Birds' Eye: Drone surveillance in vineyards
The unique attributes offered by vertical take-off and landing drones are transforming a range of civilian roles, from firefighting to traffic monitoring and now vineyard management.
The Mavic 2 Enterprise, said to be the world’s most capable commercial drone, uses new hardware and software that make it compact, reliable and safe. The unit has a clever 100 decibel two-way speaker system that allows a farmer to direct dogs or to muster animals; alternatively it can make a ‘barking sound’ to work stock alone or with a team of dogs.
Its high-resolution 12 megapixel camera can extend the pilot’s sight with 2x optical and 3x digital zoom capability. This gives the user better visibility in such hard-to-reach locations as deep gullies or steep terrain; no more getting on your quad or UTV.
The Enterprise also has a dual spotlight giving 2400 lumens for better visibility in low light.
DJI Ferntech, a supplier of drones to farmers since 2013, says the Enterprise shows that drones are evolving into serious work tools, not just toys.
DJI spokesman Jonathon Kubiak says “we are seeing increased uptake by construction, agriculture, asset inspection and public services, all of them seeing opportunities to use drones as part of their day to day toolbox”.
