the reference dataset to use for the new analysis. The reference dataset is the one that contains the most data in your software. Click Next.

12. On the Select Related Data

Filters dialog, modify the filter settings that will be used to gather data to apply the batch function to. This screen helps the software identify how it should search through your data to find the inputs that have been selected to include in your analysis. Click Finish when done.

13. You will be now be returned to the main Analysis window where the newly created

analysis will be displayed in the list of saved tools. Select the analysis to run and choose to run for a Single Field, Multiple Fields, or across Multiple Projects using the buttons across the bottom of the screen.

14. On the Select Data Filters screen, modify the selections to include the field(s) you

want to have results displayed for in the analysis output. Click Next.

15. In the Edit Data Filters Results dialog, remove any unwanted datasets and Click Finish.

16. Your results will now be displayed in the main mapping window. You will have four

tabs available in a Comparison Analysis:

a. Analysis Report – Text only representation of your results. b. Analysis Combination – Text and Graphic display of your results. c. 2 Analysis Charts – Graphic representation of your results.

17. A saved Comparison Analysis can be run, edited, or copied at any time in the future

by entering the Analysis Wizard dialog.

Equation Based Analysis [Back to Table of Contents]

This tool allows you to build equations that use selected input datasets to generate selected attribute results from. For example, you could build an equation that uses Yield and Soil Data as inputs to generate a prescription rate for a field.

To create an Equation Based Analysis follow these steps:

1. Open the Analysis Menu by clicking on the Analysis Wizard icon

in the main toolbar.

2. Select the Equation Based Analysis button on the left hand side of the screen and

then click the Add button.

3. Input a name and description for your equation and click the Next button.

4. The Set Analysis Result Types dialog will now open. This screen is comprised of

three different sections:

a. Analysis Result Selection

i. The result attributes to build equation for window allows you to Add, Edit,

and Delete the attributes that will be generated when the equation is run.

ii. Click the Add button and input a Result Name and Description for the result.

iii. Use the Attribute Group drop down and Attribute list to select the name

of the attribute you wish to output in your final result.

iv. Select the appropriate units for your result using the Units drop down list.

v. If you want to apply minimum or maximum limits to your results place a

check in the box next to Apply Min/Max Limits and input the desired values.

vi. By checking the Round Value To option you can input a value to be used

as a rounding factor in your resulting dataset.

vii. Click OK when complete.

b. Result Operation Selection

i. Use the drop down menu to select the operation you want the newly

created dataset(s) to be saved as after running your equation.

c. Temporary Results, Sub-Equations and Prompts Selection

i. These tools are all optional but using the Add, Edit, and Delete buttons

will allow you input sub-equations into your main equation or prompts that will be displayed when running your equation. Prompts are user entered values that are referenced in the main equation.

NOTE: SMS Advanced allows you to create multiple equations using the Add and

Copy buttons. This will allow you to create one equation, that when run, will result in multiple datasets being created. For example, you could create one equation defining the planting populations across the field and add another equation that will be used to control a starter fertilizer application. When running an equation with multiple results, all results will be generated for you when you run the equation.

5. The Select Analysis Input Datasets dialog will now open. This screen allows you to

select the datasets that are stored in your management tree that you wish to

reference in your equation.

a. Add datasets by clicking on the Add Datasets button. Repeat this step until all

desired reference data has been selected.

i. Use the Select Data Filters result screen to choose the data you want to

use in your equation.

ii. Use the Edit button under the Grid Settings options to modify the grid

sizes and interpolation method and settings.

iii. Click OK after making all desired changes

b. Click Next after adding all desired reference datasets.

6. The Select Management Items dialog will be the next screen in the setup process.

Adding items on this screen is optional. This tool is useful to pull property values from a management item to use in your analysis, such as the recommended product application rate for the product you are writing an equation for.

a. Use the Add button to add any desired management items. b. Use the Edit and Remove buttons to modify the previously added

management items.

c. Click Next when finished.

