Gorse mapping for weed control
With precise aerial mapping, we uncovered hidden gorse patches on a farm to help with effective weed control.
Customer
Private Farmer
Location
Barfold, Victoria
Equipment Used
- DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral
- DJI RTK Base Station
Licences and approvals
Problem
Gorse is a spiky invasive weed common in agricultural areas of high rainfall. It spreads quickly and can greatly reduce usable land once established. On this property, gorse had been allowed to take over. Control efforts had focused on its control in easier to reach areas, but the remaining plants were difficult to find at ground level. They also were primarily located in creeks and near trees, making them unsuitable for drone spraying.
Solution
FMS was asked to create a high resolution map of the property so the landowner could get an accurate image of the locations and size of the remaining patches. The map was flown on a clear, sunny day to maximise contrast so the gorse stood out amongst the pasture. The map was send as a GeoTIFF, as well as high resolution JPEG images suitable for viewing on phones or tablets.
