Field survey timeline: from first flight to routine monitoring

A typical engagement with VegeDrone follows a set sequence. Each stage has a clear deliverable, so you know what to expect before we fly over your fields.

Week 1 – Scouting and flight plan

We map your field boundaries, note crop type and growth stage, and check for any obstacles like tall trees or power lines. You receive a flight plan with the proposed survey area and the number of passes needed.

Week 2 – First aerial survey

A drone with multispectral and thermal sensors covers the field in a single automated flight. Weather permitting, the whole survey takes under an hour for a typical 10-acre plot. Raw images are processed overnight.

Week 3 – Vegetation index report

You get a colour-coded NDVI map and a plain-language summary. The report highlights zones with low vigour, suspected pest stress, or uneven moisture. We flag the three most urgent areas for a ground check.

Week 4 – Actionable recommendations

Based on the map, we suggest specific actions: adjust irrigation in a dry patch, apply a targeted spray, or wait before fertilising. You receive a simple checklist with priorities, not a generic advisory.

Ongoing – Scheduled re-flights

For the rest of the season, we re-fly at intervals you choose – every two weeks, monthly, or after major weather events. Each new map is compared with the previous one, so you see change over time, not just a single snapshot.

Season end – Season summary

At harvest, we compile a season-long report: which zones consistently underperformed, where irrigation paid off, and what to adjust next year. This becomes your baseline for the next planting cycle.

Terms and Clarifications

What the survey covers, what it does not, and how to read the results before you book a flight.

What exactly does a field survey include?

A scheduled flight over your field captures multispectral imagery, which is then processed into vegetation index maps and a written summary of crop health. The survey covers the area you register, typically up to 20 acres per flight. We do not include soil sampling, lab tests, or pest identification by hand; those require a separate agronomist visit.

How are the vegetation maps generated?

Images are stitched together using ground control points and flight logs, then converted into NDVI and other index layers. The maps show relative health zones across your field, not absolute yield predictions. Color-coded output helps you spot uneven growth, but it does not replace a walk-through of the field for final decisions.

Can the drone fly in any weather?

Flights are scheduled for clear, calm mornings or late afternoons. Heavy rain, strong wind above 25 km/h, or dense fog will delay the survey to the next available slot. We do not fly during active rainfall because water on leaves distorts the reflectance readings and makes the maps unreliable.

What do the index values mean for my crop?

Index values are relative indicators, not absolute measurements. A low NDVI zone may point to water stress, nutrient deficiency, or pest pressure, but the map alone cannot tell which one. The report lists possible causes and suggests which areas to check first. Final diagnosis requires a field visit or lab confirmation.

Is my field data shared with anyone?

Your field maps and reports are stored on our servers and shared only with the account holder and the agronomist assigned to your survey. We do not sell or publish field-level data. Aggregate, anonymized statistics may be used for research, but your field name and location are removed before any such use.

Field Support When You Need It

Our agronomists and drone pilots are available through the channels below. We respond to survey requests and map interpretation questions within one working day, and urgent crop stress reports get priority handling.

See common questions about drone surveys
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