A research on determination of crown detection of olive trees via images obtained by unmanned aerial vehicle

In this study, it was aimed to determine the olive tree crown widths with the help of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images. In the trials, UAV images, satellite data and manual measurements made with a tape measure were compared to determine the crown width of the tree. Calibration was carried out using 1m x 1m cardboard before UAV flights. With the UAV meteorology application installed on the smartphone, the air temperature, which is one of the meteorological values during flight, was recorded as 33oC, wind speed 9 km/h, 15 satellites connected to the UAV, visibility 13 km and relative humidity 22%. In the trials, photographs were taken at 8 m flight height and at a right angle to determine the width of the tree crown with the UAV. In the trials, the images taken by the UAV camera were transferred to the computer and these images were processed in accordance with the purpose. The crown radius average determined by the UAV was found to be 1.10 m, the crown radius obtained with the tape measure 1.40 m, the crown radius obtained with the satellite 1.24 m. As a result of the experiments, the crown radius measurements determined by the UAV were found closer to the average values than the crown radius obtained with the satellite. In addition, precise measurements can be taken with the UAV in a shorter time and with less labor than the measurements made with a tape measure. In the trials, images of crown widths were determined precisely with UAV. As a result of this study, it was concluded that UAV can be used in determining the crown widths in olive trees. Keywords: Precision agriculture, Olive tree, Crown width, Unmanned aerial vehicle, Image processing.