7. The Define Result Equations dialog will now open.

a. At the top of the screen all of the Analysis Results that you defined in the first

setup step will be displayed. When building and modifying the equation, select the appropriate analysis to work with by left clicking on the name before making changes.

b. The Comment Box allows you to type in notes that will be displayed in the

equation window. This is useful if you need to define any conversion rates or other constants you are using in your equation.

c. On the far right hand side of the screen you will see the Editing Tools.

i. With any data selected in the equation definition box click the Delete

icon to remove it from the equation.

ii. Use the Cut button to remove the selected items from the equation,

where they will be copied to a clipboard for you to paste at a later time.

iii. The Copy button will copy whatever is currently selected in the equation

definition tab.

iv. Clicking the Paste button will add the data that was previously cut or

copied into the current cursor location in the equation definition window.

v. After deleting or cutting data you can click on the Undo button to reverse

the change.

vi. To reapply a change that you previously undid using the Undo button

click the Redo button.

d. The center of the Define Result Equations dialog displays the equation as you

have built it.

e. On the left hand side of the screen you will find the Equation Functions,

Constants and the Variable/Spatial Function settings.

i. To begin writing your equation you must first define the attributes you

wish to use from the reference datasets previously added.

ii. Click the Edit List button and on the following screen and use the Input

Dataset/Management item to select the first operation that you need to add a variable from.

iii. Choose to Add an Attribute, Property or Function.

iv. Use the drop downs to select the appropriate value and add it to your

equation by clicking the Add button. Repeat this step until all required variables have been added. Click OK when complete.

8. You can now define your equation by manually writing the If/Then statements or by

utilizing the Range or Logic wizard tools.

9. After you have finished writing your equation, click on the Check Equations button

to verify that all algebraic rules have been followed.

10. Click Finish when complete.

11. You will now be returned back to the Analysis menu dialog. To run an equation,

select the name of the analysis and click the Single Field or Multiple Fields button.

12. Verify that the Selected Data Filters screen is pointing to the correct datasets and

click Next and then Finish.

13. The Analysis Editor will now open displaying your first dataset.

14. Click the Save button to select where the dataset will be saved in your

management tree.

a. If you had multiple analysis results defined you will now be prompted to select

the management settings for the next result.

Multi-Year Averages Analysis [Back to Table of Contents]

This analysis function takes multiple years of data and combines them into one result dataset that is an averaged equivalent of all selected datasets. You can select to have SMS Advanced normalize the attributes for proper averaging and comparison of datasets containing different products, such as Corn and Soybean yield values since comparing the raw values would result in skewed results. The result of this analysis is a new dataset that can be used to define management zones within your fields and even referenced in other analysis tools.

1. Open the Analysis Menu by clicking on the Analysis Wizard icon

in the main toolbar.

2. Select the Multi-Year Averages Analysis button on the left hand side of the screen

and click the Add button.

3. Enter a name and description for your analysis and click Next.

4. On the Select Data Filters screen, select the data to include in your new dataset.

a. To add all years of information for the selected operation, select the All option. b. To add specific years of data click the Year drop down and choose Multiple. In

the next dialog place a check next to each of the years you want to include.

5. Click Next after selecting all appropriate data filters.

6. Remove any unwanted datasets by selecting them and clicking the Delete button

on the Edit Data Filter Results screen. Click Next when complete.

7. On the Aggregate Options screen, select all attributes that you wish to have

averaged by selecting their name and clicking the Add button.

a. If you wish to normalize any of the averaged attributes, select their name on

the right hand side of the screen and check the Normalize button in the lower right hand corner.

b. Select the appropriate method to use when normalizing the data- either

Normalize to a 0 to 100% Scale or Normalize Against Data Mean.

NOTE: It is recommended to Normalize to a 0-100% scale when working with

attributes whose values vary greatly- such as when comparing corn and soybean yield values.

8. Click Next after selecting all attributes to be averaged.

9. The Grid Options dialog will allow you to modify the grid sizes and interpolation

settings for the new dataset that will be created.

10. Click Finish.

11. On the Analysis Menu, select to run the multi-year averages analysis you just

created for either a Single Field or Multiple Fields.

12. Verify the datasets you wish to include are displayed on the Select Data Filters

screen and click Next.

13. Remove any unwanted datasets before clicking Finish.

14. The new dataset will now be displayed in the Editor screen along with all attributes

and normalized attributes that you selected to include.

