Propensity to Use an Aerial Data Collection Device in Agricultural Research

Abstract

The access to information as a success factor in areas of human activity gains relevance with the intensive adoption of ICT. An important sector such as agriculture cannot be left out of this phenomenon. The results obtained in agricultural research show an increasing dependence on the intensive use of data, with a bigger volume and variety, origin in different environments, and through different technologies. The objective of this study is to categorize the possibilities of using Aerial Data Collection Device described in agriculture academic studies, to understand how these devices are being used in research carried out by Brazilian universities. The research is limited to the results of thesis and dissertations between the years 2015 and 2017, considering the graduate programs of the USP, UNICAMP, and UNESP. Five categories were defined regarding the propensity for the use of Aerial Data Collection Devices: Soil Diagnosis, Plant Diagnosis, Management of Grazing Areas, Crop Management, and Hydrographic Monitoring. It was identified that more research is needed to reflect on how science can help its application in this strategic productive sector.