Drones are very useful, especially for data gathering. They can capture real-time data, can cover areas not feasible with ground methods and capture data not available through remote-sensing methods. It is possible to fly a drone in the morning and get data to evaluate issues to be addressed in the afternoon, limiting down time for farmers.
Of course the trick with data is to determine how to review and manage it to gain actionable information. The power of the technology is just beginning to be tapped and the capability to manage it are continuing to grow.
The sky’s the limit in terms of what data drones can provide and how farmers can put that to use in their overall management programs. Read THIS ARTICLE with Michael Starek, Ph.D., assistant professor of geospatial surveying engineering at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, to learn where drone technology is headed.