These satellites are distributed in six orbital planes that are equally spaced in angles. Each satellite carries an operating atomic clock which sends out timed signals that specify its location. Receivers on the surface of the Earth use microprocessors to receive these signals. By analyzing signals from at least four of the satellites the receiver can display its exact location using latitude, longitude, and altitude (Global Positioning System).
According to Kirk Thompson, in traditional farming, the farmer treated each field as a single unit and managed the field to optimize the average production of the field as a whole. Precision farming brings to light the idea that by breaking the field into several units and treating each unit as an independent, the production of each unit can be optimized. GPS makes it possible to properly locate and map variations across a field to set up these units. .
The system uses information such as soil nutrients, soil texture, crop vigor, and yield information to digitally produce pictures and maps of the field. The data is then used to produce maps showing characteristics of each unit within a field. This information is then used to determine the optimal amount of nutrients that each unit within the field needs or to apply pesticides only on the units where they are needed. With precision agriculture the farmer can know the exact location from which soil samples or other characteristics are being collected and use this information to adjust the amount and type of fertilizer that is needed for each location.
Precision farming has allowed today's producers, advisors, and researchers to integrate information technology with field and office activities. Today, it's possible to meter out multiple crop-protection products to specific sites through irrigation systems and applicators with mobile sensors as well as track yield and crop quality with growth-simulation software, sensors and remote imaging.