Mapping a property for aerial application, offers a unique set of advantages in regards to efficiency and options.
The main goal with mapping for a spray Drone is “Automation” and although you can achieve it through various modes and set-out methods, it just doesn’t match the scale of a proper mapping program.
The human eye can only see so much, and the likelihood of collision or missing patches is so much higher if thats all you have to rely on!
Trees, Buildings and Power-lines are a spray Drones worst nightmare! But can be avoided or planned around by highlighting them in mapping software.
DJI Terra’s “Fruit Tree” application takes advantage of the captured terrain data, which allows for smoother and faster terrain following thus reducing the need for obstacle avoidance.
Pix4d fields powerful applications such as “Green on Brown” weed mapping and “Variable Rate Application” (VRA) wouldn’t be achievable without mapping.
The fact is Mapping opens up a world of advantages and once all the planning is done, all I have to do is press a button, to execute flight routes.
Full Automation from mapping software makes The job so much safer and efficient, compared to built-in flight planning modes.
This is because the Drone Pilot is mostly reliant on flying by eye and using semi-auto modes, (which have their place on smaller jobs!)
I try to encourage my clients to map properties of a certain size or level of complexity, because the end result saves time and money.
This is why I Map!
