Drones have become a familiar sight hovering over farms around the country, and experts say technological advances could help the unmanned flying craft revolutionize agriculture.
Lifewire, an online news platform, recently interviewed Albert Sarvis on the topic. Sarvis is Assistant Professor and Program Lead for Geospatial Technology at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and Director of the HU Center for Applied Environmental and Geospatial Technology. He is planning a series of drone flights at a local farm near Carlisle through this coming growing season.
Sarvis notes in the story that one problem with drones for farming is that they are often costly, with prices for a single model ranging up to $25,000. New cheaper and longer-lasting drones will help make them more available to farmers, Albert Sarvis, assistant professor and program lead for Geospatial Technology at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, said in an email.
“Five years ago, a 15-to-20-minute flight time was considered standard,” he added. “For the same, or lower, cost, current drones easily fly for 25 to 30 minutes. In the same way, sensor prices have dropped 25-50% in that same time period.”
The story is found online at https://www.lifewire.com/drones-could-help-farmers-raise-more-food-5220130
HU’s Center for Applied Environmental and Geospatial Technology prepares students for successful careers utilizing geospatial technology. The Center provides experiential learning for students through professional development, challenging projects/grants, and current technology exposure, which focuses on interdisciplinary competencies. More on the center is found online at https://centers.harrisburgu.edu/CAEGT/.
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