Questions, answered
Sensors, install, data, and the models.
The things superintendents ask most before getting RootView in the ground. Don't see yours? Ask us directly.
What sensors does RootView use, and what do they measure?
In-ground sensors sited in your greens and zones. They report soil moisture (% VWC), soil temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. RootView supports two connectivity options: LoRaWAN sensors that relay through a course gateway (cellular or ethernet), and cellular sensors on LTE-M or NB-IoT that connect directly - no gateway required.
Do I need a gateway?
Only if you choose LoRaWAN. LoRaWAN sensors send through a single course gateway, either a cellular gateway (no ethernet drop needed) or an ethernet-connected gateway. Cellular sensors on LTE-M or NB-IoT connect straight to the network with no gateway on site.
How long do the sensor batteries last?
The sensors run on industrial Li-SOCl2 battery packs rated for 5+ years of service. The intent is install-and-forget: get them in the ground, then read the data.
How are sensors installed, and how disruptive is it?
Sensors are placed in the rootzone of the greens and zones you want to monitor. LoRaWAN installs include one gateway for the course (cellular or ethernet). Cellular LTE-M / NB-IoT sensors need no gateway. Because they're low-power and long-lived, installation is a one-time step per location rather than an ongoing maintenance burden.
Are the disease models a black box?
No. RootView runs published, peer-reviewed turf-pathology models and shows the exact formula and the paper behind every result. Validated probability models (dollar spot, anthracnose, Pythium blight) are shown as probabilities or severity; favorability flags are clearly labeled as conditions, not probabilities.
Why label some models as favorability flags instead of probabilities?
Honesty by design. Some pathogens have well-established favorable conditions but no validated probability equation. We flag those as favorability conditions so you know what they mean. We also flag over-predicting models (such as the Nutter-Shane Pythium blight model) as early-warning triggers to confirm in the field, not certainties.
Who owns the data?
Your course's data is yours. RootView never shares your sensor readings, moisture levels, or program details with other courses, and RootView staff only access your account when you ask us to for support or onboarding. The AI assistant answers using only your own sensor, weather, disease, and event data. See our Data & Privacy page for the full policy.
Do you share my data with other courses?
No. We never share live or historical sensor data, VWC levels, disease pressure, spray records, or operational details between clubs, and we do not quote one course's readings to another on sales or support calls. Your trade secrets stay yours. Read more on the Data & Privacy page.
Can RootView support multiple courses?
Yes. Access is invite-only and role-based (course admins and members), and management groups can operate multiple courses. The interface is mobile-first for use in the field.
Do I need to be at a computer to use it?
No. RootView is built for the phone in your pocket, outdoors, in bright sun - high-contrast and mobile-first. The morning scan, hand-watering route, and disease pressure are all designed to be read on a green.
Still have questions?
Ask us anything about your course.
Tell us what you'd want to monitor and we'll walk you through how RootView would read it.