15. Click the Save button to select where to save the dataset in the management tree.

Terrain Analysis [Back to Table of Contents]

This analysis function generates a Terrain dataset based on the 3D grid that is automatically generated from all data in the system. The Terrain dataset can then be used as a reference dataset in an equation to generate another attribute, such as erosion class.

1. Open the Analysis Menu by clicking on the Analysis Wizard icon

in the main toolbar.

2. Select the Terrain Analysis button on the left hand side of the screen and choose to

run for either a Single Field or for Multiple Fields.

3. Use the Select Data Filters screen to select the grower(s), farm(s) and field(s) that

you wish to create a Terrain dataset for.

4. Click the Finish button.

5. The Terrain analysis dataset will now be displayed in the Editor window and the

following attributes will be available to view:

a. Curvature b. Drainage Area c. Elevation d. Flow Direction e. Gradient Direction f. Slope/Grade (Raw) g. Stream Power h. Watershed ID i. Wetness Potential

6. Click the Save button to save this new dataset to your management tree.

Batch Tools

SMS Advanced includes many tools that can be run in batch allowing you to perform simple operations on multiple fields, years and datasets at the same time.

Batch Importing [Back to Table of Contents]

The Batch Import tool allows you to import multiple shape, comma separated, text, map information, database and LIDAR files that all contain similar information at once. You only have to select and assign the columns of data to import once and all other files will have the same settings applied.

1. Open the Batch Import Tools dialog by clicking on the Batch Command

icon in the main toolbar.

2. Select Import Files and Click OK.

3. Choose if you want to be prompted for the management settings, such as grower, farm

and field name for each file or to not prompt for individual management settings.

4. Use the File Type drop down to select the type of files that you will be importing.

5. Click the Add button to navigate to where the files you wish to import are stored on

your computer and after selecting all files click the Open button.

6. If you have previously saved a template that you would like to use for the currently

selected files, check the Use Template box and browse your computer to select the appropriate import template.

7. Click OK after selecting all files.

8. The Import Preview will display a map of the first file you selected to import. Click

Next if the file is correct.

9. On the Select Import Type dialog, you have two options for how to save your data:

a. Add to the Management Hierarchy – allows you to select what Operation your

data should be imported as. If importing field boundaries and you wish to set those as the frozen field boundary check the Set as Field Boundary check box.

b. Add as a Possible Map Background – allows you to input a description for the

background you are importing.

10. Click Next after making the appropriate selection.

11. On the Assign Columns to Import screen you will need to assign all required

attributes, based on the selected operation if you choose to save the data to your management tree, and any optional attributes that you wish to be able to map when the import process is complete.

a. To assign columns, you can either load a previously saved template or

manually assign the columns.

b. To manually assign a column, click on the File Column Name and click the

Assign Column button.

c. On the Column Settings screen, select what type of data you are importing.

You can choose Attribute, Property, Management Item, or a Sub-layer Attribute.

d. After selecting what type of data you are importing, use the drop down boxes

to select the attribute you wish to map this column of data to.

e. Click OK after assigning the data.

12. Repeat the above steps until all required and any optional items you wish to import

are mapped. If you wish to save these column assignments to use in the future for like data types click the Save Template button and enter a name for the template.

13. Click Next.

14. Select the Clipping Options you would like to apply to the imported data.

a. Clip by Field will create a square bounding box around your existing fields

displaying the newly imported data.

i. If you have established field boundaries in your management tree and

want the imported data to be clipped to those boundaries, check the Clip to Frozen Field Boundaries box.

b. Clip by Farm will use the boundaries around the existing farms in your

management tree to clip the imported data to a square bounding box around them.

c. No Clipping – Import Entire File will import all information contained in the raw

files you are working with.

NOTE: If you select to clip by field or farm, you will have the ability to expand

the clipped area by a set percentage – up to one square mile around your fields or farms.

15. Click Next.

16. If you selected to clip by field or farm you will need to define the growers, farms and

fields that you wish to import the data for. Click Next when complete.

17. On the Management Selection screen, select where you want to save the files at in

your management tree. Click Next.

