Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is the technology that allows the collection of data about plants or soils from a distant perspective. Remote sensing can be achieved using a satellite constellation or aircraft that takes an image of the field at a given point in time. Or, a sensor can be mounted to equipment passing over a field. The sensors can be mounted on a vehicle in close proximity to the plant, or to a flying device such as an airplane or helicopter. The data is usually manifest in the form of a field map, which a user can then overlay with other data from the same field. However, these sensors can also be used in conjunction with a specially programmed controller and equipment make on the go application of pesticides and fertilizer in real time.  Remote sensing can be used to gather myriad data about plants and soils, including plant vigor/stress.