Introduction

Over the past decade, FutureWater, in collaboration with HiView, has been at the forefront of deploying drones equipped with a variety of sensors operating in both the visible and non-visible spectrum. By leveraging state-of-the-art software packages, our highly qualified scientific staff transforms drone data into actionable knowledge. Our services cater to a diverse range of professionals, including scientists, decision-makers, natural resource managers, and farmers. We operate globally, with a particular focus on Europe, Asia, and Africa, supporting clients such as universities, research institutions, NGOs, the World Bank, governments, river basin organizations, and water boards.

What is Rapid Eye XS?

FutureWater and HiView have developed the Rapid Eye XS (RExs), an innovative and affordable lightweight camera module (approximately EUR 600) specifically designed to revolutionize small-scale agriculture. The RExs is equipped with a near-infrared (NIR) camera and an onboard processing unit capable of generating real-time NDVI maps. These maps provide critical insights into crop health and canopy coverage, enabling immediate identification of problematic areas. One of the key advantages of the Rapid Eye XS is its ability to support real-time advisory services. Farmers in remote regions can now receive direct guidance from pilot-extensionists, known as AgPilots, who can instantly share NDVI maps via mobile phones or tablets. This real-time data allows farmers to make informed decisions, improving productivity, optimizing resource use, and reducing environmental impact.

Key Features

  • Affordable: With a price of approximately EUR 600, the Rapid Eye XS is accessible to resource-constrained farmers.
  • Real-Time NDVI Mapping: Provides instant insights into crop health and canopy coverage.
  • User-Friendly: Designed for easy operation without requiring extensive training.
  • Immediate Advisory: Enables AgPilots to share data and insights directly with farmers.
  • Optimized Resource Use: Supports precision irrigation and targeted interventions for pest, disease, and nutrient management.

Applications and Benefits

The Rapid Eye XS empowers farmers with actionable data that enables them to tailor their agricultural practices. Specific benefits include:

  • Precision Irrigation: Helps optimize water application, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.
  • Pest and Disease Detection: Allows early identification and intervention, minimizing crop losses.
  • Nutrient Management: Identifies deficiencies and supports targeted fertilizer application.
  • Increased Yields: Improves crop productivity, leading to higher returns and sustainability.

Previous projects by FutureWater and HiView have demonstrated the effectiveness of drone-based advisory services in agriculture. By integrating Rapid Eye XS technology, farmers can achieve significant yield increases while ensuring efficient resource use, truly delivering “more crop per drop.”

More Information and Video

For more information, download the Rapid Eye XS one-pager.

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