Augmented Reality meets Earth Observation
Revolutionizing Smart Agriculture with Satellite-Based Tools and Augmented Reality
A research project by
BOKU University [BOKU] and
The ARmEO (Augmented Reality meets Earth Observation) project, funded by the FFG Austrian Space Applications Programme ASAP 16, has successfully developed a user-friendly and cost-effective combination of satellite-based information and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies for smart agriculture.
The project focused on enhancing existing satellite-based products, experimenting with innovative AR visualization technologies, and addressing specific agricultural challenges.
We developed a prototype using Microsoft Hololens 2 for visualizing satellite maps directly in the field.
Virtual data and the real environment can be compared right next to each other. This advancement significantly enhances user experience in interacting with agricultural spatial information, making it more intuitive and engaging to work with.
Our team implemented data streaming workflows within an Application Programming Interface (API). This development allows easy and cost-effective access to crucial satellite data and information, streamlining various data-driven processes.
Utilizing time series from Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite data, we developed a tool for farmers to benchmark crops. This tool enables farmers to compare crop growth on their plots with neighboring areas, considering similar soil and climate conditions, aiding in informed agricultural decisions.
We created a unique algorithm for generating yield potential maps. These maps are integrated with official nitrogen prescription data, promoting more efficient and environmentally friendly fertilizer usage. This innovation aids in sustainable farming practices.
Our investigation focused on the challenges of collecting, sharing, and utilizing agricultural data. We emphasize the importance of secure and beneficial data sharing, aiming to enrich satellite-based products and support the agricultural sector with reliable data insights.
The ARmEO project has the potential to revolutionize smart agriculture by making satellite-based data more accessible, usable, and effective for farmers and other stakeholders. The project’s outcomes can contribute to more sustainable and efficient farming practices while encouraging data sharing and collaboration within the farming community.
The The Institute of Geomatics (at the BOKU University) specializes in geo-spatial data management, focusing on vegetation monitoring through satellite sensors like Copernicus Sentinel-2. The team's expertise includes machine learning, neural nets, canopy spectral signature modeling, time series analysis, and land surface phenology extraction for monitoring purposes.
The Institute for Creative\Media/Technologies (ICMT) of the University of Applied Sciences St.Pölten conducts human-centered, interdisciplinary research on media and interactive technologies. It has a long history in creating immersive media applications for industry, healthcare and agriculture.
Agroservice is an Austrian serviceprovider in all fields of agriculture.
Create4D is a Netherlands based company with expertise in developing robust computer vision and AI based algorithms which can recognize crops, weeds, diseases and make predictions for agriculture farmers and for precision farming robotics companies.
The Austrian Space Application Programme ASAP 16 is a funding program that supports the development of innovative space-based solutions for terrestrial applications. The program is funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) and is managed by the Austrian Research Fund (FFG).
Get in touch with us to know more. Francesco Vuolo (BOKU University)