Arba Minch University/AMU/ - Institutional University Cooperation /IUC/ project, has recently trained its PhD students and other AMU staff on the usage of a highly versatile drone camera system to enhance research capabilities across various fields from September 15-21, 2024. The advanced drone camera technology, one of the IUC’s second phase outreach program, aims to equip researchers with cutting-edge tools for conducting sophisticated, data-driven researches in agriculture, environmental conservation, and water quality assessment. Click here to see more photos.
Professor Wouter Maes from Ghent University emphasized on the drone camera’s transformative potential for large-scale researches during the training. "This drone camera not only expands the scope of our researches but also shortens the time needed for data collection from weeks to hours," said Prof. Maes. The training focused on teaching the participants the operation, maintenance, and practical applications of the new professional-grade drone camera, he noted. Unlike smaller drone camera used previously, this upgraded camera system is equipped with multispectral cameras capable of capturing high-resolution data in multiple wavelengths, including near-infrared and red edge, he said. By capturing data in these different wavelengths, researchers can gather information on plant health, water content, soil composition, and other environmental factors that may not be visible to the naked eye in regular photographs, Prof. Maes explained.
AMU-IUC project Manager Dr. Fasil Eshetu said that the integration of advanced drone camera technology into our research at Arba Minch University represents a significant leap forward for the AMU-IUC project. By providing our PhD students and trainees with hands-on experience in operating this sophisticated drone camera, we enhance our research capabilities in environmental monitoring, agricultural assessment, and ecosystem management. The training and having such an advanced drone camera certainly improves the accuracy and efficiency of our data collection strengthening our capacity to conduct high level and quality researches that address local and regional development challenges as we are Research University, Dr Fasil remarked. He further said that this initiative embodies our commitment to innovation and sustainability aligning perfectly with the objectives of the AMU-IUC program.
PhD student and trainee Yibeltal Yihune highlighted the benefits of the training and having such versatile drone camera for his research on gully dynamics in the Abaya and Chamo basins. He noted that the drone camera and the training offered will significantly improve his ability to collect detailed and accurate data and monitor large areas efficiently aiding in soil conservation and watershed management.
Feven Kinfe, another PhD student and trainee praised the drone camera’s high-resolution multispectral camera system for her role in her research on Lake Chamo's aquatic ecology. She noted that the drone camera will provide her precise data on vegetation health, water quality, and sedimentation patterns which are crucial for effective conservation strategies and lake management.
The Matrice 300 RTK with its 1 centimeter-level accuracy, up to 55 minutes of flight time, and ability to support various payloads is ideal for environmental monitoring and infrastructure inspections. Its rugged, weather-resistant build and advanced AI-powered flight controls ensure safe and efficient operation in diverse conditions.
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