High-resolution sensing for precision agriculture: from Earth-observing satellites to unmanned aerial vehicles

Matthew F. McCabe; Rasmus Houborg; Arko Lucieer

doi:10.1117/12.2241289

25 October 2016 High-resolution sensing for precision agriculture: from Earth-observing satellites to unmanned aerial vehicles

Matthew F. McCabe, Rasmus Houborg, Arko Lucieer

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9998, Remote Sensing for Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Hydrology XVIII; 999811 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241289
Event: SPIE Remote Sensing, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

With global population projected to approach 9 billion by 2050, it has been estimated that a 40% increase in cereal production will be required to satisfy the worlds growing nutritional demands. Any such increases in agricultural productivity are likely to occur within a system that has limited room for growth and in a world with a climate that is different from that of today. Fundamental to achieving food and water security, is the capacity to monitor the health and condition of agricultural systems. While space-agency based satellites have provided the backbone for earth observation over the last few decades, many developments in the field of high-resolution earth observation have been advanced by the commercial sector. These advances relate not just to technological developments in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but also the advent of nano-satellite constellations that offer a radical shift in the way earth observations are now being retrieved. Such technologies present opportunities for improving our description of the water, energy and carbon cycles. Efforts towards developing new observational techniques and interpretative frameworks are required to provide the tools and information needed to improve the management and security of agricultural and related sectors. These developments are one of the surest ways to better manage, protect and preserve national food and water resources. Here we review the capabilities of recently deployed satellite systems and UAVs and examine their potential for application in precision agriculture.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Matthew F. McCabe, Rasmus Houborg, and Arko Lucieer "High-resolution sensing for precision agriculture: from Earth-observing satellites to unmanned aerial vehicles", Proc. SPIE 9998, Remote Sensing for Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Hydrology XVIII, 999811 (25 October 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241289

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