When it comes to multispectral sensors, Parrot and MicaSense are at the top of their game. Its devices like these that revolutionise the agriculture industry by providing information on plant's health which allows farmers to have more control over their crops at a micro-plot level.
There are many similarities and differences between the Parrot Sequoia and MicaSense RedEdge, but before we get to that heres what they do.
The Parrot Sequoia has two sensors (multispectral and sunshine) and analyses plants' vitality as it captures the amount of light they absorb and reflect. It assists farmers in optimising the use of fertiliser by varying the quantities specifically according to the plants' needs. This therefore reduces the use of pesticide to only the specific plots which require it. It also analyses the plant's behaviour after irrigation putting the farmer in complete control over their crops.
The MicaSense RedEdge is bigger than the Sequoia and built to last. This multispectral sensor captures specific wavebands that are needed for accurate plant health analysis. It incorporates optimised GSD, low power requirement and global shutter for distortion free images. You are also able to customise your spectral bands specific to your required task. Unlike the Sequoia, RedEdge includes an extra Blue band.
| PARROT SEQUOIA | MICASENSE REDEDGE | |
| Size: | 5.9cm x 4.1cm x 2.9cm | 12.1 x 6.6cm x 4.6cm |
| Weight: | 135g | 180g |
| Price: | $5400 | $9600 |
| Resolution: | 13cm/pixel |
8cm/pixel |
| Drone Compatibility: | All UAV types | All UAV types |
| Incorporated GPS: | ✔ | ✘ |
| Spectral Bands: | 4: Green, Red, Red Edge, Near Infrared | 5: Blue, Green, Red, Red Edge, Near Infrared |
The Spectral Bands are used to view data that is invisible to the human eye.
- GREEN: often used for imaging vegetation as well as deep water structures
- RED: used to view manmade objects
- NEAR INFRARED: primarily used for imaging vegetation
- BLUE: used to view atmosphere as well as deep water imaging reaching low depths
The bands can also be placed together in different combinations that provide different data for tasks you are purposed.
The main differences between the two would be that the RedEdge has the Blue Spectral Band while the Sequoia dose not. The Sequoia however is smaller making it an easy attachment while being a light weight payload to the UAV. With these differences as well as the resolution of the RedEdge being more advanced than the Sequoia, the price rises with a difference of $4200.
Both complete the task at hand with different specifications.
Call or email us if you have any inquiries and one of our specialists will be in contact with you.