Smallholder Land Mapping Data

1

Set up GPS device

Set up your GPS device as follows:

1. Set projection and datum to GCS WGS 84

2. Wait for NAV status to change from “2D” to “3D” on your GPS device before proceeding to Step 2

2

Track the boundary of the plot

Set up your GPS device to record the track, then walk/drive around the legal boundary of the plot

Each smallholder boundary should be one track

❗ Note: Make sure the track recorded is as close to the boundary recorded in the legal documents as possible

1

Download and install Google Earth Pro (free) here.

2

Import your data:

• Open Google Earth Pro

• Go to “Tools” and select “GPS"

• Once the “GPS Import” window opens: 

  • Select “Import” tab 

  • Under “Device”: Select the device used e.g. 

    • If you have used a Garmin or Magellan device: Select “Garmin” or “Magellan”

    • Other devices: Select “Import from file”

  • Under “Import”: Select “Tracks”

  • Under “Output”: Select “KML Tracks” 

  • Select “Adjust altitudes to ground height”

  • Click “Import”.

3

Check and adjust track data for accuracy:

• Once the files are imported, you should see a list of your collected tracks on the left

• When you click any of these tracks, you should be able to see (on your right screen) the tracks drawn on the maps in yellow lines  

• ❗Check that the track matches the boundary and hectarage listed in the legal documents as closely as possible* (maximum variance of 0.05 ha). If not, edit the track (instructions below).

*If the boundaries in the legal documents do not match the current plot boundary:

• The legal documents should be updated, or

• A signed document should be obtained from a local authority certifying or confirming the latest boundary and hectarage

Editing track information:

1. Right-click on the track you wish to adjust under “Places”

2. Choose “Properties” (on PC) or “Get Info” (on Mac)

3. An “Edit Polygon” window will appear. On the map, you will see that the track now has small red dots (called nodes).

To view hectarage of this plot: 

• In the window, click “Measurements” tab

• Under Perimeter, select “Kilometres”

• Under Area, select “Hectares” 

• Your hectarage for the track will be displayed 

• Check that your hectarage matches your legal documents as closely as possible (maximum variance of 0.05ha).

To edit the track:

• Keep the “Edit Polygon” window open and move your mouse to the track displayed on the right

• Mouse over any of the nodes (cursor will turn green) and click-and-drag to reshape the track

4

Check for any overlaps between plot boundaries.

Select all tracks and check carefully for any overlaps of the boundaries between plots

This ensures correct plot size and ensures that the correct smallholder holds the responsibility in the event of remediation, compensation, fire, or misconduct over the overlapped area.

Example of overlapping boundaries (blue dotted line, and yellow line)

Note for Smallholders close to or next to Protected Areas*:

Smallholders whose plots do not overlap with a protected area but are close to or next to one need to take extra caution to ensure their boundaries are drawn correctly.

*Protected areas include: national parks, or other protected areas as defined by national, regional or local law, or as specified in National Interpretations.

You may download the latest protected area/HCV1-3 maps for your region by following the instructions below: 

1. Visit GeoRSPO 

2. Click “Show Description”

3. Under “HCV 1-3 Probability Maps”, download the map for your region

For more information, contact [email protected].

1

Right click on a track you wish to edit. Select “Properties” (on PC) or “Get Info” (on Mac).

2

The “Edit” window will appear.

❗IMPORTANT: All entries must be romanised/alphabetised or written in its English equivalent

• Under “Name” (red box), type the plot name using this format: Smallholder Name {Plot Identifier}Notes: “Name” must be the same one used in your Disclosure form

  • Your name must also be unique. If one smallholder has more than one plot, add an additional letter or number e.g Ahmad A, Ahmad B, Ahmad C

  • Plot Identifier is your own unique code for each smallholder.

• In “Description” (blue box), depending on which of the following scenarios is applicable, fill the text box below it with the following information:

  • IMPORTANT:❗All information must match information declared in the Disclosure Form

    • Group’s name (e.g.: Group Smallholder A)
    • Farmer’s name (e.g.: John Doe)
    • Size of the area in hectares (e.g.: 0.5ha) (Make sure it matches your legal title hectarage as closely as possible with maximum variance of 0.05 ha.)
    • Planting month and year (e.g.: Nov 2001)
    • Average FFB/year, if applicable (e.g.: 5 tonnes/year)
    • Partner Mills, if any (e.g.: Mill A)
    • Click “OK” to save

    • Repeat for remaining tracks.

3

Place all edited tracks into one folder

1. Create the folder by right clicking the main folder that holds all your tracks. In this example: Temporary Place > Add > Folder

   

2. Label it with your Smallholder Group name

   

3. Drag the edited tracks under this folder.

   

4

Save folder as a .kmz file format by right clicking the group folder > Save Place As... > “.kmz file”

You can also save as .kml file, both are acceptable.