At the Esri Partner and Developer Conferences, Pollen Systems, an Esri Startup Partner, recently presented its latest product, PrecisionView™ Mobile. The PrecisionView™ Platform is built on the new ArcGIS Maps SDK for Swift and is powered by Esri’s ArcGIS system. It offers spatially accurate mapping of farm blocks and precise locations of IoT devices, integrating data from moisture, irrigation, and climate sensors to create a 360-degree digital twin of farms. In addition, the system combines customer and Esri-supplied layers from the Living Atlas, such as soil maps, topography, and aerial imagery, to provide farmers with a comprehensive view of their land.
According to Pollen Systems’ CEO, Keith McCall, capturing high-resolution images and data of crop growth through drones and satellites can significantly reduce labor costs and time associated with detecting pests and diseases by up to 90%. In addition, integrating drone and satellite data with IoT devices and other Esri-supplied layers can help farmers make informed decisions about their crops, leading to better yields and more efficient farming practices. The collaboration between Pollen Systems and Esri demonstrates the potential of combining spatial mapping technology with advanced data analytics to enhance agricultural practices.
Unlocking the Potential of Aerial Imagery in Agriculture: Advantages and Future Challenges
Using aerial imagery in agriculture has numerous advantages, making it an essential tool for modern farmers. One of the main advantages is the ability to obtain high-resolution images and data of crop growth across large land areas, making it easier to detect problems such as pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Aerial imagery can also help farmers to monitor soil moisture levels, track crop growth, and predict yields with greater accuracy, leading to more efficient farming practices and higher crop yields. In addition, using drones and satellites to capture aerial imagery can reduce labor costs associated with traditional ground-based methods, making it a cost-effective solution for farmers.
Despite aerial imagery’s numerous advantages, future challenges must be addressed to realize its potential fully. One of the biggest challenges is the need for specialized training and equipment to capture and process aerial images. This can be a barrier for small farmers or those with limited resources who may not have access to the necessary technology or expertise. Another challenge is the need to develop more sophisticated algorithms and data analysis tools to make sense of the vast amounts of data generated by aerial imagery. This will require collaboration between agronomists, data scientists, and technology companies to develop new methods for analyzing and interpreting aerial imagery. Nevertheless, with suitable investment and support, aerial imagery can revolutionize agriculture and help farmers meet the challenges of feeding a growing global population.
Photo by Nihat Sinan Erul on Unsplash
