Area Monitoring System
Rationale of use
The Area Monitoring System (AMS) is designed to monitor and verify agricultural activities to ensure compliance with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This tool is essential for the efficient administration of CAP subsidies, particularly those related to land use, crop production, and environmental stewardship. The primary goal of AMS is to replace or complement traditional on-site inspections, offering a more transparent, accurate, and cost-effective method of compliance verification. The use of satellite imagery, geotagged photos, and other data sources helps increase the efficiency and timeliness of compliance checks while minimizing administrative burden.Functioning
AMS generally functions by gathering and analyzing data from various sources, including satellite imagery (e.g., Sentinel 1 and 2 under the Copernicus program), real-time geotagged photos submitted by farmers, and on-the-ground verification reports. This data is processed using algorithms to detect discrepancies in land use or farming activities that may violate CAP regulations. Many AMS tools incorporate a traffic light system, which classifies fields or activities as compliant (green), non-compliant (red), or requiring further investigation (yellow). This system provides a quick overview of compliance status, helping authorities and farmers take timely action.Types of outputs
The outputs of AMS include: 1. Satellite imagery for land and activity monitoring. 2. Geotagged photos submitted by farmers or inspectors for additional validation. 3. Compliance reports, indicating whether farming practices are aligned with CAP requirements. 4. Verification documents for cases that require further checks or field visits. 5. Traffic light indicators, visually showing the compliance status of each field or activity. 6. Assessment and action reports, guiding authorities on any necessary corrective measures or additional inspectionsApplications
- Czechia: The AMS in Czechia uses Sentinel 1 and 2 satellite imagery to monitor agricultural land activities. The system provides near-real-time monitoring of land use and operations, helping authorities ensure compliance with CAP requirements. The outputs include digital photos, satellite imagery, land activity reports, and compliance documents.
- France: France uses two tools to implement AMS: 3STR (Système de Suivi des Surfaces en Temps Réel) and Telepac Géophotos. The 3STR tool uses satellite imagery from the Copernicus program to monitor agricultural activities in real-time, with a traffic light system to classify compliance. When satellite data is inconclusive, farmers are required to submit geolocated photos through the Telepac Géophotos app, which reduces the need for on-site inspections. The tool outputs satellite imagery, digital photos, and compliance documents.
- Germany: In Germany, AMS offers a transparent and efficient approach by using data from Sentinel satellites under the Copernicus program to monitor agricultural practices. The tool tracks and evaluates farming activities regularly with the aim to reduce the need for on-site controls. The tool supplements other monitoring data and provides valuable insights into the compliance status.
- Malta: Malta’s AMS, known as BiedjaCam, uses satellite images and geotagged photos for daily monitoring of fields. A traffic light system is used to classify results, and the tool serves as a bridge between the Agency and farmers, allowing for easy communication and clarification. The system minimizes on-site checks by using satellite imagery and provides a payment history database for ARPA-administered schemes.
- Netherlands: The AMS in the Netherlands employs satellite images and real-time geotagged photos for comprehensive monitoring of agricultural fields. A traffic light system is used to identify compliance issues, while an automated data translation system increases efficiency. The app is designed to be user-friendly, especially for farmers without technical expertise. The system also facilitates field visits for further verification when needed. The output includes graphical data, verification reports, and field assessments, with a focus on tomato crops.
- Portugal: The AMS in Portugal, called IFAP-Mobile, leverages smartphones with GPS technology to collect field data for compliance and clearance monitoring. Farmers can submit geotagged photos, which are then verified against official records. This tool allows for the documentation of field conditions, crop tracking, and validation of investments. The outputs include geotagged photos, on-the-ground verification, and opportunities for farmers to engage with the data.
Relevant CAP objective
AllTool name
Area Monitoring SystemCategory
Monitoring and data collection toolsTool category
Area Monitoring Systems (AMS)MS
All MSAuthor or owner
NARelevant tasks
CSP Monitoring: Compliance