I'm definitely interested in seeing where this goes. I'm currently a research assistant for a precision agriculture project at my university and I think the potentional in the field (pardon) is-at this point-boundless.

Well thanks, I am a bit behind in my postings, but I actually have most of the hardware sorted at this point with a working prototype that can be switched manually with any generic computer with a usb. Currently I am overwhelmed in the software side. You don't happen to be a whiz at gps or software development or know someone looking for a partner in a side project do you?

I can speak to some of the software students I work with to see if there is any interest. I'll get back to you in a few days if I find anyone who is interested.

If you are interested in help on this project I would be willing to contribute.

Howdy, I am currently at the software stage. I have a working prototype with most of the hardware sorted and can operate the sprayer manually from any computer with a usb. I am desperately in need of assistance on the software side getting the gps and mapping figured out.

can you put a copy on github, and list the hardware you are using

QGIS is where I would start. I have only uploaded data too it from a gps, and never used it for real time tracking, but it should work. ( http://docs.qgis.org/2.2/en/docs/user_manual/working_with_gps/live_GPS_tracking.html ). When you are at home you can get a map of the area where you are working with the OpenLayers Plugin and then use your gps in the field over the map layer. I have had success with this uploading gps coordinates over a map layer.

If everything works then it would be possible to write your own plugin that makes the setup and run process easier.

Additionally, you may be able to use the Google Maps Engine Connector plugin and the Google Map Engine to create custom maps for historical records, custom maps and whatever else. Maybe useful, maybe not.