DroneDeploy, the leading cloud software platform for commercial drones, announced the beta release of Fieldscanner today: real-time drone mapping for farmers.
Fieldscanner allows farmers to get maps as the drone flies – “enabling real-time, offline mapping for immediate in-field analysis.”
“Growers have been asking for real-time, in-field mapping for a long time, and we’re excited to be the first company to deliver a solution,” said Mike Winn, CEO of DroneDeploy.
Real-time mapping means more informed crop scouting, more timely decisions
“Changes happen fast during the growing season so having timely information to spot and address problems is key,” says DroneDeploy. “Aerial imagery helps growers detect variability that large fields and tall crops make difficult to see from the ground, but conventional methods are often too slow. Where growers might wait days for airplane or satellite imagery, or spend hours uploading and processing a typical drone map, Fieldscanner can capture a field map in minutes so that growers can make crop management decisions on the spot or use the Fieldscan as a guide for more targeted boots-on-the-ground inspection.”
Fieldscanner addresses the problems of connectivity in remote areas: the product can operate entirely offline, with no need for cellular or data coverage. Using DroneDeploy’s existing automatic flight planning for DJI drones, Fieldscanner adds local processing on the drone and mobile device to create a low-resolution Fieldscan as the drone is flying. Imagery captured during flight can still be uploaded to DroneDeploy to process a regular, high-resolution map and 3D model.
“Time is in short supply on the farm, so when considering a new tool, the faster and easier, the better.” said Jim Love, Light Robotics Manager at Beck’s Hybrids. “With the ability to capture data in minutes, offline, with just a drone and a phone, FieldScanner represents the missing link that will transform drones from useful tool, to a must-have for weekly crop scouting.”
“For our growers, time is one of the most valuable assets they control,” said Joe Michaels, Director of Global Precision Product Management with CNH Industrial. “Fieldscanner allows our customers to save time and improve their efficiency by enabling them to get more information without leaving the field.”
Here is DroneDeploy video of the product:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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