[Vineyard & Winery Elf EN](https://help.vineyardelf.com/index.md) / [VineyardElf](https://help.vineyardelf.com/vineyardelf.md)

# [How Scout Map works](https://help.vineyardelf.com/how-scout-map-works.md)

Scout Map is a free, interactive map of viticultural potential. It lets you check whether a given location is suitable for a vineyard - without leaving home.

## How to use it

1. **Open the map** - go to [map.vineyardelf.com/a/scout](https://map.vineyardelf.com/a/scout)
2. **Click on the map** - pick the location you are interested in
3. **Review the results** - the app fetches the data and displays a score

## What Scout Map analyzes

### 🏔️ Topography (digital elevation model)
- **Elevation above sea level** - every 100 m means roughly 0.6°C less
- **Slope** - 5-15° is optimal (cold air drains away)
- **Aspect** - S/SW/SE gives the best sun exposure

### 🌍 Soil (ISRIC SoilGrids)
- **Soil type** - sandy-loam is best for grapevines
- **pH** - optimal 6.0-7.5
- **Composition** - sand-to-clay ratio

### 🌡️ Climate (Open-Meteo ERA5)
- **Growing degree days** - at least 1000°C for most varieties
- **Frost days** - fewer than 3 days/year = low risk
- **Rainfall** - optimal 500-800 mm per year

### 🍇 Registered vineyards
- **Existing vineyards** - see where grapevines are already grown, based on the official vineyard register
- **Popular varieties** - which varieties grow in the region

## Scoring 0-100

The algorithm rates each location on a 0-100 scale:
- **80-100** - excellent potential (green)
- **60-79** - good potential (yellow)
- **40-59** - moderate potential (orange)
- **0-39** - poor potential (red)

## Features

### 📍 Point collection
You can save multiple locations to compare them:
1. Click "Add to collection" on the selected point
2. Repeat for other locations
3. Compare the results in the "Collection" section

### 🔗 Sharing
- **Copy link** - copy the URL with the coordinates to your clipboard
- **Share** - send it via SMS, WhatsApp or other apps
- The link contains all saved points

### 🖨️ Printing
Print a report with the list of points, coordinates and location descriptions.

## Data sources

| Data | Source | Accuracy |
|------|--------|----------|
| Topography | National elevation model | ~30 m |
| Soil | ISRIC SoilGrids | 250 m |
| Climate | Open-Meteo ERA5 | 10 years back |
| Vineyards | Official vineyard register | current records |

## Limitations

- The data is indicative - before buying a plot we recommend field surveys
- Soil can vary locally - it is worth analyzing a sample
- The microclimate may differ from regional data

## Next steps

Once you find a promising location you can:
1. **Install a Scout sensor** - collect real data across a season
2. **Contact us** - we will help with the analysis

[Learn more about the Scout Ecosystem →](https://vineyardelf.com/scout)