Protocol for mapping sports field properties
A step-by-step, easy-to-follow protocol for collecting and analyzing surface properties of sports fields using commercially available devices and free software.
Applications
Sports field management
- Data-driven maintenance decision for natural and artificial turf fields
- Surface property audits for irrigation, surface hardness, infill depth, etc.
- Identification and proactive maintenance of hot spots to potentially reduce player injury
- Informing administration, coaches, and players of the consequences of improper field usage
Key Benefits & Differentiators
- Written and video instructions are downloadable and easy-to-follow
- Practical, affordable, repeatable approach for mapping sports field properties
- Sampling devices do not require GPS functionality
- Useful for effective monitoring and proactive planning
- Cut down on cost by using freely available software for analysis and visualization
Step-by-step protocol for sports field data mapping
Maintaining uniformity within a sports field is critically important as uneven surface properties such as soil moisture, surface hardness, turfgrass quality, etc. may directly lead to decreased field playability and increased injury occurrence. Periodic assessment of sports fields is especially important as several factors such as field construction, weather, sports type, and foot traffic can continuously alter the surface properties. While the technology required to collect and map such surface properties is already commercially available, its adoption has been rather poor. This is primarily due to lack of knowledge around how to collect and analyze the data effectively. In addition, costs associated with measurement devices and software can pose increased barriers. To help get over these hurdles, researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a detailed protocol to walk the users through the entire process. With this step-by-step protocol (written instructions & videos), users can easily
- collect location-specific surface property data with commercial sampling devices (that do not require GPS functionality),
- create, visualize, and analyze detailed data maps of entire sports fields using a free software (QGIS),
This self-teaching protocol package will enable sports field maintenance crews to better utilize existing technologies to make data-driven management decisions in a cost-effective and methodical manner.
Phase of Development
Protocol available for download.
ResearchersReady for Licensing
This technology is now available for license! The University is excited to partner with industry to see this innovation reach its potential. Please contact us to share your business’ needs and your licensing interests in this technology. Click the "License this Technology" button on the right panel to license and download the protocol. The University is currently offering this protocol for free. The license agreement helps us keep track of the users.
A protocol specific to golf course soil moisture mapping is also available.
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swap_vertical_circlecloud_downloadSupporting documents (1)Product brochureProtocol for mapping sports field properties.pdfAdditional files may be available once you've completed the transaction for this product. If you've already done so, please log into your account and visit My account / Downloads section to view them.