In the search for solutions to simplify field data collection, AgTerra came across a product that merged both traditional and futuristic data collection in what looked like a fairly ordinary pen. This pen marked the beginning of a data collection solution dubbed WriteTEQ. Specialized pens were used with paper forms printed with “microdots,” tiny dots indiscernible to the naked eye. Users would fill out forms and then place the pen in a dock at the end of the day where the data would be transferred to a computer.

While exciting in concept, WriteTEQ posed some challenges for field users and office employees alike. The data transfer process did not always go smoothly and what data did come through required additional verification to ensure that all handwriting was accurately converted to digital format. These downfalls, paired with the expense of costly pens and fees involved with licensing, led to the eventual phasing out of WriteTEQ.

Before long, AgTerra found its customer base growing from solely ag-based clients to other businesses and agencies working in the natural resource industry. Pesticide applicators found MapItFast particularly suitable for weed mapping but wondered if there might be any way to automate spray application mapping and records automated on spray rig operations.  AgTerra’s developers accepted the challenge and introduced SprayLogger as a record-keeping system specifically for weed and pest applicators.

SprayLogger uniquely combined hardware and software and gave pesticide applicators a way to simplify digital record-keeping and accountability for their yearly spray jobs.  The early SprayLogger boxes were large and cumbersome to install; requiring several additional accessories to work correctly.  Applicators had to use a special keypad for entering applicator, tank mix and target pest information and a separate GPS unit to gather location data.  When a spray job was completed, applicators used a “data shuttle” to manually transfer spray jobs to the computer.

While the technology wasn’t perfect, weed and pest operations soon discovered SprayLogger added a whole new level of capability to their operations, reducing tedious record-keeping and allowing more time for spraying.  “More Spray Time and Less Desk Time!”  It didn’t take long for word to spread across Wyoming, neighboring states, and eventually across the US as well as Canada.

Increased demand lead to improvements to the system.  The SprayLogger system has had numerous improvements since it first made its debut in 2009. Some notable enhancements include the ability to automatically sync spray data to a cloud-based database, ability to map and record multiple booms, and a more streamlined box and integration with MapItFast and Strider. The full list of improvements is simply too long to list here! Check out all the features on on current E3B model.

Today, SprayLogger works on any spray rig on the market today, from trucks, ATVs, hy-rail equipment and even backpacks.  See this comparison chart for more information on SnapMapper, FoggerLogger, and Backpack Lite.