Figure 1: Two main applications for drones.
Left: crop scouting with cameras (source Fieldcopter.eu) and Right: Crop spraying (source Yamaha).
This paper will focus on the role of drones in (big) data collection, so as a remote sensor that provides actual information about fields and crops.
2.2 DRONES BRIDGING THE GAP IN AGRICULTURAL DATA COLLECTION Remote sensing information from sensors on satellites, aircrafts or tractors can assist in measuring and mapping of varying biophysical and biochemical traits of crops, classification of different crops, crop growth, and soil mapping, among others. Once collected and processed, the acquired data can be effectively utilized to support decision-making processes in crop management, precision agriculture, yield forecasting and/or environmental protection (Zhang and Kovacs, 2012). Drones share those capabilities and add several advantages including agility and resolution. It should also be mentioned that drones face several challenges in contemporary remote sensing practices, especially regarding airspace, payload and electrical power (range) restrictions. Nonetheless, commercial and scientific interest for drone-based remote sensing and geo-information collection is rapidly maturing. Experts worldwide are exploring drone applications across a wide array of interested fields in an effort to advancing the technology to address various challenges (Colomina & Molina, 2014).
2.3 THE DISRUPTIVE ASPECTS OF DRONE TECHNOLOGY Drones are capable of covering sizable areas in a relatively short period of time at equally short distances from the area and/or objects under study. As a result, drones offer unique and highly desired capabilities that provide auxiliary intelligence for agricultural practices, such as very high spatial (cm) and temporal (frequently and near real-time) resolution imagery, and an unprecedented agility at limited costs and effort.
8