Bolus transmits
The animal's bolus sends its normal low-power wireless message.
GeoLocation + health
Know Which Animal Needs Attention—and Where to Start Looking
Wandering Shepherd combines the monitoring bolus with a multi-gateway Herd IQ™ GeoLocation network so health context and estimated animal position can meet in one ranch map.
How GeoLocation works
The bolus transmits. The ranch network does the locating.
The GeoLocation system is designed so the animal does not need a power-hungry GPS receiver on its body. Multiple fixed gateways hear the same bolus transmission, the platform compares precision timing information, and Ranch Hand™ converts that network observation into map context.
Every GeoLocation package begins with at least three Herd IQ™ GeoLocation gateways. Additional gateways may be recommended for larger properties, difficult terrain or improved geometry.
Why multiple gateways matter
- One bolus transmission can be heard from several known locations
- Fixed gateway positions provide the reference points
- Precise receive timing is compared by the platform
- Gateway geometry, terrain and radio conditions affect performance
From one transmission to a map position.
3+ gateways receive
Several fixed GeoLocation gateways hear the same transmission.
Timing is compared
The platform uses precision reception timing and known gateway positions.
Ranch Hand™ maps it
The estimated position is connected to the animal record and health context.
Deployment matters. GeoLocation performance is affected by gateway placement, spacing, terrain, obstructions, radio conditions and the animal's position relative to the gateway network. We plan the network from your actual ranch layout rather than promise one universal accuracy number.
Useful location workflows
Health alert + map
Open an animal alert and see where the monitored animal was last located before sending a crew.
Boundary awareness
Use grazing areas and configured boundaries to identify monitored animals that may require attention.
Remote pasture checks
Review monitored groups before committing time, fuel and labor to a distant pasture.
What your ranch needs
Plan the network around the ground you actually run.
GeoLocation is a ranch deployment, not just a device purchase. We review power, backhaul, gateway geometry and terrain before finalizing the recommended layout.
Gateway power
Each gateway location needs a practical power plan appropriate for the site. The final deployment plan identifies the intended power arrangement before installation.
Gateway backhaul
The bolus talks to the ranch network. Gateways then need an available path to the platform, planned around the connectivity actually available at the ranch.
Three or more fixed positions
GeoLocation starts with at least three fixed GeoLocation gateways. Larger or more difficult properties may need additional sites to improve coverage and geometry.
Your ranch map
Pasture boundaries, terrain, buildings, water points and known connectivity limitations help us recommend where the starting gateway network should go.
Have a ranch map?
Send Us My Ranch MapUpload a PDF, JPG or PNG with your demo request so we can discuss a real starting layout instead of guessing from acreage alone.
GeoLocation FAQ
How many GeoLocation gateways do I need?
A GeoLocation deployment starts with a minimum of three gateways. The recommended quantity can increase with ranch size, terrain, coverage goals and the geometry needed around target pastures.
Is this the same as a GPS ear tag?
No. The Wandering Shepherd architecture estimates location from the ranch network rather than relying on a GPS receiver attached to each animal.
How accurate is the location?
Accuracy varies with gateway geometry, terrain, radio conditions and where the animal is located relative to the gateway network. Expected performance is reviewed during deployment planning and validated against the actual ranch layout.
Do I need cell coverage everywhere cattle roam?
No single connectivity assumption fits every ranch. The bolus communicates with the Herd IQ™ ranch network; the gateway backhaul is then planned around the connectivity available at the ranch. We review the communications path as part of deployment planning.
Let us plan the gateway layout with your ranch map.
Tell us the acreage, terrain and pastures you want to cover. Upload a ranch map for a deployment discussion, or start with a published GeoLocation package.