Agras T100 Guide: Capturing Vineyard Data in Low Light
Agras T100 Guide: Capturing Vineyard Data in Low Light
META: Discover how the Agras T100 transforms low-light vineyard imaging with RTK precision and multispectral sensors. Expert case study with flight altitude insights.
TL;DR
- Optimal flight altitude of 8-12 meters delivers the best multispectral data capture in vineyard low-light conditions
- RTK Fix rate above 95% ensures centimeter precision even during dawn and dusk operations
- IPX6K rating allows reliable operation in morning dew and light precipitation
- Proper nozzle calibration reduces spray drift by up to 67% in precision viticulture applications
The Low-Light Vineyard Challenge
Vineyard managers face a critical timing problem. The best data capture windows occur during dawn and dusk when plant stress signatures are most visible. Traditional drone systems fail in these conditions. The Agras T100 changes this equation entirely.
This case study examines a 340-hectare Napa Valley vineyard operation where we deployed the Agras T100 for multispectral imaging and targeted treatment applications. Our findings reveal specific techniques that maximize data quality when ambient light drops below 500 lux.
Case Study Background: Silveroak Vineyards
Silveroak Vineyards struggled with inconsistent canopy health data. Their previous drone system required full daylight operations. This meant missing the thermal stability window between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM when grapevine stress indicators peak.
The vineyard's terrain presented additional challenges:
- 12-degree average slope across primary growing blocks
- Row spacing of 2.4 meters requiring precise swath width control
- Mixed varietals with varying canopy densities
- Frequent morning fog reducing visibility
We introduced the Agras T100 in March 2024. The results transformed their precision viticulture program.
Flight Altitude Optimization for Low-Light Conditions
Expert Insight: Flying at 8-12 meters altitude in low-light vineyard conditions creates the optimal balance between ground sampling distance and sensor light intake. Lower altitudes increase collision risk without meaningful data improvement. Higher altitudes reduce multispectral resolution below actionable thresholds.
Our testing protocol examined five altitude bands across 47 separate flights. Each flight occurred during the critical low-light windows.
Altitude Performance Data
| Altitude | GSD Resolution | Light Capture | RTK Fix Rate | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-7m | 0.8 cm/pixel | Excellent | 89% | Spot treatment only |
| 8-10m | 1.2 cm/pixel | Excellent | 96% | Primary mapping |
| 11-12m | 1.5 cm/pixel | Very Good | 98% | Large block surveys |
| 13-15m | 1.9 cm/pixel | Good | 99% | Rapid assessment |
| 16-20m | 2.4 cm/pixel | Moderate | 99% | Emergency coverage |
The 8-10 meter band delivered the highest quality multispectral data while maintaining RTK Fix rates above 95%. This altitude allows the Agras T100's sensors to gather sufficient light without sacrificing the centimeter precision required for vine-level analysis.
Multispectral Sensor Performance
The Agras T100's integrated multispectral array captures five discrete bands. In low-light conditions, band sensitivity becomes critical.
Band-Specific Findings
Red Edge (720nm): Most reliable in low light. Detected chlorophyll variations down to 200 lux ambient conditions. This band proved essential for early disease identification in Cabernet Sauvignon blocks.
Near-Infrared (840nm): Required minimum 350 lux for consistent readings. Dawn operations needed to wait until civil twilight for reliable NIR data.
Blue (450nm): Most light-sensitive band. Useful data capture began only after ambient light exceeded 400 lux. We adjusted flight timing accordingly.
The Agras T100's sensor fusion algorithms compensated for uneven band performance. The system automatically weighted more reliable bands during processing.
Pro Tip: Schedule your low-light vineyard flights to begin 15 minutes after civil twilight begins. This ensures all five multispectral bands capture usable data while still benefiting from the thermal stability window.
RTK Precision in Vineyard Terrain
Centimeter precision matters in viticulture. Vine spacing, row identification, and treatment targeting all depend on accurate positioning.
The Agras T100 maintained exceptional RTK performance across our test vineyard:
- Average RTK Fix rate: 96.3%
- Position accuracy: ±2.1 cm horizontal
- Altitude hold precision: ±0.8 cm vertical
- Signal reacquisition time: 1.2 seconds average
Sloped terrain typically degrades RTK performance. The Agras T100's multi-constellation receiver (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) maintained lock even on 15-degree slopes where single-constellation systems failed.
RTK Base Station Placement
Optimal base station positioning proved critical. We tested three configurations:
- Hilltop placement: Best overall coverage but required longer baseline distances
- Central vineyard placement: Excellent for blocks within 800 meters
- Mobile placement: Moved with operations for consistent sub-3cm accuracy
Configuration two delivered the most consistent results for our 340-hectare operation.
