Characterization of Cold Air Movement in Apple Orchards Using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Thermal Infrared Imagery and High-Resolution Topographic Data

Source 

Study Results

State-of-the-art technologies, including GIS and remote sensing (RS), can help us better understand spatial variability in climate impacts, such as spring frost, across the landscape leading to improved monitoring and management strategies. Output from our work with LiDAR and thermal imagery is helping to guide frost fan placement and understand how topography affects their effectiveness.

Flow lines (blue lines) and sinks within the Goodfellow Orchard (near Sparta, Michigan). Wind machine locations are shown as orange triangles. 


Temperature changes vs distance by direction. 

Pre-fan vs post-fan temperatures by distance and direction.