Fluorescence Mapping of Agricultural Fields Utilizing Drone-Based LIDAR

A compact and low-weight LIDAR instrument has been developed for laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy sensing of maize fields. Fluorescence had to be installed on a small industrial drone so that its mass was <2 kg power consumption <5 W. The utilized continuous wave diode laser (405 nm, 150 mW) inducing spectrometer backscattered photons acquisition. For field testing, the quadcopter remote plants in three periods plant’s life. obtained signal maps have demonstrated average chlorophyll content is rather non-uniform over tends increase through plant vegetation cycle. Field tests proved feasibility perspectives autonomous agricultural fields from drones detection location under stress.