Technical Challenges for Multi-Temporal and Multi-Sensor Image Processing Surveyed by UAV for Mapping and Monitoring in Precision Agriculture

Precision Agriculture (PA) is an approach to maximizing crop productivity in a sustainable manner. PA requires up-to-date, accurate and georeferenced information on crops, which can be collected from different sensors ground, aerial or satellite platforms. The use of optical thermal Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platform emerging solution for mapping monitoring PA, yet many technological challenges are still open. This technical note discusses the choice UAV type its scientific payload surveying sample area 5 hectares, as well procedures replicating study larger scale. case ideal opportunity test best practices combine requirements surveys with limitations imposed by local regulations. In field area, follow development at various stages, nine flights over period four months were planned executed. usage ground control points optimal georeferencing alignment maps created multi-temporal processing analyzed. Output produced both visible bands, after appropriate strip alignment, mosaicking, sensor calibration, Structure Motion techniques. discussion strategies, checklists, workflow, backed data more than 5000 radiometric images taken during five hours flight time throughout season. geomatics survey using UAVs key focus this note. Accurate derived these multi-sensor feed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Decision Support (DSS) benefit multidisciplinary approach.