Collection of Ultra High Spatial and Spectral Resolution Image Data over California Vineyards with a Small UAV

Abstract

A small UAV was used to collect digital RGB (red-green-blue) and hyperspectral imagery above San Bernabe Vineyards (King City, Calif.) in August 2003. Data from the downsized payload were transmitted across a wireless local area network to a ground receiving station in near-real-time. High spatial resolution (~20 cm) RGB imagery was registered to the grower's GIS database, and used to map vigor differences within fields. High spectral resolution data were collected in 580 channels, and used for more detailed examination of canopy reflectance differences as related to crop vigor. An in-situ wireless sensor web was used to collect a time-series of air temperature data at several locations, simultaneous with the flight.