18. The Import Preview will provide the details of the files that you selected to import.

19. Click Finish to begin the file import process. a. If you selected to Prompt for Individual Management settings you will now need

to input the proper management settings for each of the files you are importing.

Batch Print [Back to Table of Contents]

The batch print tool allows you to print multiple map layers at once without having to create a map of each dataset in the main mapping window. You can select to print layers using a system default layout or load one of your own customized print layouts.

1. Open the Batch Import Tools dialog by clicking on the Batch Command

icon in the main toolbar.

2. Choose to Print Map Layers and click the OK button.

3. Use the Select Data Filters screen to choose what datasets you wish to print.

4. The Merge Filter Results Datasets by drop down allows you to select how to merge

the datasets that you are printing.

5. Click Next after selecting the correct data.

6. Remove any unwanted datasets on the Edit Data Filter Results screen by clicking

on the dataset name to be removed and clicking the Delete button.

7. Click Finish.

8. Your print layout will now be generated. Only the first mapped dataset will be

displayed in the print layout window but you can see the total number of pages contained in your batch print results in the upper left hand corner of the screen.

9. Click the Print button in the lower left hand corner to print your results. You have

three print options:

a. Print – which will print all pages in your layout to your default printer. b. Print to PDF – which will use the SMS PDF Printer on your computer to

generate an electronic PDF Document that can be saved to your computer to be printed or emailed at a later date.

c. Print to Image – which will allow you to select the type of image file you want to

save and name the file.

Booklet Printing [Back to Table of Contents]

This is an additional module that can be purchased when running SMS Advanced that takes batch printing to the next level. Booklet printing allows you to build a booklet that includes all of the print layouts, reports, charts and analysis results into one document that even includes a table of contents and customized title page. Once the booklet has been created and organized to meet your needs you can print all of the different types of data you included at once with the click of the button.

1. To open the Booklet Printing tool, go to the

Analysis Menu and choose Booklet Printing.

2. You can create New Booklets and Edit, Delete, and Copy existing booklet templates.

3. Click the Add New button.

4. Assign your new booklet to the desired group and input a name and description. Click

Next when complete.

5. The Booklet Title Page dialog will now open. If you wish to include a cover page, check

the Add Booklet Title Page box and use the Booklet Title Page layout screen to make all necessary changes and additions.

6. Click Next.

7. Use the Booklet Item Selection screen to add all desired analyses, reports, charts, and

map layouts to the booklet using the Add button.

8. Click Finish.

9. To run a new or existing booklet, select the name of the booklet and click the

Next button.

10. Use the Select Data Filters dialog to select the information you wish to include in

the booklet and click Finish.

11. Your booklet will now be generated and displayed in the main mapping window.

12. All items included in the booklet will be displayed in the tabs across the bottom

of the window. The table of contents is last and will be generated when the booklet is printed.

13. From the File menu choose to Print All when you wish to print your booklet.

a. You will have the same print options when printing a booklet as you do when

printing any map layer.

14. You can choose to save your booklet as HTML by going to the File menu and

selecting Save as HTML. This will result in generating multiple files with an index page that allows you to link to the individual booklet result pages.

Customization Options [Back to Table of Contents]

With SMS Advanced you have the ability to customize several items to meet your specific needs. You can create new operations, reports, and charts to list a few.

1. To create a new chart or report, select the appropriate output type from the main

mapping toolbar.

a. New General Report b. New Chart

2. You can choose to modify an existing system report/chart by selecting the name

and clicking the Edit button.

a. The following dialogs will walk you thru the setup options where you can

modify any filters, data groupings or data that is currently included in the report/chart.

3. You can create a copy of an existing report/chart by clicking the Add Copy button

with the name of the item you wish to copy selected.

a. The following dialogs will walk you thru the setup options where you can

modify the filters, data groupings or data that was included in the report/chart that you selected to make a copy of.

4. You can add new reports/charts by clicking the Add New button. a. The following dialogs will walk you thru the setup options where you will select

the filters, data groupings and data that you wish to include in your new report.

3D View [Back to Table of Contents]

SMS Advanced includes the ability to view and plot your data in 3D.

