Virtual vineyard for grapevine management purposes: A RFID/GPS application

A method for combining data stored in an RFID microchip implanted inside grapevine plants and a GPS system is described. GIS software was used to register geographic coordinates of detected points, and to develop a specific database in which information useful for the positioning phase are stored. The final product is a digital map accessible via mobile or desktop systems that represents the “virtual vineyard”. In this digital representation, each grapevine plant marked by RFID can be selected, viewed and edited. Free-to-use software was implemented for use by consumers.

Research highlights▶ A method for combining data stored in an RFID microchip implanted inside grapevine plants and a GPS system was described and tested. ▶ The final product was a digital map accessible via mobile or desktop systems that represents the “virtual vineyard”. ▶ The combination of identification system by RFID and satellite positioning provide a complete tool for traceability purposes and vineyard management.