Application trend of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image in agricultural sector: Review and proposal

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has several advantages over conventional remote sensing techniques. They can acquire high-resolution images quickly and repeatedly. And with a comparatively lower flight altitude, they can obtain good quality images even in cloudy weather. In this paper, we discussed the state-of-the-art of the domestic and international use of UAV in agricultural sector as well as assessed its utilization and applicability for agricultural environment in Korea. Association of robotic, computer vision and geomatic technologies have established a new paradigm of low-altitude aerial remote sensing that has now been receiving attention from researchers all over the world. In a field study, it has been found that use of UAV imagery in an agricultural subsidy program can reduce the farmers' complain and provide objective evidence. UAV high resolution photography can also be helpful in monitoring the disposal zone for animal carcasses. Due to its expeditiousness and accuracy, UAV imagery can be a very useful tool to evaluate the damage in case of an agricultural disaster for both parties insurance companies and the farmers. Also high spatial and temporal resolution in UAV system can increase the prediction accuracy which in turn help to maintain the agricultural supply and demand chain.