Limitations of Satellite Imagery

Satellite imagery, while powerful for agriculture, has limitations. Its resolution limits detailed views of individual plants and cloud cover can obstruct the picture. Timeliness can be an issue, with updates potentially lagging behind fast-changing conditions. Interpreting the data requires expertise, as the information does not always directly pinpoint the cause of observed variations. Finally, depending on the frequency and detail needed, the cost can be a factor.

Resolution

Imagine looking at a plot of land from an airplane. From that viewpoint, there is a good overall picture, but you cannot see small details like individual plants or weeds, just like you cannot see individual people from way up there. The satellite imagery used by the Vultus Platform has a resolution 10x10 meters. While this resolution is good for providing an overview and showing intra-plot differences, you cannot see below the canopy nor individual plants.

Weather

Just like you cannot see the ground when flying above the clouds, satellites need clear skies in order to produce useful images for monitoring your plots. Clouds can block the view, making it impossible to get an image may give an inaccurate picture of what is happening on the ground.

Timeliness

The technical term for this is "re-visit rate" and refers to the frequency at which a satellite is above a specific location on the Earth. Satellites are not always above your plots taking pictures. It might take a few days or even weeks between images, which can be too slow to catch problems early on, especially for fast-moving issues.

Interpretation

Satellite imagery can show the differences within your plots. However, the imagery does not always tell you exactly what is causing those differences. It might be a stressed crop, a lack of water, or even just a different type of soil. You might need to combine the image with your own knowledge and experience to understand what is really going on.

Cost

Getting regular satellite imagery can be quite expensive, depending on the frequency and detail level needed. This cost is usually not feasible for most agricultural applications. The Vultus platform makes use of satellites with a 10x10 meter resolution and re-visit rates of 2 - 7 days in order to provide a cost effective solution for growers.