Satellite Imaging in Agriculture : More than Meets the Eye
Posted by Tim Stahley on Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 02:35 PM
Satellite imaging is prevalent in many consumer applications today,
such as Google Earth, Google Maps and many in car GPS systems. Nearly
everyone has seen a satellite image of their town, their favorite
college football team's stadium or even their own home. I have one of
Penn State's Beaver Stadium in my den. It should come as no surprise
then, when one thinks of using satellite imaging in the study of
agriculture crops that it is these familiar images that come to mind.
Images of corn fields and soybean fields with a farmhouse or barn in
the back ground. Many are surprised to learn that the practice of using
satellite imaging in agriculture truely is much more science than art.
Visible
light occupies a very small frequency band of the electromagnetic
radiation spectrum, which ranges from long wavelength, low energy radio
waves to short wavelength, high energy Gamma Rays. Satellite sensors
are able to capture 
reflected
light radiation in both the visible range, as demonstrated by the
pictures we frequently see, and the non-visible range, which is the
most valuable in the study of agriculture. By measuring the reflection
and absorption of various frequencies within the electromagnetic
radiation spectrum, scientist are able to extract and analyze spectral signatures
that allow for the identification of specific vegatation types as well
as the measurement of key plant characteristics such as chorophhyl and
water content.This information taken over regular intervals allows for
monitoring crops through an entire growing season and when combined
with complex models and historical data provide accurate prediction
methodology for crop yields, crop area and crop production.
Check back often to further explore the current and potential future
impact that satellite imaging will have in the agriculture industry.