On Olive Groves Analysis using UAVs

Analysis of three olive orchards using the UAVs with multispectral, thermal and RGB sensors is done. Two vegetation indexes (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - NDVI and Normalized Difference Red Edge – NDRE) were calculated and suggestions for standardization of the procedure for data processing in the case of high-resolution images is given. Also, preferable vegetation index for this kind of orchards is discussed. Correlation of the calculated indexes with the level of peacock spot disease estimated by human in one of the observed orchards was compared and NDRE index is suggested as better indicator than NDVI. Variations in measured and processed values for different individual plants and locations were detected and it is shown that they can be used as the basis for distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy plants as well as between different types of olive tree shapes.