With the introduction of AutoPath (Boundaries), the million-dollar question is, "How is this solution any different from Boundary Fill?"

We are happy you asked. Let us answer that for you.

Attribute	Boundary Fill	AutoPath (Boundaries)
Requires an accurate, driven field boundary	X	X
Requires a headland boundary + offset type		X
Works with any correction signal level (will result in lower accuracy / repeatability using signals below SF3)	X
Requires SF3 or higher correction signal to utilize		X
Allows operators to steer precisely along the outside passes of the field	X	X
Creates a single guidance track outside of the field area, allowing machine to operate outside of the field	X
All guidance tracks stay within the field’s boundary		X
Creates guidance tracks around the outside of the field that follow the field’s shape	X	X
Continuously creates guidance tracks that follow the field shape as you work inward, away from the boundary	X
Requires at least one additional guidance track type	X
Creates a separate set of guidance tracks in the workable field area that do not follow the field’s shape		X
The number of passes around the outside of the field can be predetermined using track spacing + headland size		X
In-field guidance tracks can be adjusted		X
Square corners, and other scenarios are created, in which the machine cannot stay on the guidance tracks	X
Guidance tracks can be extended for easier tracking throughout the field, especially on corners	X	X
Guidance can be created within the machine display	X	X
Guidance can be created within the Operations Center		X

For you visual learners, below you will find the outcome of each guidance tool within the same field.

Things to note:

Some guidance tracks fall outside of the field boundary, allowing the machine to operate outside of the designated field area
A single guidance track is created for each pass around the field
The guidance tracks around the corners of the field are squared off
Guidance tracks will continue to populate following the field boundary as the machine works inward from the field boundary
This plan was created directly within the machine’s display

Guidance created using Boundary Fill

Things to note:

All guidance tracks appear inside of the field boundary, which prevents the machine from operating outside of the designated field area
Multiple guidance tracks are created for each pass around the field
The guidance tracks around the corners of the field have extensions to make tracking them with the machine simpler
The outer guidance tracks follow the exact field shape within the headland area, and in-field tracks are planned using one of three methods:
- Align to boundary
- Heading angle
- From an existing track
This guidance plan can be created directly within the machine’s display or within the Operations Center

Guidance created using AutoPath (Boundaries)

Guidance created using AutoPath (Boundaries)

Now that you understand some of the key differences between the two boundary-based guidance options provided by John Deere, you can select the tool that is right for you.

If you are interested in trying AutoPath (boundaries) for the first time, or if you simply need a refresher, check out the step-by-step training materials within the Equipment Mobile App to get started creating full-field guidance plans today.

AutoPath™ Guidance Planner