DID YOU KNOW? The emerald ash borer was first discovered in the United States in 2002. Since its discovery, it is estimated that the beetle has killed over 30 million forest and ornamental trees, causing both significant economic loss and serious concern for the survival of several ash species in North America.
WHAT IS A DRONE? Drones are defined as unmanned aerial vehicles. The first documented use of “drones” was in 1839 when Austrian soldiers attacked the city of Venice with balloons filled with explosives.
gaps that are a result of ash tree loss. The drone captures images of the canopies, which are imported into Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) programs where the exact coordinates of the sites can be identified. This process allows researchers to quickly and accurately identify the areas where ground surveying is needed. The results of this research show some species of ash regeneration and very little invasive species generation in areas impacted by the emerald ash borer with low levels of human disturbance.
results of this research show some species of ash regeneration and very little invasive species generation in areas impacted by the emerald ash borer with low levels of human disturbance.
Other recent and current research projects have also utilized drone technology. Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, associate professor of geospatial applications, and his research team are working with landowners to map their land using drone and GIS technology in order to determine the best land use practices based on various factors including soil type and elevation. The team is working to educate different organizations about the potential use of drones to increase efficiency in this process and they have developed partnerships with organizations across Kentucky to encourage the use of drone technology in the field.
geospatial applications, and his research team are working with landowners to map their land using drone and GIS technology in order to determine the best land use practices based on various factors including soil type and elevation. The team is working to educate different organizations about the potential use of drones to increase efficiency in this process and they have developed partnerships with organizations across Kentucky to encourage the use of drone technology in the field.
As the popularity of drone use by state agencies, farmers and foresters increases, researchers at KYSU are working to help educate, interpret and facilitate the proper and efficient use of this emerging technology.
AgKnowledge | 2019