NDVI Mapping to Autonomous Field Spraying Workflow Explained

NDVI Mapping to Autonomous Field Spraying Workflow Explained

In this video, we explain the proper workflow to go from field mapping to field spraying using Pix4D Fields and the DJI Agras T-Series drones, like the T20.

Growers and Agronomists, today, now have a workflow using multispectral mapping drones to create plant health maps. Using software, like Pix4DFields, these growers are able to outline areas that require assistance. This data is then uploaded into a spraying drone like the T20 to autonomously target just these areas in need.

This precision agriculture removes the need to spray huge swaths of field, reducing time, material usage, capital investment, and while at the same time reducing runoff, exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, and compaction of your field.

First, you need to fly over the field with your drone, like a Phantom 4 Multispectral or MicasSense equipped system like the M300 RTK or Inspire 2, at a desired crop stage to capture current issues in the field.

Next, start Pix4Dfields and open a new or old project. Insert the drone’s SD card with the mapping images and import images or folders of images. Start processing the field and when it’s complete, make sure to import or draw a field boundary around the current crop area (if there isn't one already loaded). Then click trim.

Next, click the index generator. Depending on the camera, certain indices will be available such as VARI, NDRE or MCARI. You can also calculate a custom index (example NIR only or NIR/ RED, etc).
After that you’ll need to load the desired index (such as NDVI), and tune the advanced layer visualization by changing range transparency and color mode.

Once the desired areas of fields are isolated, switch to annotations. Draw polygons around areas of issues that are targeted for spraying with product. Be careful to create shapes that are simple and not complicated to fly. Avoid sharp corners and no overlapping boundaries, use as few vertices as possible.

Once complete, exit out annotations and click on export. Select Annotations and export the shape file. Once the shape file is exported to a zipped folder, then insert a micro-SD card. Create a new folder called “dji” and inside of it, another called “shapefile”. Unzip the exported folder onto the root of the USB ROOT/DJI/shapefile/
Remove the MicroSD cart and insert into the DJI Agras controller. Power on the controller, click on the SD Card and choose “boundaries”.

Lastly, Select the proper area to target for spraying and click “Invoke”. Set desired flight parameters, load the desired product, and apply to field zones. Once completed you’re all set to start spraying. For a summary report to the grower use Pix4Dfields PDF report.

[niravkikani]

We want to bjy drone to start agricultural mapping for nutrient deficiency and pest infestation.