Low-Cost Multi-Spectral Camera Platform for In-Flight Near Real-Time Vegetation Index Computation and Delivery

Agricultural optimization and increased productivity is always a growing concern, due to the increasing population. Crops susceptible to a wide variety of hindering conditions, need to be carefully observed and managed to guarantee maximum production. Many diseases, weather changes, soil variances and other influencing factors are only visible after the plant has reached a deplorable state and its neighbors closely trailing behind. Ongoing research is enhancing an observation model that can better prevent such factors, but many still present a variety of limiting factors that are still being studied. Vegetation indices is a long dated studied concept that has proven to be able to show plant response to stress before visible signs are present. To take advantageof this we propose a multi-spectral camera, aimed at mass use, to provide the needed observation with top of the line, reliable results. The built prototype was put through two different tests, both showing it capable ofdisplaying plant health. The fine control test showed the camera capable of displaying difference in plant health after only two days of stress. The results were reached with out the use of expensive lenses/filters, and provide easy to interpret results. All while being able to send data to a nearby portable device.