FieldMapper M10

5-Band Multispectral Sensor

Standard RGB cameras capture what the human eye sees — reflected red, green, and blue light. Multispectral sensors go further, capturing reflectance in additional spectral bands, particularly the near-infrared range where chlorophyll absorbs and reflects light in ways that directly correlate with plant health, water stress, and nitrogen status. The FieldMapper M10's 5-band sensor captures all the bands needed for the three most commonly used vegetation indices without requiring a sensor swap or second flight.

Vegetation Indices: NDVI, NDRE, CWSI

NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) uses the red and NIR bands to produce a 0–1 scale of vegetation density and health. It is the most widely understood index and directly comparable between flights and seasons.

NDRE (Normalised Difference Red Edge) uses the red edge and NIR bands, making it more sensitive than NDVI at detecting early-stage nutrient deficiency — particularly nitrogen stress — before visible symptoms appear. NDRE maps are typically used to generate variable rate fertiliser prescription maps for the AgroSpray T40.

CWSI (Crop Water Stress Index) requires thermal data alongside multispectral bands to calculate evapotranspiration deficit. The M10 supports CWSI calculation when used with an optional thermal add-on module. Standalone CWSI mapping requires the ThermoPilot H20T platform.

RTK Accuracy for Survey-Grade Data

The M10's RTK GPS system achieves 2cm horizontal and 3cm vertical accuracy using a base station positioned at the field edge. This accuracy is essential for producing orthomosaics and digital surface models that are directly comparable between flight dates — enabling precise change detection across the growing season. Without RTK, image registration between flights can drift by 1–3 metres, making meaningful time-series analysis difficult.

400-Acre Coverage Per Charge

At a 120m flight altitude with 80% side lap and 80% front lap — the standard settings for mapping operations requiring accurate georeferencing — the M10 covers 400 acres per battery. This means most farm-scale operations (under 400 acres) can be completed in a single flight, while larger operations require multiple batteries but can still be completed in a morning with one operator.

Software Compatibility

The M10 outputs standard industry file formats — GeoTIFF per spectral band, raw .tiff images with geotag metadata — that are accepted by all major processing platforms. DroneDeploy Ag and Pix4Dfields are the most common choices for agronomic workflows. Both produce vegetation index maps, prescription files compatible with variable rate equipment, and reporting outputs suitable for crop insurance documentation and agronomist reports.

QGIS (open source) and Agisoft Metashape are also fully compatible for operators with GIS expertise who prefer open or owned processing environments.

Output Files and Deliverables

Each flight produces: per-band GeoTIFF files (5 multispectral + 1 RGB), a full-field orthomosaic at the native GSD, a digital surface model, a point cloud, and index maps (NDVI, NDRE, and any others enabled in the processing settings). Files are output in WGS84 geographic coordinate system with optional reprojection to local coordinate systems. Prescription maps are exported in standard variable rate application formats compatible with major ground equipment controllers.

Use Cases

The M10 is used by agronomists for scouting at scale — replacing or supplementing ground scouting with a data-driven overview before prioritising physical inspection. Crop consultants use M10 data to generate prescription maps and demonstrate value to clients with quantified field performance data. Researchers at agricultural universities use the M10 for trial plot monitoring where precise, repeatable measurement is essential. Insurance adjusters use orthomosaics and index maps to document crop losses objectively.

What's in the Box

• FieldMapper M10 airframe with integrated multispectral and RGB sensors
• RTK GPS module and base station
• 6S 22,000mAh intelligent flight battery (x2)
• Rapid charger
• Multispectral calibration panel
• Field tablet with mission planning software
• 12-month DroneDeploy Ag licence (activated at registration)
• Protective carrying system (Pelican-style case)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an agronomist to interpret the data?

DroneDeploy and Pix4Dfields both provide automated index interpretation — colour-coded maps with zone categories — that are understandable without GIS or agronomy expertise. For prescription map generation and detailed diagnosis, agronomic knowledge is valuable. Many operators use the M10 themselves for data collection and engage an agronomist for interpretation.

How often should fields be flown?

For crop monitoring, fortnightly flights during the growing season capture most meaningful changes. Critical growth stages (tillering, flag leaf, flowering) warrant more frequent flights. For irrigation management using CWSI data, weekly or more frequent flights are common.

Is RTK required for routine scouting flights?

RTK is not required for single-date scouting where absolute accuracy is less important than relative within-field variation. For time-series analysis, prescription mapping, and any deliverable that will be compared between flights or used in a GIS, RTK is strongly recommended.

What is the difference between the M10 and the CropScout Lite?

The CropScout Lite uses a dual RGB+NIR camera — sufficient for basic NDVI and crop stress identification. The M10 adds three additional spectral bands, a higher-resolution RGB camera with mechanical shutter, RTK GPS, a 40-minute flight time, and 10x the per-flight coverage area. The M10 is the choice for agronomists, consultants, and operations where data quality directly affects commercial decisions.