Methods and systems are described for effecting autonomous operations within a defined geographical region (1110). A plurality of localized zones (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108) having operation-defined geographical boundaries are specified within the region. A plurality of control modules are established associated with respective ones of the localized zones and autonomous operations are effected under the supervisory control of the control module associated with the localized zone in which the autonomous operation occurs. The geographical disposition of the boundary of at least one of the localized zones is varied within the defined geographical region.