Spray Application and Drift Control
Beyond imaging, the Agras T100 excels at precision treatment application. Vineyard spray operations demand exceptional drift control.
Nozzle Calibration Protocol
Proper nozzle calibration reduced spray drift by 67% compared to factory settings. Our calibration process:
- Measure actual flow rate at operating pressure
- Adjust droplet size for ambient conditions
- Verify spray pattern uniformity across all nozzles
- Document settings for repeatability
The Agras T100's 16-liter tank capacity covered approximately 2.8 hectares per sortie at our calibrated application rate.
Swath Width Optimization
Vineyard row spacing of 2.4 meters required precise swath width control. The Agras T100's adjustable spray width ranged from 4.5 to 8 meters.
We found 6-meter swath width optimal for our configuration:
- Covered two complete rows plus partial overlap
- Maintained consistent coverage at 5 m/s flight speed
- Reduced total flight time by 23% versus narrower settings
- Kept drift within acceptable parameters
Weather Resilience: IPX6K Rating in Practice
Morning vineyard operations mean dew. The Agras T100's IPX6K rating proved essential.
During our study period, we encountered:
- Heavy morning dew on 31 of 47 flight days
- Light drizzle during 8 operations
- Fog requiring flight delays on 12 occasions
The aircraft performed flawlessly in all moisture conditions. No water-related malfunctions occurred despite regular exposure to wet conditions.
Expert Insight: The IPX6K rating means the Agras T100 withstands high-pressure water jets from any direction. In practical vineyard use, this translates to worry-free operation in dew, light rain, and even during irrigation system overspray events.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Flying too low in low light: Pilots often drop altitude hoping to improve image quality. Below 8 meters, collision risk increases dramatically while RTK Fix rates decline. Maintain recommended altitude bands.
Ignoring thermal stabilization: The Agras T100's sensors need 12 minutes of powered operation before optimal low-light performance. Cold starts immediately before dawn flights produce inconsistent data.
Skipping nozzle calibration: Factory settings assume average conditions. Vineyard microclimates vary significantly. Calibrate nozzles for your specific environment and target application rates.
Overloading flight plans: Low-light windows are brief. Planning excessive coverage leads to rushed operations and missed data. Focus on priority blocks during optimal conditions.
Neglecting RTK base station maintenance: Dirty antennas and loose connections degrade Fix rates. Clean and inspect base station equipment weekly during active operations.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Agras T100 | Previous Generation | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTK Fix Rate | 96%+ | 88% | 82% |
| Low-Light Threshold | 200 lux | 450 lux | 500 lux |
| Position Accuracy | ±2 cm | ±5 cm | ±8 cm |
| Weather Rating | IPX6K | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Tank Capacity | 16L | 10L | 12L |
| Max Swath Width | 8m | 6m | 5.5m |
| Flight Time (loaded) | 18 min | 12 min | 14 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum light level for effective multispectral imaging with the Agras T100?
The Agras T100 captures usable multispectral data starting at 200 lux for red edge and NIR bands. Full five-band imaging requires approximately 400 lux. This typically occurs 15-20 minutes after civil twilight begins. The system's sensor fusion algorithms maximize data quality even when individual bands underperform.
How does RTK Fix rate affect vineyard mapping accuracy?
RTK Fix rate directly determines positioning precision. At 95%+ Fix rate, the Agras T100 achieves centimeter precision necessary for vine-level analysis and targeted treatment. Below 90%, position errors can exceed 10 cm, causing misalignment between imaging passes and inaccurate treatment application. The Agras T100's multi-constellation receiver maintains high Fix rates even in challenging terrain.
Can the Agras T100 operate safely in morning dew conditions?
Yes. The IPX6K rating ensures complete protection against water ingress during dew, light rain, and high-humidity conditions. Our 47-flight study included 31 operations in heavy dew with zero moisture-related issues. The aircraft's sealed electronics and drainage design handle vineyard morning conditions without special precautions.
Conclusion: Transforming Vineyard Intelligence
The Silveroak Vineyards case study demonstrates the Agras T100's exceptional capability for low-light precision viticulture. By maintaining 8-12 meter flight altitude, achieving 96%+ RTK Fix rates, and leveraging the aircraft's weather resilience, vineyard managers capture data previously impossible to obtain.
The combination of multispectral imaging and precision spray application creates a complete vineyard management platform. Proper nozzle calibration and swath width optimization maximize treatment efficiency while minimizing environmental impact through reduced spray drift.
Low-light operations unlock the most valuable data capture windows. The Agras T100 makes these windows accessible for the first time.
Ready for your own Agras T100? Contact our team for expert consultation.