Case Studies - Remote Sensing Technologies

AgPixel aerial imagery can be used to create 3-D specialty models for a variety of applications, including:

• Real estate Development
• Land surface models
• Volumetrics
• Crop Phenotyping
• Utility Maintenance
• Urban planning
• Mine reclamation
• Drainage and tiling plans
• Flood plain assessment
• Disaster relief

Color-infrared maps allow producers to observe key yield indicators well before harvest time, such as seed emergence and plant canopy cover. Based on the structure of the particular crop, our custom classification models can help producers strategize where to replant and where to conduct further ground inspections.

Maps with quantifiable acre counts are invaluable when determing what percentage of a given field was affected by damage or disease. In this wheat lodging example, AgPixel’s specialty classification map was able to determine where what lodging had occured based on the NDVI values and ground test confirmations.

Aerial imagery provides an additional layer of information that can be reviewed alongside soil and other management maps, allowing producers to make the wisest decisions from season to season.

In selecting the proper genetic variety for climatic conditions, color-infrared and NDVI* imagery can provide key indicators of plant health and vitality.

Producers rely on advantages when managing nutrient input costs, and “pop-up” fertilizers offer an ability to precisely apply smaller amounts of nutrients early in the season.

Typically the effects are not fully realized until harvest time; however, color-infrared and NDVI* imagery reveals plant health sooner than traditional methods.

To best serve our customers, AgPixel processes aerial imagery from all platforms.

Our remote sensing and data services will turn any imagery into an informed farm management decision.

However, the most feasible collection platform should be determined by the desired application.

In the following case study, flooding in the field was detected using high-resolution aerial imagery.

Each instance of flooding verified on the ground was also confirmed by the georeferenced map products (synthesized natural color, color-infrared, and NDVI).

After collecting and processing the aerial data, AgPixel’s consumable map products were imported by the consultant into a leading farm management system.

Total acre counts were then generated, giving an accurate, quantifiable assessment for insurance and/or replanting purposes.

High-resolution color-infrared imagery used in classification maps can help producers more accurately determine their plant inventory.By viewing key indicators, such as plant density, yields can be better estimated than with traditional methods.

Based on the canopy structure of a particular crop, our custom classification models can also ensure producers develop the best management plan for their unique crop.

Insurance uses for aerial imagery:

• Collect accurate acreage counts to provide a quick and fair assessment for all parties involved
• Use geo-referenced field maps to determine damaged areas before verifying with a field inspection
• Utilize color-infrared technology to detect plant stress that is not perceived by the human eye
• Obtain a comprehensive view of the entire property not visible from the roads, paths, or vehicles

• Increase efficiency by pre-determining areas for ground sampling based on real-time conditions
• Revisit previous sample sites and assess the effectiveness of implemented management practices using georeferenced maps
• Utilize color-infrared technology to detect plant stress weeks prior to it being perceived by the human eye during ground inspections
• Receive a comprehensive view of fields not visible from roads, paths, or vehicles

All processed aerial images are not created equal. Processing software that “stitches” images together cannot produce an accurate map to assist a crop scout or to utilize today’s precision agriculture equipment. Varied ground elevation levels and the angle from which an object is viewed results in distortions which must be corrected in processing to accurately determine acreage, direction, or location of landmarks.

Aircraft provides

• Superior image processing (Colorized maps)
• Next-day delivery of data products
• Secure private infrastructure – No cloud storage
• High volume processing capacity
• Access portal for efficient data transfer
• Easily consumable products for farm management
• Expertise from data collection to farm integration
• Comprehensive technical training and support

At the time these data products were delivered to the agronomist, a variable rate top-dress nitrogen application should have been precisely applied to this affected area of the field to eliminate the loss of crop yield. They could not validate this deficiency by visibly scouting the area, so did not prescribe any additional treatment. Two weeks later, the nitrogen deficiency was evident by the visible plant chlorosis.NET VALUE: $2.49 /acre

If the producer utilizes the information on the NDVI map, he or she will significantly reduce nitrogen use and costs.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Flat rate prescription: 15.0 gallons/acre
Variable rate average: – 10.5 gallons/acre
Nitrogen reduction: 4.5 gallons/acreCOST SAVINGS IMPACT
Nitrogen cost: $4.40/acre x gallons/acre
Flat rate cost: (15 gal) $66.00/acre
Variable rate cost (10.5 gal): – $46.20/acre

NITROGEN SAVINGS: $19.80 /acre

An NDVI map helped confirm the presence of a Canada Thistle infestation on this 122 acre corn field. A flat rate herbicide prescription was applied to the entire field. As shown in the aerial imagery, inspections confirmed that only 0.6 acres required treatment. An herbicide reduction of over 99% would have been possible with a variable rate prescription, decreasing the overall environmental impact and herbicide input costs.

Cost reduction/total acreage: ($3,424.50/121.82)INPUT COST SAVINGS: $28.11 /acre