Multi-Input Zoning

The Multi-Input Zoning tool allows for the creation of management zone layers from multiple diverse data sets.

Accessing Multi-Input Zoning Tool

In the Main tab, on the Field level, click the "Tools" button from right side panel.
Select "Multi-Input Zoning" then click "Go".

Adding Data Tiles

Select number of desired default zones from left side panel.

Click "Add Layer" button.
Select Multi-Input Zoning
Expand folder and select desired data.
Click "Select" button.
A new data tile will display on the left panel.
Repeat steps 2-4 for each data layer desired for consideration.

Manipulating Data Tiles

Collapse Tile: Click once to collapse, and click again to revert.
Delete: Click to delete data tile.
Map Layer : Hover over, then click to deselect "Zones" check box to view original data map.
Zone # : Select desired number of zones per data set.
Smoothing: Select desired smoothing/generalizing for zones.
Weight: Selection of higher weight values gives data sets higher mathematical weight/importance during calculation.
Zone Break Slider: Click and drag dark grey sliders to adjust zone breaks. Hover over dark sliders to view break value.
Zone Acre Display: Displays zone acreage and updates through slider manipulation.

Creating Management Zone Output

Select the desired number of Zones from right side panel. nput desired minimum acre value for zones.
Click "Run Analysis" button.
System displays management zone projection within center map. Click "Save As Management Zone" button from bottom of right side panel.
Input a name for the management zone, then click "Ok"
Window will remain open as management zone layer is stored within the field level management zone folder.

Comparing Data Layers within Multi-Input Zoning Window

When there is an output management zone projection within the center map window, follow the following steps to compare data layers.

Hover mouse cursor over layers icon within center map.
Menu will change.
Select any of the round selectors to add that layer as a viewable layer. Please Note: Clicking to un-check "Generated Zones" option causes the data layer selected to be the only layer displayed.
Click and Drag "Opacity" Slider towards the left, and the selected layer will begin to be viewable through the Management zone projection.

Utilizing the Cluster Analysis Mode Option within Multi-Input Zoning

The Multi-Input Zoning tool historically only offered a single analysis mode (Equal Count) when working within the feature. Equal Count was determined to be the best solution when working with multiple data layers for the desire of creating zones based on relative relationship to one another.

However, to enable users to easily work within a single zoning tool for both the comparison of multiple sets of data or for just a single set of data, the Cluster Analysis type has now been added. The Cluster method is what is used within the program via the "Create Zones" feature found under any single set of data within the program. This method is traditionally the favored option when attempting to build zones within a field from a single source of data.

Thus knowing client can and would use the Multi-Input Zoning tool for both single and multiple sets of data, the program has now expanded its options to the users to provide both types within the tool. This in turn should then allow users to create zone outputs that match one another regardless of their point of origin.

Working with the Analysis Types Dropdown

Once in the Multi-Input Zoning tool, the primary action bars display will now be updated. Clients will have a new display option showing a dropdown selection for their preferred Default Method of Analysis. Upon selecting this, they can choose between either Equal Count or Cluster Analysis. Keep in mind that the Equal Count is the system default for the MIZ tool and the recommended option when working with 2 or more data layers.

As stated above, the Cluster analysis option will enable the user to match the zone creation outcome for any of the single data layer specific "Create Zones" options. With the Cluster analysis, the system works with data point density and neighboring weight factors to help "group" the data into generalized zones. The Equal count method follows more of an absolute method to then better be grouped in to relative matching ranges with other data sets. This would be the preferred option for instances where 2 or more data layers are getting analyzed together.

When working with the Cluster Analysis mode type from within the MIZ tool, the Zone Range slider will be unavailable. Users will still have have the option to adjust the number of zones, the smoothing amount applied as well as the weight metric for each layer.

Output Display using Cluster Analysis from MIZ Tool

Output Display from "Create Zones" Utility from Data Layer Directly

Combining Management Zones

Management Zone Combination is a useful tool that allows users to combine multiple management zones to create a completely new Management Zone that is a spatial overlay of each of the parent zones while also maintaining all of the zone data from the parent zones.

To begin, Click Add Layer.

Next select Mgmt Zone Combination, and selecting the first Management Zone from the data tree.

Repeat this process to add all of the desired Management Zones. This tool can combine a maximum of 4 separate Management Zones.

Once all desired layers have been added, the Min Acres may be adjusted to control the granularity of the new combined zones. Next click Run Analysis.

The map view will now display the newly created Management Zone with a summary of each individual zone to the right of the map. Each Zone Name can be edited now. If more or less zones are wanted, users may continue to adjust the Min Acres and selecting Run Analysis until the desired result is met.

To finalize the Management Zone, click on Save as Mgmt Zones below the zone list. Name the Management Zones and click OK to save.

The newly combined Management Zone will appear within the respective field's Management Zone folder for the current year.