University of Twente offers free course ‘UAVs in Precision Agriculture’

The University of Twente is offering a free online course starting this week on the use of drones in precision agriculture. This course, designed by specialists in UAV remote sensing, is aimed at anyone interested in utilizing drones to optimize agricultural processes. The course provides a thorough introduction to planning drone flights, processing drone imagery, and applying the data for smart agricultural decision-making.

Course Content

The UAVs in Precision Agriculture course, developed by Assistant Professor Florian Ellsäßer, consists of approximately 40 hours of study material, which participants can complete at their own pace. The course runs until December 2, 2024, and registration is open until November 4, 2024. With 342 available spots, those interested are encouraged to sign up quickly.

The course covers a wide range of topics related to precision agriculture and drone data, including:

• Introduction to drones and their applications in precision agriculture
• Creating maps and 3D point clouds from drone imagery
• Using visual/RGB imagery in agricultural analysis
• Multispectral imagery and agricultural indices
• Working with thermal data for agricultural decision-making

The knowledge gained will enable participants to plan and execute drone missions safely, legally, and professionally. They will also learn how to process drone imagery to create maps and 3D models, offering valuable insights into field size, vegetation cover, crop height, biomass estimation, and crop health.

Target Audience

This course allows farmers and data analysts to leverage drones to enhance agricultural productivity. Participants will learn how to apply precision fertilization, optimize water usage, and detect crop water stress. This contributes to more sustainable farming practices and more efficient use of resources like water and fertilizers.

The course is aimed at a broad audience, including:

• Farmers and agronomists looking to implement data-driven agriculture
• Students working with drones and data analysis for their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD theses
• Scientists and researchers interested in UAV remote sensing in agricultural environments
• Drone pilots and enthusiasts wanting to expand their skills in precision agriculture
• Data analysts seeking to interpret drone data

The only prerequisites are an active interest in drones and precision agriculture, and participants must have access to a computer and a stable internet connection. The course focuses on the use of free and open-source software, although temporary licenses for commercial software will be available for certain components. It is not necessary to own a drone; practice data will be provided.

Join Now

Interested in learning how drones are shaping the future of agriculture? This free course from the University of Twente is the perfect starting point. Sign up soon, as registration closes on November 4, 2024. At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate of attendance.