Remote sensing data has not been used to its fullest potential for management of natural resources largely because these data are not readily available. Video remote sensing has been proposed as an alternative to provide near-real-time information about natural resources. This paper reviews the status and development of airborne video imaging systems and their application for resource management, with special emphasis on agriculture. Video imagery has been used to detect or assess a variety of agricultural variables such as plant species, chlorosis, grass phytomass levels, cotton and alfalfa root rot infestations, wind erosion, soil moisture and irrigated crops, soil drainage and salinity, and insect pests. The digitization and computer processing of video imagery has also been demonstrated. Presently video does not have the detailed resolution of film, but it can provide farm managers with immediately available remote sensing data that can allow them to make quick decisions concerning their operations.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.