Why use drones, LiDAR, and AI to create 3D field maps of farm fields?
Modern agriculture is quickly embracing aerial technology to improve crop management and boost productivity. Terralynx (Formerly TerraNova UAV), a company once focused only on drones, now specializes in advanced data collection and analysis that supports farmers and researchers.
The team creates detailed field maps using drones equipped with multispectral sensors and LiDAR. Multispectral imagery captures light beyond the visible spectrum, including red edge and near infrared bands. These readings reveal plant stress from pests, disease, or nutrient shortages before it is visible to the human eye.
The data generates vegetation indices such as NDVI, helping farmers create prescription maps for targeted fertilizer or fungicide applications. Terralynx shared some of these new high-tech practices recently as part of the Great Ontario Yield Tour with Andres Hurtado.
LiDAR, which uses lasers to measure distance with extreme accuracy, produces precise 3D models of fields and crops. These models show land contours, detect drainage issues, calculate biomass, and guide underground tile installation. Farmers can use this information to improve water management and plan soil conservation projects.
Artificial intelligence adds another layer of insight. By training AI to recognize individual plants, Terralynx can count millions of plants across a field and create variable rate nitrogen or fungicide plans.
AI can also analyze weather and soil data to predict harvest timing and identify nutrient needs.
Spraying and seeding drones are another growing application. Equipped with the prescription maps, drones can spray only where needed or adjust rates automatically, saving time and reducing chemical use. Terralynx has also used drone technology to measure methane emissions from manure pits, helping livestock operations track greenhouse gases.
Privacy and cooperation remain important. Terralynx seeks permission before flying and ensures all projects are transparent and beneficial to both farmers and researchers. By combining drones, LiDAR, and AI, farmers can use precision technology to make farming more efficient, sustainable, and profitable for everyone involved.
Watch the full Terralynx presentation below.