Optical systems in UAVs for sustainable development of precision agriculture

This article examines modern optical systems integrated into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their role in the sustainable development of precision agriculture. The analysis covers sensor types (multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal cameras, LiDAR), their technical characteristics, and advantages over satellite-based systems. The paper presents comparative research results on the accuracy of various optical sensors for crop monitoring, water stress detection, and phytopathology identification. It is shown that the deployment of UAVs with advanced optical systems can increase crop yields by 15-30%, reduce water usage by up to 30%, and decrease pesticide application by up to 35%, which is especially relevant for resource-limited regions. The article discusses technological limitations, such as weather dependency, sensor calibration requirements, and equipment costs. Special attention is given to future directions, including the integration of AI algorithms for automated data interpretation, the development of hybrid systems, and the standardization of data collection protocols. The study concludes that a multidisciplinary approach is essential for scaling up the application of UAV optical systems in the agricultural sector.