A unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applied to agricultural research is a useful tool to help increase crop production and monitor crop growth. Sensors and digital imaging capabilities can give us a richer picture of our fields / crop this information can prove useful in improving crop yields and efficiency and monitoring breading populations.

This bird’s-eye view can reveal many issues such as irrigation problems, soil variation, and pest and fungal infestations.

Multispectral images show a near-infrared view as well as a hi-res visual spectrum view. This combination shows us the differences between healthy and unhealthy plants, a difference not always clearly visible to the naked eye. Thus, these views can assist in assessing and quantifying crop growth and production.