Measure at a point
Each simulated probe measures volumetric water content at its own position. VWC is the volume of water per volume of soil; it is not a universal “health percentage.” Soil-specific calibration matters.
THE CONNECTED FIELD / PRECISION IRRIGATION
Soil intelligence. In every dimension.
From twelve points in the soil to a clearer picture of the whole field.
INTERACTIVE 3D LABORATORYLoRa sensing · spatial mapping · informed irrigation
Field observatory / North plot
Simulating
Estimated field average—volumetric water content
Below scenario trigger—map area below 24% VWC
Fresh sensor readings—12 stations in the field
Suggested irrigation—eligible zones · modeled volume
FROM MEASUREMENT TO ACTION
4 management zones · 384 m² eachWater where it is needed.
Scenario: trigger 24% VWC, target 30%, root depth 0.30 m. Dose assumes uniform storage in the root zone. A 20-second animation compresses irrigation time; it does not model pump capacity, runoff or crop water needs.
EXPERIMENT CONTROLS
Change the conditions.
Intervals are accelerated for teaching. Higher IDW power gives nearby readings more influence.
TWELVE MEASUREMENTS. ONE CONNECTED FIELD.
Sensor network
Fresh Radio off Stale
Readings older than 18 simulated seconds are excluded from the map.
Click any node to inspect its hardware and history.LECTURE 18 / THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SCENEHow does a handful of sensors become a field map?
Deliver the reading
LoRa is the radio technology. LoRaWAN adds network protocols linking devices, gateways and servers. The animated paths illustrate delivery; this offline demo does not emulate RF propagation or a complete LoRaWAN stack.
Estimate the spaces
The map uses inverse-distance weighting: nearby fresh readings carry more weight. All 768 map cells are estimates. Data support combines sample proximity and age; it is a teaching heuristic, not a confidence interval.
Review before watering
A zone needs at least two fresh local readings before the demo suggests irrigation. The thresholds are scenario choices. Real decisions also need soil properties, crop stage, weather, root depth and hydraulic limits.
Try this: Select “Network interruption,” keep the simulation running and watch old readings expire. Switch to “Data support” to see why a smooth map does not guarantee good information.Method references: Esri · IDW LoRa Alliance · network architecture