discussion / Citizen Science  / 14 May 2025

Can RGB drone data & Machine Learning be of value in Conservation?

Hi all! I recently did a little case study using RGB drone data and machine learning to quantify plant health in strawberries. I wanted to know whether or not there would be any value in using RGB drone data for vegetation health analysis. RGB cannot compete with multispectral drone imagery of course, but from a visual perspective I think it may have its place when looking at large agricultural areas in one go.  This is of course an agricultural environment which is well manicured so in that sort of environment it can be used as an extra tool if multispectral imagery is not on the cards. I would like to know if there is any value in using this technology and methodology for conservation conservation and if so where would it be most useful? Has anyone used RGB for any conservation application and was it of real value?

I have attached a PDF of the slides used in the vlog about this case study. Vlog link here: 

Kind regards

Sean Hill

 

GeoWing_Academy_Ag_RGB_ML_for_Plant_Health.pdf