QuestUAV PhD project

Hyperspectral Sensing from UAV Platform for Agricultural Monitoring and Precision Agriculture.The candidate will be employed at QuestUAV under the supervision of Mr Nigel King and enrolled as a PhD student in the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, supervised by Dr Rachel Gaulton and Dr Nigel Penna.

Project Descripion

The ESR project will focus on developing and taking to market a new research-grade Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), based on the QuestUAV system, but housing state-of-the-art hyperspectral or narrowband imaging equipment, targeted at precision agriculture applications. The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team, and as part of an integrated international Innovative Training Network (TRuStEE), to develop a highly automated hyperspectral UAV data collection and processing system to facilitate precision agriculture, through spatial and temporal monitoring and modelling of crop development and plant traits, including early stage detection of crop stress. The project will examine both image data calibration and processing workflows and the use of improved positioning technologies to provide more accurate geometric data. A particular focus will be on the ability to utilise the system to characterise the spatio-temporal variability of plant functional traits in agricultural systems and on developing the utility of this data for supporting precision farming. Project objectives will include:

• Integration of the hyperspectral sensor system into a fixed-wing UAV.
• Calibration and validation of hyperspectral reflectance measurements from the UAV sensor in laboratory and field experiaments.
• Refinement of GNSS Precise Point Positioning methods to provide high accuracy positioning information and improved accuracy trajectories, and integration with IMU and image data provide accurate, georeferenced data sets with minimal requirements for ground control.
• Development of robust, near-real-time processing workflows to automate extraction of soil and plant trait information from hyperspectral Imagery, with validation in agricultural systems.

The developed system will be extensively field tested and validated at well characterised test sites, includig at Newcastle University’s Cockle Park Farm, Northumberland, UK, at brassica farms in South West England and in dehesa pastoral systems in Spain, facilitated by secondments to ITN partners. Close collaboration with ITN ESRs at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy and the University of Exeter, as well as secondments, extensive training and networking opportunities available through the wider ITN, will enhance skills development and knowledge transfer. The candidate will also have an option to be trained as a RPAS/UAV fixed wing pilot.

Institute Description

QuestUAV Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer of small, fixed wing unmanned aircraft (sUAV) that are designed to carry sensors such as high resolution cameras, multispectral cameras, thermal sensors and video surveillance systems. QuestUAV sells its products and services around the world and in all climates from desert and tropical to glacial and Arctic/Antarctic. Currently, we have sold to or operated in 56 countries around the globe. QuestUAV has the knowledge, IP and equipment to design, manufacture and redesign fixed wing drones from raw materials right through to the finished article. This provides a rapid design cycle, with an ability to customize to client specification. QuestUAV is an SME operating from premises in Amble, Northumberland, UK.

Whilst primarily based at QuestUAV, the ESR will be registered within the Geomatics research group in the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities. The ESR will spend time working within the research group, which currently includes around 20 PhD students, including active involvement in regular research group meetings and seminars and participation in a wide range of available generic skills training within the University. The ESR will have access to University resources and to extensive geomatics expertise and equipment, including high-end UAV, field spectroscopy and positioning equipment and software.

Ideal Canditate

The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in geomatics, remote sensing, environmental sciences, applied physics or other quantitative science, ideally with expertise in optical sensors, remote sensing or photogrammetry or surveying / geodesy. A Masters degree in a related field is highly desirable. Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g. IDL, Python, Matlab, R, Fortran, C) and spatial data processing and modelling will be beneficial. Experience in operating UAVs and working with hyperspectral data is useful. Candidates with experience directly related to the research topic outlined above will be given preference

Candidates whose first language is not English will need to provide a recognised English language test or qualification and must obtain an overall minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, with at least 5.5 in each sub-skill, before a formal offer can be made.