Drones Take to the Skies Over Napa Valley Vineyards
Hawk Aerial has formed a strategic partnership with VineView Scientific Aerial Imaging and SkySquirrel Technologies to bring drone technology to the vineyard management industry.
SkySquirrel Technologies manufactures the Aqweo drone and Quanta camera system designed specifically to acquire multispectral data from wine-grape growing operations.
Hawk Aerial markets and sells the Aqweo and Quanta drone systems, and also provides contracted drone flight services (using Hawk Aerial’s pilots and drones) for those customers who choose not to own and operate their own drones, but want the benefits that aerial imaging can provide.
All images are processed by SkySquirrel, in partnership with VineView Imaging, the leading provider of aerial imaging in the Napa Valley. After processing the data, they create and deliver actionable reports, in the form of scientifically calibrated images and maps, so vineyard management can make informed operational decisions to increase their grapes’ quality, as well as their business revenue and profits.
Drone-based imaging offers several advantages over previous technology. Drones are able to fly closer to the ground, allowing for greater accuracy and higher image resolution. They also allow customers to obtain aerial data on demand, according to their own schedules. Drones are currently considered most efficient for imaging small- to medium-sized properties.
The use of aerial imaging services benefits vineyard management by providing critical, actionable information on vine stress, vigor, and disease. Studies show that aerial imaging has the potential to increase vineyard revenue by up to $10,000 per acre per year while decreasing operational costs, if the data is used appropriately.
Drones are available immediately for purchase or contracted flight service, and wide-spread use is expected in the Napa Valley and other wine-grape growing regions during this coming season. Please contact us for more information, or to attend a group demonstration soon. Also, please visit our exhibit at the Wine Industry Expo on December 1 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
