FEATURE
Victor Basta , CEO of DAI Magister
Drones also can maximise renewable power generation from wind turbines and solar panels . Combining real-time data from monitoring and inspections with LiDAR technology enables the creation of detailed 3D models of these assets , which allows for comprehensive performance assessments and the optimisation of power generation .
From an environmental standpoint , drones significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions . Collecting real-time data on energy production , distribution networks and consumption patterns provides critical insights into resource usage and helps identify inefficiencies , optimising resource management .
Drones equipped with thermal cameras and other advanced sensors can also conduct pipeline inspections and identify heat loss , serving as an early indication of potential leaks . They can meticulously survey oil and gas wells , searching for signs of leaks such as oil sheens on the ground or in water .
Agriculture and reforestation
Although drones have yet to be extensively utilised in the agricultural sector , they hold immense potential as a crucial facilitator of sustainable farming and precision agriculture practices . These practices can make a substantial impact by reducing CO 2 emissions and empowering farmers to achieve higher yields while minimising resource consumption .
Conventional soil and field analysis and planting methods present significant obstacles rooted in manual labour , inefficiency , trial and error , and a lack of real-time information . Traditionally , farmers have had to manually collect soil samples and inspect fields , which consumes significant time , incurs high costs and is susceptible to human error . This leads to suboptimal planting decisions and inefficient resource allocation , resulting in diminished crop yields and financial losses . Drones can revolutionise this practice by performing rapid and accurate soil and field analysis that reduces planting costs by 85 % and increases the uptake rate by 75 %.
After planting , drones can collect data on general crop health , measuring crop growth , moisture levels , water stress and nutrient levels . The gathered data , combined with high-resolution images , can identify areas of the field that need attention and inform decisions when allocating resources ( irrigation , fertilisation , and pesticide application ). This data can also enhance pest and disease protection , enabling farmers to identify and deliver more precise treatments before crops experience significant damage .
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