Learn how to create sampling locations using hexagonal cells.
Soil sampling is typically conducted using georeferenced points (with coordinates), known as regular points. These are the main sampling points, with subsamples collected at nearby locations chosen randomly. In such practices, subsamples may sometimes be collected too close to another main point, potentially compromising the quality of laboratory analysis.
To ensure that samples (and subsamples) are collected with high fidelity, you can choose to create a Hexagonal Cell Grid. This grid clearly defines a main point and delineates the boundaries within which subsamples should be collected, avoiding encroachment into the area of the next main point.
01 - Creating a New Sampling Grid
To generate your Hexagonal Cell Grid, click on the New Map tab at the top of the FieldScan interface:
Now, fill out the form that appears on the right side of the platform:
In Title (1), enter your preferred name using text, numbers, or both.
Tip: [For InField users, our mobile application, we recommend including the name of the desired plot in this title. This will help you quickly locate the grid you created on your smartphone.]
Next, in (2), you’ll see three options for creating a new sampling grid:
- Create sampling grid: FieldScan will generate a new hexagonal grid based on the instructions you configure.
- Duplicate existing sampling grid: Use a grid you’ve already uploaded to the platform (ideal if you’re creating a historical series of analyses).
- Import point files: Upload a SHAPEFILE from your computer containing a pre-existing grid.
For this tutorial, the instructions below refer to Option 1: Create Sampling Grid.
In Sampling Type (3), select Soil.
In Distribution Type (4), select Hexagonal Cells.
In Farm (5), select a farm you’ve previously registered on the platform, and choose the Plot (6) where you want to create the grid. You can generate grids for multiple plots at once, as long as they are registered under the same farm.
Finally, click Next (7).
02 - Grid Parameters and Base Map
Sampling using hexagonal cells is based on the distribution of equally sized hexagonal cells (in hectares). To define them, choose how many hectares you want each cell to cover. This will determine both the number of cells and the distance between their central points. You can also specify the starting number for labeling your sampling grid. For example, cells can be labeled starting from "1" and increasing sequentially to match the total number of cells in your plot, or you can define a custom starting number. Enter or adjust the Number of Hectares per Cell (1) and the Starting Number (3) using the input box or arrows, then click Apply (2):
The higher the number of points per hectare, the greater the density of sampling points and the shorter the distance between them.
Once you’ve set the hectares per cell and the labeling, the next step is customizing your hexagonal grid. Before that, to assist in the process, we’ll apply a base map.
A base map can be created using vegetation index imagery such as NDVI, NDRE, or VARI (from satellites or drones), zones, or soil analysis interpolations. In the center of the screen, you’ll find a box labeled Mappings. Select one of the available maps to use as the base:
This type of map provides a clear view of your field, highlighting areas of interest or zones to exclude from sampling. Choosing the correct base map is crucial. Use the Filter Maps (4) box to access the appropriate base map for your needs and select the desired date. For more specific results, you can choose which nutrient to display on the interpolation base map by using the Visualization (5) box.
The maps that match the parameters entered in Filter Maps (4) will appear in the Mappings (6) box.
Once you’ve set the number of points per hectare and chosen your base map, click Next (4), and FieldScan will generate the hexagonal cell grid.
03 - Adjusting the Position of Cell Central Points
The base map is also an excellent tool for providing insights into the health and overall view of your field. It allows you to adjust the grid by moving points to areas of interest (where no points were initially generated) or removing sampling points from areas where results may not be meaningful. Examples of such areas include drainage zones, fence lines, boundary edges, feeding troughs, regions with consistently good nutrition, or areas used for lime disposal.
To move a cell’s central point, click on the point and drag it to the desired new location:
Due to the structure of hexagonal grids, it is not possible to add or remove sampling points. However, you can always move central points or adjust the number of hectares per cell and click Apply to regenerate the grid.
Once you’ve finished your customizations, click Next.
04 - Sampling Depth
Sampling cells are defined by their labels and the depth ranges for sampling within them. Typically, samples are collected from 0 to 20 cm and 20 to 40 cm. Here’s how to define the depth ranges for your sampling cells:
In Field 1, you can specify the minimum and maximum depth range for sampling, as well as the percentage of points to be sampled at that depth. For example, if you want 100% of your points to be sampled in the 0 to 20 cm range, fill in the first box with 0, the second box with 20, and the last box with 100. You can type the values directly into the boxes or use the arrows to adjust them:
To add more depth ranges, click New Depth:
Using the same example, let’s say that in addition to sampling 100% of points at 0–20 cm, you also want 20% of the points to be sampled at 20–40 cm. In the second depth range box, enter 20 in the first box, 40 in the second box, and 20 in the last box. Values can be entered manually or adjusted using the arrows:
You can always click the trash icon 
next to a depth range to remove it.
By default, depths are assigned sequentially from the first to the last point based on the percentages defined. However, you can customize which points are assigned specific depths. To do so, click on a point. A box will appear above it, showing the depths assigned to that sampling point. Follow these instructions based on your needs:
- To remove a depth, click the trash icon next to it.
- To add a depth, click Select Depth below the point. A dialog box will open, displaying available depth ranges to add.
Additional depth ranges can only be assigned individually to points if they were previously established.
Once you’ve finalized all customizations for distance, number, position, labeling, and depth ranges of the points, click Submit to consolidate your sampling grid.
05 - Accessing Your Sampling Grid
Everything is ready—your hexagonal cell grid is complete!
To access it, go to the Sampling tab on the main page of FieldScan:
Use the Search Bar to find a specific sampling grid or browse through the list below:
Click the three dots 
next to the sampling grid to access the following options:
- Edit this sample;
- Download the shapefile of georeferenced points;
- Generate and download Sampling Labels;
- Delete this sample.
If you use our inField mobile app, no worries! Your sampling grids are automatically synchronized and made available there:
If you have any questions or encounter issues during the process, feel free to reach out via chat—I’m here to help you resolve them!