The first session focused on the experiences of GPS trackers used on alpine pastures and meadows. Participants reported consistently positive experiences with the technology. GPS trackers are particularly advantageous for locating livestock. Since the alpine pastures varied considerably (cow-sheep pastures, high-altitude and low-altitude pastures, etc.) across different regions of Austria, GSM network coverage also differed. Where network coverage is good, the trackers function reliably. However, for practical use in alpine farming, the question of solutions for areas with poor network coverage remains in many regions. Participants also wanted to learn about current technological innovations and future projects . Some alpine pastures with poor network coverage already have antennas that establish their own network (LoRaWAN), thus covering their own grazing area. The data is transmitted from the antenna via the GSM network to a server and can then be accessed via the internet. However, alpine pastures without any GSM network coverage would require a standalone solution.
These questions were posed to company representatives in the second session and answered by the experts: GSM networks are currently only being expanded in areas with high user numbers. These are primarily locations heavily frequented by tourists. Otherwise, network coverage in some areas will likely worsen in the future due to the decommissioning of the old 2G antennas. Currently, however, there are no options available to improve network coverage without GSM.
One solution is to install antennas on the alpine pasture that establish their own network and transmit data from a favorable location using the GSM network. However, this has the disadvantage that users have no way to access current data in the app as long as they themselves do not have internet access. The data can therefore be sent via the user's own antenna, but not received, if the user is located in the alpine area. The experts explained how such isolated solutions could technically work in this case.
The third session focused on the data generated by the trackers. Thomas Guggenberger from the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein presented maps showing movement patterns created using GPS data. This allowed the alpine pasture managers to understand what information could be gleaned from the tracking points at the end of the grazing season. The data illustrated the management of the alpine pasture throughout the year: where the animals spent the most time, and which areas were barely or not at all used. The data could be used to adjust management practices, provide documentation of grazing activity, and illustrate the utilization of individual areas.
In summary, the benefits of GPS trackers are undisputed. A significant advantage is improved animal monitoring. Alpine pastures with GSM network coverage have the advantage cost-effective systems . For other pastures, individual solutions using dedicated antennas already exist. However, in the future, stand-alone solutions will be needed for pastures without GSM network coverage. These do not yet exist. At the end of the grazing season, data analysis is useful so that users not only have the location of their animals for tracking them, but also other options, such as adjusting their grazing strategy based on the data.
