# The Architecture of an Agricultural Data Aggregation and Conversion Model for Smart Farming
## 5 Discussion and Conclusions  
The agricultural data aggregation and conversion system developed and tested enables sophisticated data manipulation and analysis with more value added. The primary data generated by intelligent agricultural machinery are stored in databases integrated into the system. The data conversion model converts the different data files generated by the smart technology (files with producer-specific formats) into a single, unified data format that allows the data to be manipulated and subjected to different types of analyses (overlays, mathematical operations, spatial analyses, visualisation, etc.). The model ensures the identification of target data regardless of the format of the original data file, the evaluation of semantic content, and the transformation of the aggregated data into a unified format suitable for further use in precision agriculture management applications. Processed data are stored and aggregated in specially designed and configured databases. The emergence of ISO standard 11783 led to the enabling of plug and play integration between agriculture equipment across manufacturers, but this does not regulate further data transfer and usage. The main advantage of the model presented herein when compared with similar agriculture-data-processing models is related to the conversion of data from different agriculture machines. The functionality of unification and data reading from different format files for further usage provides wider data usage and applications in farm management information systems. With this data aggregation and conversion model, farmers do not experience inconvenience when working with tractors and implement systems from different manufacturers; however, the presented system requires a knowledge of data configuration as a specific file's properties should be adjusted using the model. This is one of the shortcomings of the developed model, which is intended to be improved in further stages of system development. Some of the competing information systems (i.e., the project ADAPT) pay a significant amount of attention to the user interface. Other platforms are original-format oriented (i.e., the system JDLink), with wide functionality but no possibilities of working with alternative formats. The common limitations of the majority of agricultural-data-processing platforms are related to visual representations of non-standardised mapping. This occurs with different map lines and colour interpretations, in addition to layer inequalities and conformity to intended information. Intensively interpolated colour maps are output by GIS platforms; however, data analysis is limited without necessary standardisation. An important advantage of the developed data conversion model is its availability through cloud services and its easy access when working in field conditions (an Internet connection is necessary), as the designed _web_ user interface does not require the installation of specific software. The benefits of the developed system are expressed in economic terms due to the increased efficiency of farm management, i.e., the more rational use of agricultural machinery and the sustainable use of fertilisers and agricultural plant protection products. Monitoring the farm and evaluating statistical and historical data allows the farmer to select the most effective measures, and mapping fertiliser and spray applications allows them to be applied at the right time and in the right areas. Using fertilisers sparingly and targeting plant protection products reduces environmental and groundwater pollution, reduces the impact of farming on ecosystems, and preserves biodiversity. The system is relevant not only for cereal farms but also for horticulture, berry-growing, and horticultural farms where the optimal use of machinery, fertilisers, and plant-protection products is also important. This system allows for the continuous monitoring of agricultural processes and the implementation of agricultural entities' long-term and annual objectives.