Ten Tips on Capturing Great Aerial Field Imagery using GoPro Mounted UAVs

As agricultural technologies expand toward the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for aerial image capture, users have a need for resources that guide first-time pilots critical tips for making superior images. The GoPro camera appears to be the camera of choice when using a UAV platform since it is relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and reliably shoots incredibly high-quality footage/stills. When using a DJI Phantom with a GoPro Hero 4 camera mounted on a 2D axis gimbal, we recommend the following guidelines. 1) Shoot in 4K whenever possible which will provide the highest quality and the most flexibility. 2) Time-lapse settings at 5 seconds is particularly useful when aligning and stitching the image during post-processing. 3) Adjust the field of view to as narrow (1080p, 90 degree field of view) as possible, to minimize the ‘fisheye’ appearance of images. 4) To minimize ‘jello-effects’ caused by motor vibration, we recommend using a Neutral Density filter lens to drastically reduces the shutter speed while allowing enough light for a clear picture.  5) For color settings, we use the ‘flat’ setting since it provides the most flexibility during post processing.  6) The speed of the UAV during imaging can be a significant factor in image quality and camera movement should be minimal and remain steady and slow.  7) Plan ahead: think of where shots will start and finish to minimize unnecessary battery drain.  8) Some platforms employ autonomous or manual flight modes. The benefit of flying autonomously is the ability to control the speed and altitude of the UAV in a very repeatable way.  In manual mode, control of altitude and speed is user defined during each individual mission.  9) Altitude: flying the drone to a high altitude will enable it to photograph a greater portion of a field, while at lower altitudes will allow more detail.  10) Speed is also a factor when capturing field images.  Flying too fast, will exclude parts of a field, too slow will generate too many overlapping pictures.  Drone technology is growing every year and applications for this technology are increasing. The use of drone imagery in agriculture will help the producers to diagnose, analyze and develop a plan of action to remedy any situation at a low cost to them.