FieldCopter · GPS-EGNOS based Precision Agriculture using unmanned aerial vehicles

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are an up-and-coming method in providing farmers with (near) real time sensing information for precision agriculture applications such as water stress monitoring, detection of nutrient deficiencies and crop diseases. FieldCopter provides state-of-the-art multi-spectral cameras on UAVs that deliver the right information in the right time on the right spot. The FieldCopter project develops a complete solution for UAV sensing. Existing components will be brought together and required high precision navigation of EGNOS will be added in order to create an autonomous flying camera that follows a predefined pattern.The consortium aims at a complete operational service and brings together the necessary competences assembled on the platform: the sensing aspects, the navigation expertise and the market knowledge. As the service is based on EGNOS, we can operate it anywhere in Europe. The partners combine market knowledge in the Mediterranean and higher latitudes, each with specific challenges. We will commercially exploit the results of this project in addition to the current business of the project partners. FieldCopter allows farmers to create economical and ecological benefits through optimal use of resources like water, nutrients (potassium, nitrogen) and crop protection agents. FieldCopter proves the potential of a European-wide precision navigation system and benefits from its operational continuity. EGNOS is a key enabler to develop this service.