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ICASE 2013 IST AUG 21–23

Paper Title:● Application of GIS & Remote Sensing

Technologies: Precision Agriculture

Authors:● Muhammad Idrees (Presenter)● Muhammad Aman ● Dr. Tariq Javid Ali, HITEC University

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Presentation Outline

● Introduction – Precision Agriculture (PA)

● GIS & Remote Sensing Technologies

● PA in National Context

● Conclusion and Future

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Precision Agriculture

● Application area, farming management

● Respond to observed intra-field variations

● 1980s: The concept emerged in USA

● Practiced in countries: UK, Canada, Austrailia

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GIS & Remote Sensing Technologies

● Remote sensing uses sensors to acquire real-time information i.e. observations

● Geographic Information System (GIS) uses computer-based tools for analysis of observations i.e. response

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Precision Agriculture Technology

● PA technology uses sensors (remote sensing) and computer-based tools (GIS) to timely respond to observed changes

● Decision support system

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Crop Growth

● A farmer needs to know:

– Which conditions are persistent or stable?

– Which conditions are changing?

– Why crop is understress or dying in some parts?

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Crop Understrees

● Identification by measuring in EM bands– Visible : 0.4 – 0.7 micro meter (um)– Near Infrared : 0.75 – 1.4 um– Thermal : 8 – 15 um – Microwave : 1 mili m – 1 m

● Above remote sensing information is used to update GIS database and generate maps with useful info.

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Treatment & Variable Rate Technolgies

● Responding to observed changes is usually accomplished by applying appropriate and timely treatment e.g. need of water, fertilizer

● Variable-rate technologies are helpful in applying appropriate treatment with precision

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Vegetation Indices

● These are mathematical quantities used for vegetation monitoring

● Example indices are:– Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)– Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)

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NDVI and EVI

● NDVI is used to identify healthy vs. streesed– Range: - 1 to 1 (green)

● EVI is used to find changes during vegetation growth e.g. land surface temperature

● Both indices complement each other

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PA in National Context

● Pakistan is facing a lot of challenges today● Natural resources e.g. water, gas, etc. need

thoughtful utilization

● A careful investment in PA technology evaluation and implementation can help:

– Improve both quality and quantity of vegetation– Lower market prices– Export will improve our national economy

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Evaluation Scenario

● Research proposes to begin with large growers● Equip farmers with on-tractor devices, showing:

– Updated vegetation maps (healthy vs. streesed) – Available mitigation options i.e. treatment

● Once a treatment is selected, a timely application is accomplished with VRTs

● Success of evaluation will begins new level

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Conclusion

● Presented an overview of PA as application of remote sensing and GIS technologies

● Updated maps showing vegetation growth provide useful information toward better farming management

● Careful application of PA will result in precise utilization of natural resources

● Expected results: improved quality and quantity, lower market prices, and economic benifits

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Future Prespective

● Evaluate low-prices, self-sustained sensors

● Build SMS service for farmers for recent changes observed in maps i.e. GIS database

● Research suitable vegetation indices

● Interact with farmers to evaluate VRTs

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Thank You!

● Questions & Answers