Prerequisites
Before you can start using Cropwise Explorer, ensure you have:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Cropwise Account | Active Cropwise account with Explorer license enabled |
| Field Boundaries | Your field boundaries uploaded and available in the platform |
| Internet Connection | Stable internet connection (cloud-based platform) |
| Web Browser | Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) |
Contact your Syngenta representative or account manager to obtain your Cropwise Explorer license.
Step 1: Log In to Cropwise
Access the Platform
- Open your web browser
- Navigate to the Cropwise login page
- Enter your credentials:
- Email: Your registered email address
- Password: Your account password
- Click Sign In
Troubleshooting Login Issues
- Forgot password: Click "Forgot Password" to reset
- Account locked: Contact your administrator
- No access to Explorer: Verify your license includes Explorer
Step 2: Navigate to Explorer
Access the Explorer App
- After logging in, you'll see the Cropwise main dashboard
- Look for the App Selector menu (typically in the top navigation bar)
- Click to open the app menu
- Select Explorer from the list of available applications
Alternative: In some configurations, Explorer may be directly accessible from your main dashboard as a tile or navigation item.
Step 3: Understand the Interface
Main Dashboard Layout
When you open Explorer, you'll see the main interface consisting of several key areas:
| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Map View | Central area displaying satellite imagery and field boundaries |
| Field List | Sidebar listing your fields and farms |
| Date Selector | Choose imagery dates to view |
| Layer Controls | Toggle between different data layers (NDVI, RGB, etc.) |
| Tools Panel | Access analytical tools, prescriptions, and reports |
| Filters | Filter fields by status, crop, or other attributes |
Navigation Controls
- Pan: Click and drag on the map
- Zoom: Use mouse scroll wheel or +/- buttons
- Select Field: Click on a field boundary
- View Details: Click field name to see detailed information
Step 4: View Your Fields
Locate Your Fields
- In the Field List panel, browse your farms and fields
- Fields are typically organized by:
- Farm name
- Field name
- Crop type
- Click on a field name to select it
- The map will zoom to that field automatically
Field Status Indicators
Fields may have status indicators showing:
- Green: No issues detected
- Yellow: Monitor closely
- Red: Requires attention
Step 5: Explore Satellite Imagery
Viewing Current Imagery
- Select a field from the list
- The most recent cloud-free image will display
- Check the date stamp on the image to see when it was captured
Choosing Data Layers
Switch between different visualization types:
| Layer | Shows | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RGB (True Color) | Natural color view like a photo | Visual assessment, ground-truthing |
| NDVI | Vegetation health (color-coded) | Assessing crop vigor, identifying stress |
| NDVI Change | Difference between two dates | Seeing what's changed over time |
Comparing Dates
- Open the Date Selector
- Choose two dates to compare
- View them side-by-side or as a change map
Step 6: Access Insights and Reports
Weekly Field Insights
Explorer may provide automated insights for your fields:
- Look for Insights or Reports in the tools panel
- View summaries of field status and changes
- Subscribe to receive updates via email
NDVI Change Report
Generate a report showing vegetation changes:
- Select a field or group of fields
- Choose Reports → NDVI Change Report
- Select the date range
- Generate and download the report
Step 7: Create Your First Prescription (Optional)
Generate an NDVI-Based Prescription
If you're ready to create variable rate prescriptions:
- Select the field
- Click Prescriptions or Create Prescription
- Choose the NDVI image date for the basis
- Define your zones (automatic or manual)
- Set rates for each zone
- Preview and adjust
- Export in your equipment's format
Step 8: Configure Notifications
Stay Informed
Set up notifications to receive updates without checking the platform daily:
Email Notifications
- Go to Settings → Notifications
- Configure your preferences:
- Weekly field insights
- Anomaly alerts
- New imagery availability
- Select email frequency
- Save your preferences
Step 9: Mobile Access
Use Explorer in the Field
Access Explorer from your mobile device or tablet:
- Open your mobile browser
- Navigate to the Cropwise login page
- Log in with your credentials
- Select Explorer
Mobile Features
- View satellite imagery while standing in the field
- Add observations and notes
- Take photos and attach to specific locations
- Compare real-time conditions to satellite data
Step 10: Connect Your Equipment (Optional)
Integration Setup
If you use precision agriculture equipment, connect it to Explorer:
John Deere Operations Center
- Go to Settings → Integrations
- Select John Deere
- Log in to your John Deere account
- Authorize the connection
- Select which data to sync
Importing Yield Data
- After harvest, import yield maps into Explorer
- Use yield data to enhance productivity analysis
- Combine with satellite imagery for deeper insights
Common Setup Questions
What if I don't see my fields?
Your fields should be in the platform, but if not:
- Check that your field boundaries have been uploaded
- Verify you're assigned to the correct organization/farm
- Contact your administrator or account manager
Why are some images cloudy?
- Satellite imagery depends on cloud cover
- Explorer shows the most recent cloud-free image available
- Check the date stamp to see when the image was captured
How do I add new fields?
- Contact your administrator to add new field boundaries
- Alternatively, use the field boundary drawing tools if available in your subscription
Best Practices for Getting Started
✅ Recommended First Steps:
- Explore the interface - Take 10 minutes to click around and familiarize yourself
- View all your fields - Check that all fields are visible and boundaries are correct
- Try different layers - Switch between RGB and NDVI to understand the views
- Compare dates - Look at your fields across 2-3 recent dates
- Generate a report - Create your first NDVI change report
- Set up notifications - Configure email alerts for weekly insights
Getting Help
If You Need Assistance
- In-App Help: Look for help icons (?) throughout the interface
- Account Manager: Contact your Syngenta representative for support
- Training: Ask about available training sessions or resources
Next Steps
Now that you're set up, explore these features in detail:
- Feature Deep-Dive - Learn about each capability in detail
- Understanding NDVI - Get the most from vegetation index analysis
- Creating Prescriptions - Step-by-step guide to variable rate prescriptions
- Anomaly Detection - How automatic alerts work
Your First Week Checklist
| Day | Task | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Log in and explore the interface | ☐ |
| Day 2 | View all your fields on the map | ☐ |
| Day 3 | Switch between RGB and NDVI layers | ☐ |
| Day 4 | Compare imagery from different dates | ☐ |
| Day 5 | Generate your first NDVI change report | ☐ |
| Day 6 | Set up email notifications | ☐ |
| Day 7 | Try Explorer on your mobile device | ☐ |
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