Page 30 - TAF Promo v3

Spatial Technologies

We can provide information on
certain areas that might have
diseases, so then farmers can
spray using our map and therefore
only apply chemicals or fertiliser
wherever it is needed – meaning
they save money, have healthier
crops and a more accurate
prediction of yield,” says Anton.

“From a client’s perspective,
it’s cheaper to work with
one company that does
everything rather than
several different companies
doing one task each”

“We have also seen the advancement of ‘machine Based on experience, the benefit to farmers
control’ or GPS guidance applications to control the from the use of this technology is sizable.
position and height of farming machinery.
“For a small cost, farmers get a good return on
This allows farmers to accurately place fertilisers, investment that makes running the farm easier,”
Access to science, Technology, Innovation, Productivity and Profitability
seeds and insecticides, and also record says Anton. “You can see the bigger picture
information about the crop at specific locations and make more informed decisions using this
for analysis.” technology.”

An example of the capability of Spatial
Technologies is the company’s recent work on
Hollydene Estate Wines in the Hunter Valley. Key Benefits
Surveys were conducted over the 600 hectares • A total service
of the property, producing maps to identify
vegetation and the topography of the land and • Complete Drone expertise
also capturing high-definition video to be used • 3D models of contour mapping
for promotional purposes.
• Drainage planning
Nine UAV flights produced 2800 pictures, using • Detailed crop information
a high-quality sensor which gave mapping
accuracy to 20-30mm. After two days’ work • Disease detection
and data processing, Spatial Technologies • Crop yield expectation
could extract any information related to the
site as needed – analysis of catchment areas, • Feral animal detection and
calculations of the height of structures and extinction
trees, contours to be used as a guide in machine • More accurate seed, fertilizer
control systems and measurements for the and insecticide geting
growth and changes of crops over time.

The Australian Farmer • Issue 2017