Validation of a high-resolution, remotely operated aerial remote-sensing system for the identification of herbaceous plant species

Question Is a high-resolution remote-sensing system based on a radio-controlled helicopter (the ‘Falcon-PARS system’) an effective tool to obtain images that can be used to identify herbaceous species? Location Watarase wetland, Japan. Methods We applied the remote-sensing system to a wetland composed mainly of Phragmites australis and Miscanthus sacchariflorus. The aerial observation was performed in a 100 × 200 m area at a flying height of 30 m. From the obtained images, we tried to identify P. australis and M. sacchariflorus through visual interpretation. Results We obtained images with a high spatial resolution (1 cm) and a positioning accuracy of finer than 1 m using this small and lightweight system, and confirmed that we could identify the above two species from the obtained images. Conclusion Such a high-resolution system can be used to directly identify herbaceous species, and as a non-destructive alternative to ground surveys. This lightweight system can be carried to sites such as a high-altitude bog that cannot be reached by a motor vehicle. Because of the low flying height (below cloud level), aerial observation is possible even on cloudy days, thereby permitting observations in all seasons.