4 benefits of LiDAR in forestry and agriculture
With the advancement of technology come many conveniences and efficiencies in certain industries. In the case of the agriculture and forestry sector, there are many reported useful applications obtained from LiDAR. Not to mention it has also helped make so many tasks much easier. LiDAR in this sector has been used to measure agricultural landscaping and topography, crop biomass estimation, manage livestock, gather data for land strategies, aid in crop growth, etc. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of LiDAR in this area.
1. Helps in land stewardship strategies
Organizations that operate extensive forests can use LiDAR drones to gather data for their strategies as well as monitor the land and send regular updates. Additionally, LiDAR’s quality drone photography can provide a 3D-rendered version of the land that will help make accurate decisions. With LiDAR the data is so accurate you can even create comprehensive maps that can help create strategies based on the spots that are prone to landslides.
2. LiDAR sensors provide plant health monitoring
Plant life and its wellness can be hard to track as forests and lands are dense and sometimes hard to traverse. On occasions when the weather is erratic, there is a big chance of doubling the time and energy to check on them. However, LiDAR drones can lend a helping hand through this task. When it comes to monitoring plant health the sensors can help gather and process data regarding the well-being of vegetation, trees, and bushlands. They can also help locate diseased flora as well as lead horticulturists and forest officials to those locations. With the collected data, professionals can start applying the proper treatment needed.
3. Helps manage livestock
Regardless of location or size, the herd can be monitored effectively with LiDAR technology. Drones, for example, can be used to monitor livestock movement, pastures, and herds as well as prevent rustling. Coupled with thermal detectors, the drone can also send data on sick or injured animals. This saves farmers time while increasing property awareness. Since farming is full of uncontrollable factors, like economics, disease, and weather to name a few, this technology allows farmers to make more accurate, data-driven decisions.
4. Helps prevent and watch out for forest fires
Forest fires are common events and it’s nearly impossible to stop them. All there is to do is prevent them from occurring as much as possible with the right data and action. Since drones are fast and precise, they can monitor areas for potential threats of fires. These precautions will help prevent fires from starting and uncontrollably razing the forest, as a result, the ecosystem will be safe from the danger caused by forest fires.
Once again, thanks to LiDAR areas like forestry and agriculture can manage, prevent, and get more data on lands, crops, livestock, and flora. This amazing technology keeps demonstrating that it is the future of many industries. With LiDAR, Gone are the days when people monitored everything on foot.