Introducing Drone Technology to Assess Agricultural Damage
The Isère Hunters’ Federation (FDCI) is set to transform the way agricultural damage caused by big game is assessed, thanks to drone technology. On September 13, 2024, the Wild Boar Commission of FDCI attended a practical demonstration of drone usage for agricultural damage assessment on a plot in Crolles. This event, hosted by the Lyon-based company Exo Expert in partnership with the ACCA of Crolles, provided hands-on exposure for five FDCI employees, two estimators, local farmers, and representatives from ONF (National Forestry Office) and OFB (French Biodiversity Office).
This innovation aligns with FDCI’s commitment to delivering precise, efficient, and transparent compensation processes for farmers impacted by wildlife damage.
How Does Drone-Assisted Assessment Work?
The drone-based assessment involves a seamless integration of technology and expertise:
1️⃣ Mapping: The plot boundaries are entered into a mapping application on a tablet, incorporating cadastral data.
2️⃣ Flyover: The drone flies over the plot in automatic mode, capturing images at regular intervals.
3️⃣ Reconstruction: Software processes the images to create a high-resolution, comprehensive view of the plot.
4️⃣ Damage Identification: The estimator marks damaged areas directly on the tablet, using advanced tools like zoom, contrast adjustment, and magnification for precision. Ground checks can confirm the species responsible for the damage.
5️⃣ Calculation: The destroyed surface areas are calculated to the nearest pixel in seconds.
6️⃣ Final Report: A detailed PDF report is generated instantly, complete with images and data.
Policy Relevance
This initiative is a prime example of how innovative solutions can support EU biodiversity and agricultural policies. By integrating cutting-edge technology into wildlife management, it demonstrates the potential for hunters and farmers to work collaboratively in addressing human-wildlife conflicts. The project aligns with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, reinforcing hunters’ roles as essential partners in sustainable rural development.
Benefits of Drone Technology
This approach offers significant advantages over traditional land-based assessments:
- Time Efficiency: Drone assessments take just one minute per hectare compared to one hour for manual evaluations.
- Unmatched Precision: Orthophotos deliver accuracy down to the square meter, reducing disputes over damage claims.
- Immediate Reporting: Complete damage reports are available immediately after the flyover, improving response times.
Scaling Up Across Regions
Exo Expert’s system is already being used by four Departmental Hunting Federations, with eight more in the support phase. The success of the initiative in Isère could pave the way for broader adoption across France, fostering a more standardized approach to damage assessments.
Cost and Financial Aid Opportunities
While the initial investment in drone technology is considerable (€11,790 in the first year for the drone, mapping software subscription, and pilot training), it offers long-term value. Importantly, financial aid under the national game damage agreement (2023–2025) between the State and the National Federation of Hunters can offset these costs, making it more accessible for hunting federations.
Looking Ahead
While drones bring unparalleled precision to damage assessment, their full potential depends on skilled estimators and complementary ground inspections. The success of this project in Isère hinges on the adoption and implementation of the technology, which could position the region as a leader in agricultural innovation and wildlife management.
For more information about FDCI’s initiatives, visit: www.chasse38.com.
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