MULTISPECTRAL AGRICULTURAL ASSESSMENT. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. Federal Robotics INSPECTION & DOCUMENTATION

Transcription

1 MULTISPECTRAL AGRICULTURAL ASSESSMENT Normalized Difference Vegetation Index INSPECTION & DOCUMENTATION Federal Robotics Clearwater Dr. Amherst, New York

2 Company's Experience Federal Robotics is a one stop location for all your commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS) aerial surveying/ inspection and photography needs. We use both quadcopter and fixed wing aerial platforms depending on the application. The FAA has issued Federal Robotics a 333 exemption, which gives us the legal permission to conduct commercial aerial flight services. Our UAS record both still photos and video photography at Ultra High Definition 4k or 1080p HD (non- multispectral). We deliver closequarter structural civil engineering aerial inspections that save time and money while increasing safety and enhancing knowledge of difficult or dangerous access areas of structures. Unlike planes and helicopters, where the costs quickly mount, UAS allow us to capture breathtaking aerial photography shots quickly and inexpensively. We own a fleet of high quality UAS, have a staff of experienced FAA certified airmen, and we are fully insured. To ensure the health of agricultural areas, regular inspections of the plant life is imperative. Because of their size and structure, they are often inspected from the air using multispectral aerial photography. Our pilots work with experienced engineers to produce detailed rendered inspection reports containing analytical information from aerial visual inspections. The colors we see in light are defined by the wavelength of that light. Plants absorb and reflect light differently depending on this wavelength. Plants typically absorb blue light and red light, while reflecting some green light. They also reflect a much larger amount of nearinfrared (NIR) light, which is not visible to the human eye but is visible to the camera system that we use. Reflectance is the percent of light that is reflected by the plant. By measuring the reflectance of a plant at different wavelengths, multispectral imaging enables identification of areas of stress in a crop, and provides a quantitative metric for the vigor of a plant. Federal Robtics has been involved in deploying UAS in the agricultural sector since We are established in the industry and have worked with farmers, municipalities, and government agencies. Our team has a deep understanding of the industry and its requirements.

3 Application Understanding & Approach Multispectral cameras work by imaging different wavelengths of light. The Federal Robotics multispectral camera has 5 imagers, each with a special optical filter that allows only a precise set of light wavelengths to be captured by that imager. Once processed, the output of the camera data is a set of images where the value of each pixel is equal to percent reflectance of light for that particular wavelength. These sets of images are then stitched together to create geographically accurate mosaics, with multiple layers for each wavelength. Mathematically combining these layers yields vegetation indices. There are many types of vegetation indices that measure different characteristics of a plant. Some indices, for example, are useful for measuring chlorophyll content of plant leaves. Other indices can be used to estimate nitrogen content. Other indices provide indications of water stress. One popular index is the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI), created by combining the reflectance from red and NIR light. Multispectral remote sensing provides radically new perspectives on the health and vigor of crops. It allows growers and agronomists to detect areas of stress in a crop and manage these issues immediately. It enables precise application of nutrient inputs and disease preventative actions based on the actual field conditions. The widespread availability of low cost unmanned aircraft enables agricultural professionals to cost-effectively gather crop health information without waiting for satellite passes or paying the high costs of manned-aircraft flights. Imagery can be collected at resolutions measured in just inches per pixel. Data captured on a frequent basis enables growers and agronomists to map the health and vigor of crops today as well as observe changes in crop health over time.

4 Application Understanding & Approach Multispectral imaging enables collection of data in both visible and non - visible bands of light, allowing for generation of RGB color composite imagery as well as vegetation indices. Using high powered computer software, we are able to combine and render the multispectral data into insightful crop health maps. NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) reveals variability in plant vigor and biomass, often times not visible in standard RGB color imagery. Advanced vegetation indices like NDRE (Normalized Difference Red Edge) are more sensitive to changes in leaf chlorophyll content and provide information about plant nutrient status.

5 Deliverables You will be able to view your data within an web-based map interface for 2 years. Zoom in to the limit of the resolution captured without the need to download large files. Turn on and off layers with the click of a button. Multi-layer GeoTIFF orthomosaic and DSM files also available for download for advanced analysis using GIS tools.

6 Deliverables Easily access data from all your farms and fields Geolocation tool enables in the field scouting Share data with your team for effective collaboration Easily select map layers Use the slider to flip across multiple data sets and identify trends over time Need help? US - based support is a click away

7 Deliverables The raw images can be transformed into geo-referenced multilayer orthomosaics, which can be downloaded and viewed using standard GIS applications. Each layer is registered at the subpixel level, with the value for each pixel indicative of percent reflectance for that band. Standard output layers include rendered vegetation index maps and digital surface models, providing insightful information into crop health at all stages of growth.

8 Deliverables A Calibrated Reflectance Panel (CRP) will be used to enhance accurate data gathering using our multispectral camera. The CRP has known reflectance values across the visible and near-infrared light spectrum. Using the CRP in conjunction with the multispectral camera enables more accurate compensation for incident light conditions and generation of quantitative data. As a best practice, CRP images will be captured before and after each flight to provide an accurate representation of light conditions during the flight.

9 MULTISPECTRAL AGRICULTURAL ASSESSMENT Normalized Difference Vegetation Index INSPECTION & DOCUMENTATION Federal Robotics Clearwater Dr. Amherst, New York FR-AG-Rev.B