GIS-Based Interactive Map to Improve Scheduling Beekeeping Activities

Abstract

This research work presents a developed geographic information system-based interactive map application to support beekeeping activities. The interactive map includes various features such as flowering calendar, weather information, and information about plants, and has the option to link the hives with remote monitoring system data observation. Data about the actual plants and areas are taken from the Latvian geographic information system (GIS) provided by the Rural Support Service of Latvia. Plants flowering data are prepared manually, based on agronomy data and flowering simulation throughout the year the data are developed and presented to the beekeepers. The developed flowering simulation provides an overview of the flowering plants in a specific region and at a certain time. This information can be used in various ways, including usage by the migratory beekeepers for selection and planning of potential foraging locations, other agricultural specialists, and the general public for educational needs. Free software environment for statistical computing and graphics R was used for the development of the solution. The interactive map application can be extended by different models, additional factors and parameters can be implemented to increase its potential application. This work was conducted within the Horizon 2020 FET project HIVEOPOLIS (Nr. 824069).