THE IMPACT OF UAV TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURAL MONITORING

This paper aims to investigate the usage and impact of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, in agricultural land monitoring. The main objective of this research is to thoroughly examine the use of UAVs in agriculture, focusing on obtaining precise and up-to-date information about land conditions to support decision-making processes and implement sustainable management strategies. The contributions of this study include the identification of the advantages and limitations of UAV in monitoring and protecting agricultural land, as well as exploring how these technologies can optimize agricultural processes and support informed decision-making. The paper also addresses current challenges facing agricultural lands, such as soil degradation, crop loss, and climate change pressure, emphasizing the importance of precise monitoring and adequate protection for sustainable agriculture. Throughout history, the evolution of drones has been analyzed, from early prototypes to modern models, highlighting the technological advancements that have led to the popularization of UAVs in agriculture. Presently, the use of UAVs in agriculture has become increasingly popular due to their ability to collect detailed data and provide relevant information in real-time, thereby contributing to increased efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. In the future, it is anticipated that UAV technology will become increasingly sophisticated and integrated into agricultural activities, contributing to the transformation of this sector and generating increased interest among younger generations of farmers and agricultural researchers. The method used involved a review of specialized literature to assess the impact of this technology at the national level and the execution a drone flight using specific software to collect relevant data for monitoring agricultural land. Detailed mission planning was conducted beforehand, and during the flight, various techniques and strategies were applied for land mapping and data collection. The system also provided real-time information about weather conditions and air traffic, contributing to efficient operations management and ensuring safe flight. The results obtained consisted of precise and detailed data about the monitored land, which were subsequently analyzed and interpreted to identify potential threats or issues. The images processing included their transformation into 3D and 2D maps, as well as generating NDVI maps to assess the vegetation status of the land. These data allow the identification and evaluation of various aspects of agricultural land, including pest-related problems, nutrient deficiencies, or water stress, thereby contributing to informed decision-making and optimized crop management. The paper highlights the importance of UAV technology and demonstrates its potential in increasing efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. By integrating UAVs into agricultural workflows and using them in data collection and analysis, it is possible to more efficiently identify and manage the challenges and risks associated with agricultural activities, thereby contributing to the development of smarter and more sustainable agriculture.