How to measure hectares worked with GPS
With a machine's route and the width of its implement you can estimate the area worked without filling in spreadsheets. Here is how it works and what to watch.
Last reviewed: October 2026
1. Define the field as a polygon
Draw the field outline on the map or import it from GeoJSON, KML or shapefile. Points only count as work if they fall inside.
2. Record the machine's route
An Android phone or tablet on board stores the position several times a minute, even without signal, and uploads everything on reconnect. The more points, the better the passes are rebuilt.
3. Set the working width
The area is the length of the passes times the implement width. A wrong width shifts the whole result by the same proportion, so check it for each implement.
4. Tell working from moving
Headland turns, transport between fields and stops are not work. They are separated by speed, by the turn between points and by position inside the field.
5. Subtract the overlap
If the machine passes twice over the same spot, the net area is not doubled. It helps to look at net area and overlap separately.
6. Validate against a known field
Accuracy depends on the device's GPS, the width entered and the inference settings. Compare the result with a field of known area before trusting the numbers for invoicing.
Fleetrak does this calculation on the server for each field and season, shows the coverage on the map and ties it to your work orders.
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