Study of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Sensors for Practical Remote Application of Earth Sensing in Agriculture

Abstract

Estimating the spectral response of vegetation using unmanned aerial vehicle sensors for non-destructive remote sensing represents a key element for monitoring crop growth and development. Given the extensive presence of commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based solutions on the market, there is a need for clear information on the performance of these products to guide the end user in their selection and use for precision agriculture applications. The aim of this paper is to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of supporting the practical application of remote sensing methods using DJI P4M and senseFly eBee X UAVs in the production of the crop barley. The features of these commercial UAVs and the results of their application are described. The NDVI indices were calculated when processing survey data from both unmanned aerial vehicles. Based on the results, the r-Pearson correlation of the two UAVs was calculated to be between 0.78 and 0.80. Also, the block diagram showing the processing of the results of barley crop survey by means of two UAVs under study was developed. As a result of the comparative analysis of the two UAVs, senseFly eBee X proved to be the best in most indicators.