Drones in Agriculture

An overview and look into the potential of drones

The concept of drone use as a data gathering system

Introduce aerial imagery, the history, pros and cons of all the different data collection methods (satellite/plane/drones/tractor sensors)
Benefits of imagery
Types of drone and relative advantages and disadvantages

Bring in 3 rotor and one fixed wing platform to discuss different specs and pros/cons
Discuss different cameras/sensors and why we would use them
Drones for advanced research and field use

Show them some of our trial work and how we are using the data in R&D
What type of raw data does the drone produce
Difference between all in one geotagged images and separate image/flight log data (fixed wing)
Talk about ‘fish eye’ cameras such as ‘gopro’
Types of data from drones

Integration into decision making on crop management

How we take images from drone and process them
How does the data then look
How can we interpret
Where in the season should we fly for what purpose
Case studies illustrating the advantages of drone use to farm profitability

Look at VR applications such as nitrogen and seed
Look at crop variation for crop scouting and target soil/leaf sampling
Look at how it can cut down on labour in things like veg production
Practicalities of drone operation; limitations of legislation and environment

Discuss UK legislation
What does ‘commercial use’ mean
What you need to qualify for PfCO
Qualification for drone piloting

What do you need to do
Where can you get training
Data capture, processing and analysis.

A demonstration of drone use on farm (weather permitting), with data capture and review

Course calendar

Find a provider

Select a county from the drop down box to find your nearest UKRS accredited training provider delivering this course.