FUTURE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND MONITORING IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE - UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

Abstract

Climate change is a major global problem that threatens the existence of both humanity and biodiversity on Earth. In connection with the abovementioned, research proves the indisputable relevance of monitoring studies of erosion processes, control of plant growth phases, pests and soil conditions, crop yield forecasting, identification of unused and irrationally used land. As object of research agricultural lands as complex systems that require constant monitoring of their condition are defined. The subject of research is the processes of topographic and geodetic support for the monitoring of agricultural lands. The aim of the study is to develop proposals for improving integrated monitoring of agricultural lands, taking into account the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as the main tool for aerial photography. Methods of topographic and geodetic support of monitoring of agricultural lands and stages of assessment and forecasting of a qualitative condition of agricultural lands are investigated. The relevance of the UAV’s use for monitoring the development of agricultural land has been proven. It has been determined that the use of UAVs is many times more efficient from different points of view. The advantages of using UAVs in monitoring the state of the agricultural sector are shown - accuracy, mobility, high efficiency, environmental safety, relatively low cost. Possibilities as a result of UAV’s application in the agricultural sector of the country are identified.