Affordable Aerial Technology Helps Farmers Monitor Runoff and Protect Waterways Effectively
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a new drone-based mapping system that may help farmers improve field management while reducing environmental risks. The study shows the technology delivers highly accurate landscape mapping while costing less than traditional LiDAR systems.
The research focuses on identifying areas where water collects or moves quickly across farmland. These areas, known as hydrologically sensitive areas and phosphorus critical source areas, can increase the risk of fertilizer and manure runoff reaching nearby streams and waterways.
Accurate mapping helps farmers make better decisions about nutrient use, crop placement, and conservation practices.
The system works by using drones equipped with cameras to capture hundreds of overlapping images across farm fields. Researchers then use Structure from Motion photogrammetry to combine the images into detailed three-dimensional landscape maps.
“Our new technique uses a small drone to take hundreds and hundreds of photographs, essentially duplicating what a LiDAR model does,” said Patrick Drohan.
Researchers compared the drone-generated maps with LiDAR data, which uses laser technology from aircraft or satellites to measure land surfaces. Although LiDAR is known for strong accuracy, it can be costly and may not always provide updated information for farmers.
The research team tested the drone system at four farms in eastern Pennsylvania. Results showed an elevation correlation of 0.999 between the drone maps and LiDAR data.
Differences in identifying runoff-sensitive areas remained below 1.53%, showing the drone method produced highly reliable results.
“The drone method gives almost the same answers as LiDAR, meaning that drones plus structure from motion photogrammetry are a viable, cheaper alternative to LiDAR,” Drohan said.
Researchers believe the affordable technology can support precision agriculture, strengthen conservation efforts, and help farmers better protect water resources while improving farm planning decisions.
Photo Credit: Penn State