Application of unmanned aerial vehicle for detection of pine wilt disease

Pine wilt disease caused by pine wood nematode has become the most serious threat to pine trees in Korea since 1988. The spatial distribution characteristics of damaged trees by the pine wilt disease appear scattered spots spreading from single dead trees. So it is difficult to early detect damage and to prevent from extensive damage. In this study, ortho image by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was evaluated for detection of pine wilt disease. As a result, the ortho image of study area was constructed and from where the position and quantity of pine trees infected by the pine wilt disease were effectively acquired. In addition, effective method of accessing the infected trees using GNSS was recommended. Consequebtly, this method is expected to be useful for decision making process involving forest management. If the related information is entered into the database through the periodic ortho images, it would be possible to monitor the changes in the forest. This study is expected to be applied widely to find for dead trees and the causes of damage, particularly by pine wilt disease.