Using it wellMachinery, drones and services
Plan the field before flying — ten minutes' work that prevents problems all day
Walking the field and marking the key points before flying reduces both risk and time lost in the middle of the job.
About 2 min read
In this article
Experienced pilots never unfold the drone and fly straight away. They always walk the field first.
What to look for in the field
- High obstacles such as power lines, electricity poles, large trees, antennas and cables. Power lines are the hardest hazard to see in bright sunlight.
- The slope of the land, which affects keeping a steady height above the canopy.
- Places where the crop height is uneven.
- Ponds, canals or water sources that need a buffer distance.
- Houses, animal pens and neighbouring fields.
Points to choose before starting
- The take-off and landing point should be flat, firm, clean and away from obstacles.
- The refilling point and battery station should be close to the take-off point to cut walking time, and in the shade if possible.
- A parking spot for the vehicle that does not block the way and is upwind.
Measuring the area
- Knowing the exact number of rai before flying lets you work out exactly how much product to mix, with none left over and no running out halfway. Leftover mix is money thrown away and a burden to dispose of.
Laying out the flight lines
- Where possible, set the lines across the wind direction so that drifting droplets fall on the next line to be sprayed rather than out of the field, and plan them to finish near the refilling point to reduce empty flying.
Talking with the field owner
- Ask whether there are any spots that need special care, whether there are fish ponds or beekeeping nearby, and whether anyone will come into the field during the day. The field owner knows these things best and often will not mention them unless asked.
Recording it for next time
- When you work the same field again, notes from last time save a lot of time. Our system has a place to record fields with their key points, so next time you do not have to start from zero.
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