The Welsh Assembly Government has just launched a two year research and development programme to explore the potential for advanced remote sensing, using small unmanned aircraft, for use in land applications, primarily high input arable farming. The programme is called Project URSULA – UAS Remote Sensing for Use in Land Applications.
URSULA will develop market-focussed data products based on imagery captured by a range of sensors mounted in small unmanned aircraft with a launch anywhere, anytime capability. Combining the innovative remote sensing platform with novel processing techniques, URSULA provides a disruptive technology which will open up new avenues for flexible, cost-effective, high resolution data provision. It is anticipated that this will accelerate the adoption of precision farming principles at a critical time for the industry.
The project and capability has emerged from a unique collaboration between two leading edge SMEs working in complementary areas of technology; Environment Systems, environmental experts in earth observation and geographic intelligence and Callen-Lenz Associates Ltd, aviation and remote sensing specialists. With agricultural experts also a key part of the team, activities will cover a full spectrum from air system design and operation through to bespoke remote sensing system and data interpretation for agriculture and land-based markets.
“There is a growing need for timely, cost-effective, and highly detailed data for precision farming, yield assessment and sustainable land management,” said Steve Keyworth Commercial Director for Environment Systems. “The promise of converging UAS and remote sensing technologies coupled with advances in post acquisition data processing and analysis opens a ‘pandora’s box’ of opportunities, which extend well beyond the project’s initial remit. For this reason we are delighted to be at the cutting edge of these exciting developments.”
“We believe that our integrated approach to remote sensing is a disruptive technology, which will lead to new possibilities and new approaches in precision farming and beyond,” said Jonathan Webber, a Director of Callen-Lenz. “For the project to achieve its full potential, we feel that collaboration and engagement across the breadth of the industry is essential, from farmers to service providers, from seed producers to equipment and software. This is a key part of Project URSULA.” The project is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Environment Systems is an innovative and award winning earth observation and geographic information consultancy. We use state-of-the-art technology and mapping expertise to help government and businesses to understand and better manage our environment. We deliver solutions to the environmental, agricultural and land sectors through the establishment of baselines, monitoring, ecosystem models, and the application of the evidence base to current policy. Our work includes consultancy and research services, data capture and analysis, and development of innovative solutions using 3D and remotely sensed data to deliver insight into our environment.
Callen-Lenz provides technical and management consultancy in the aviation domain. Drawing on many years of experience in aircraft test and evaluation, the company undertakes targeted research and development for both internal projects and for customers. Our operating arm, Gubua Group, provides a broad range of airborne remote sensing solutions supplementing satellite and other forms of data capture. Its highly experienced teams are able to deliver timely, accurate and reliable imagery, using specifically developed platforms and sensor payloads which provide high resolution geo-referenced datasets of target areas. Lightweight, small footprint UAVs – both rotary and fixed wing – deliver flexible and timely data. Avoiding the use of manned aviation reduces the carbon footprint, and provides highly flexible and cost effective solutions. The Callen-Lenz team has considerable experience in remote sensing in land applications, this together with a suite of sensors developed expressly for land applications, provides a new and growing capability for the agricultural industry