Harvesters get onboard GPS
From the Spring/Summer 2009 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
GPS receivers will be placed in harvest machinery so operators will know precisely their position in relation to harvest exclusion areas. Photo by Howard Spencer
Forests NSW has enlisted a range of latest technologies including global positioning system (GPS), mobile internet and geographic information systems (GIS) to assist timber harvesting in native forests along the NSW east coast.
The system will enable harvesting contractors to access electronic maps of harvest areas and exclusion zones and track the location and movement of their harvesters through those areas on their onboard GPS systems.
It will also assist contractors to meet environmental requirements and provide Forests NSW with an audit of the harvest.
The system is provided by Agtrix, a NSW software development and systems integration company.
Forests NSW timber supply manager, Steve Rayson, said the system would assist in identifying native flora and fauna zones, as well as hazards such as drainage lines. A proximity alarm would notify harvester operators approaching boundaries.
With access to more detailed maps and information, timber managers will also be able to better monitor their crews and coordinate the movement of machinery, he said.
This system will also reduce the time spent by forestry officers physically marking out potentially hazardous harvesting areas and minimise the risk of workplace injuries.
The applications for this technology are numerous. For example, we are also looking at extending the system to track firefighting equipment.
Steve said harvesting activity recorded with the new technology would be available to Forests NSW and harvesting contractors through a secure website.
Howard Spencer Public Affairs & Media, Coffs Harbour
