Compilation, integration, and analysis of such data in a GIS are bound to yield valuable information. The main objective of crop information system, therefore, is to develop a geo-referenced data recording and information exchange system relevant to soybean and azuki bean within Hokkaido. It will also permit further data analysis and serve as an information dissemination system to allow easy retrieval and supply of regularly updated data to a large number of institutions and users within Hokkaido and elsewhere. The target users of crop information systems are officials of agricultural cooperatives, researchers in agricultural experiment stations, and planners of the prefecture and city governments. In addition, farmers and farmer-based organizations, crop consultants, seed dealers, sales representatives of seed companies, grain marketers, crop insurance agents, and dealers of crop inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides also find these systems useful.
Accessibility is as important as compilation and analysis of data.
The project s aim is to make use of the existing data and update the current databases rather than generating new data. Initially, the collaborating researchers were asked to emphasize problems specific to soybean and azuki bean that required solving or upstream research that would contribute to the expansion of area and production of these legumes in Hokkaido. When fully developed, the system would provide quick user-friendly options for managing and searching entire data related to soybean and azuki bean in Hokkaido. Because the system would gather data from genebanks, laboratories, and field tests, it would help researchers avoid duplication of expensive evaluations. Users will be guided through the available databases by a graphical interface prompting selections of crop, varieties, test locations, and yield and quality variables for which data are available.