Mavic 3M Fruit Tree Aerial Survey and Mapping

Summary

This video explains the use of agricultural drones in fruit tree management, highlighting their efficiency in pesticide application, especially in mountainous terrains. It covers the process of planning aerial surveys, setting up equipment like the M3M drone and RTK modules, and the importance of ensuring optimal flight conditions. The video also contrasts the DJI smartphone platform and DJI Tera for route reconstruction, with a detailed guide on setting up survey missions and route planning. Key tips on optimizing drone performance, avoiding obstacles, and ensuring accurate coverage for efficient fruit tree care are provided.

Takeaways

• 😀 Agricultural drones are highly effective in pesticide application for large mountain orchards, reducing labor costs and minimizing risks associated with manual spraying.
• 😀 There are three key scenarios for using agricultural drones in fruit tree area surveys: open terrain with few obstacles, terrain with many obstacles, and large orchards with scattered fruit trees.
• 😀 The DJI smartphone platform does not require high configuration computers but relies on a stable network for uploading photos, while DJI Tera uses high-configured computers for route planning without network dependency.
• 😀 Proper preparation is critical before takeoff: check light conditions, wind speed, and ensure the takeoff and landing areas are flat and free from obstacles.
• 😀 Proper installation of equipment, such as the RTK module and propellers, is crucial for smooth operation, with special attention to motor markings for correct propeller placement.
• 😀 Calibration of the compass is necessary if there is interference, and it should be done away from metal or strong magnetic fields.
• 😀 When planning an aerial survey route, it’s essential to set appropriate flight altitude, overlap ratios, and course angles to optimize operational efficiency.
• 😀 Smart return-to-home functionality is useful when the drone's battery is low, ensuring it returns to base safely before continuing the mission after a battery swap.
• 😀 DJI Tera can reconstruct aerial survey data into a 3D model for route planning and pesticide application, with several modes for adjusting routes based on tree positioning and obstacles.
• 😀 Different route planning modes (auto, semi-automatic, manual) can be used for continuous spring and sports brewing applications, with options for customizing the spraying zones.
• 😀 When modifying the route or correcting identification errors, it is essential to adjust boundaries and heights to ensure smooth and efficient pesticide application, especially when obstacles are present.

Q & A

What is the main application of the M3M system discussed in the video?

The M3M system is primarily used in agricultural operations such as smart aquaculture and tree area surveying, with a focus on mapping and operational efficiency in fruit tree planning, especially in mountainous terrains.

Why is pesticide application in mountain orchards a challenging task?

Pesticide application in mountain orchards is challenging because of the complex terrain, the high frequency of pesticide application, and the difficulty and risks associated with manual spraying, which can lead to poisoning.

How do agricultural drones improve the management of mountain orchards?

Agricultural drones can spray pesticides at night and manage large orchard areas with just one refueling point, significantly reducing labor requirements and mitigating the risks associated with manual pesticide application.

What are the three common scenarios for using agricultural drones in orchards?

The three common scenarios are: 1) Flat terrain with few obstacles and continuous tree distribution, where drones are used for rain falling operations; 2) Black terrain with many obstacles, where drones can be used for every service with route planning; and 3) Large orchard areas with light drops and scattered trees, where drones are used for 3D surveying and route planning.

What is the difference between the DJI smartphone platform and DJI Tera for aerial surveys?

The DJI smartphone platform does not require a high configuration computer but needs a stable network for uploading photos, while DJI Tera uses high configuration computers for route reconstruction and does not rely on the network.

What are the key preparation steps before taking off with the agricultural drone?

Key preparation steps include ensuring good light conditions, checking for wind speeds below 10 meters per second, ensuring a flat and open takeoff and landing area, installing the control sticks and antennas, setting up the aircraft and RTK module, and turning on both the remote controller and the aircraft in sequence.

How should the propellers be installed on the drone?

The propellers should be installed according to the direction of rotation marked on the motor. If there is a counterclockwise mark on the motor, install a counterclockwise propeller; if there is no mark, install a clockwise propeller.

What checks should be done before starting the operation of the agricultural drone?

Pre-flight checks include shifting to 'end mode,' verifying the firmware of both the remote controller and aircraft, checking battery power levels, RTK positioning accuracy, RTH altitude settings, and adjusting flight mode and obstacle avoidance settings.

What steps should be taken if compass interference is detected before the flight?

If compass interference is detected, it is recommended to calibrate the compass away from metal and strong magnetic environments by following the calibration steps provided in the video.

What factors should be considered when planning the route for a fruit tree aerial survey?

Factors to consider include terrain type, obstacles, altitude settings, speed adjustments for maximum operational efficiency, and ensuring smooth flight paths to avoid collision or inefficiency during the survey.