3D Mapping

1. Create a map that you would like to view in 3D and click the Hide/Show 3D

View icon in the mapping toolbar.

2. Your map will now be displayed on a

3D grid in the main mapping window.

3. To modify the grid settings use the

Map Settings tool and click the 3D Map tab.

3D Plots

1. Select the operational instance or dataset that you wish to plot and

click on the New 3D Plot icon in the main toolbar.

2. The mapping window will update with the 3D plot.

3. You can modify the type of plot being displayed using the two plot type icons above

the legend on the right hand side of the screen.

4. To change the plot settings, click on the Plot Options tool on the

mapping toolbar.

Backup Scheduling [Back to Table of Contents]

With SMS Advanced you can create backups on a regular basis using the Backup Scheduling tool.

1. Go to the Services menu and choose Backup/Restore Project(s) and choose to

Schedule a Backup for Your Project Data and click OK.

2. On the Schedule Backup screen,

select what projects you would like to backup –either all of your projects or a specified number of projects.

3. Choose when to backup your data

from the Daily, Weekly, and Monthly options.

a. When creating Daily backups

you will be able to choose what time you want to start the backup.

b. When creating Weekly

backups you will be able to choose the time to start and the day of the week.

c. When creating Monthly

backups you can select the start time, week of the month and day of the week to create your backups on.

4. You will need to input your Windows account name and password (if applicable). a. You do NOT need to be logged into your computer at the time you schedule

to start your backup. Your computer will need to be turned on for the backups to start at the times you have selected.

SMS Training & Resource Opportunities [Back to Table of Contents]

SMS Training

sms.agleader.com

Free Introduction to SMS

To help you get started with your new software purchase, Ag Leader offers a free online session the 1st Tuesday of every month. This 90 minute online broadcast will help you understand how to use the key tools provided in SMS. All you need to participate is a computer with audio support (speakers or headset), and an internet connection. Previously recorded sessions are available on our website and can be viewed anytime at your leisure.

Free Introduction to SMS Advanced

For our customers with SMS Advanced, or anyone interested in what features are included only in the Advanced Software, Ag Leader offers a free online session the first Wednesday of every month, 11am CST. This 90 minute online broadcast will help you understand how to use the key tools provided in the SMS Advanced Desktop Software. All you need to participate is a computer with audio support (speakers or headset), and an internet connection.

Free Introduction to SMS Mobile

To help you learn more about the SMS Mobile Software, Ag Leader offers a free online session the first Monday of every month, 11am CST. This 90 minute broadcast will help you understand how to use key features of the SMS Mobile Software. All you need to participate is a computer with audio support (speakers or headset), and an internet connection.

Classroom Training

Receive hands-on training led by one of our Dedicated Software Support Technicians, where each student is provided with their own computer in a classroom setting. We offer SMS Basic, Advanced, and Certified training sessions ranging from 1–3 days in duration, plus a 2 hour session available for SMS Mobile. View our website for additional training details, available dates, and locations.

Web–Based Training

Train from the comfort of your home or office with our web-based SMS training. Each 60–90 minute session provides an in-depth look at a specific SMS topic and related tools. Web-based trainings require a phone and internet connection. Check our website for available training dates or to request a specific topic for a future training session.

Call 515-232-5363 or e-mail SMSsupport@agleader.com to speak with our Dedicated Software Support Team about your training needs or questions.

Additional Resources

sms.agleader.com

SMS Tutorials

Tutorial videos are available for key functionality of all SMS products. These videos take you step by step through running the software. The tutorials are available on our website, as well as YouTube or with a software purchase.

Discussion Forum

Participate in free online discussions about all our SMS products on the forum website. The forum is a place where you can ask questions and get answers from Ag Leader or other SMS users. You can also search for specific topics of interest and find answers to previously asked questions. Start today by registering on our website.

Find out the latest news about Ag Leader products by reading our regularly updated posts on these social media websites:

Ag Leader Precision Point: agleader.com/blog Become a Facebook Fan: facebook.com/AgLeader

Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/AgLeaderTech

View our YouTube Videos: youtube.com/user/AgLeaderSMSTutorials

Ag Leader SMS Basic, SMS Advanced Getting Started Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual