Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Agricultural Operation Management: Part III: Best Practices for Efficient Aerial Surveying

Agricultural drone setup at a crop field. Photo taken 01-22-20.

With the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in the agricultural domain, ensuring the consistency and completeness of aerial surveys is critical in order to establish repeatability and consistency in data collection activities. This publication covers five main steps to ensure that aerial data collections are repeatable and consistent among missions. It is one of a three-part series focusing on the applications, configuration, and best practices for using UASs in agricultural operations management. Written by Aditya Singh and James Fletcher, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2021.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae553

How to Structure Data from an IoT Monitoring Network

Laptop computer. Portable electronics, technology, computing. UF/IFAS Photo: Thomas Wright.

The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the billions of physical devices that collect and share data through the Internet. This 5-page publication discusses the typical attributes in IoT monitoring networks and presents a data structure that outlines best practices in organizing data. Written by Ziwen Yu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, November 2020.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae548

Postflight Data Processing Instructions on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Agricultural Applications

A drone aircraft in mid-flight. Photo taken 06-14-19.

Remote sensing applications for agriculture often require periodically collected high-resolution data, which are difficult to obtain by manned flights or satellite imagery. This 6-page document provides guidance on the use of post-processing software to visualize data collected by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for agricultural applications. It provides step-by-step instructions for using the data collected from a UAV flight to create several types of maps and indices. Written by Sri Charan Kakarla and Yiannis Ampatzidis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, October 2019.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae533

Preparing for One-on-One Qualitative Interviews: Logistics

Two people during an interview. (UF\IFAS photo by Marisol Amador)

This new 4-page publication provides an introduction for researchers and evaluators wishing to use qualitative methods of interviews and focus groups. The document covers a short background on qualitative methods versus quantitative methods and offers practical tips on piloting your questions, preparing your materials, and conducting the interview or focus group. Written by Kathryn A. Stofer and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, this EDIS article is designed to accompany AEC675, Preparing for One-on-One Qualitative Interviews: Designing and Conducting the Interview.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc339

AEC 387/PD036 Using Focus Group Interviews for Planning or Evaluating Extension Programs

AEC-387, a 6-page illustrated fact sheet by Glenn D. Israel and Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez, provides a brief overview of the focus group interview and suggestions for conducting such interviews. Published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, May 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PD036