Chonnam National University AI Maps Orchards with Centimeter Precision

A research team led by Professor Kyeong-Hwan Lee at Chonnam National University addressed the limitations of existing mapping techniques by creating a system that merges aerial remote-sensing imagery with ground-based LiDAR-inertial odometry. While drones provide a broad aerial perspective, they struggle to capture details beneath thick foliage. Conversely, ground robots generate high-fidelity 3D point clouds but lose accuracy over long distances as satellite signals weaken within dense rows of trees.

The team’s solution, detailed in Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, utilizes a deep learning model to align these data streams. By converting LiDAR data into a structured 2D Bird's Eye View map, the system matches it against aerial imagery using pixel-level structural cues. This process suppresses drift and allows for the construction of detailed, geographic information system-driven models. Field tests in apple orchards confirmed the system achieves centimeter-scale localization accuracy, remaining robust against seasonal changes and structural variations. Designed for deployment on embedded devices, the technology provides a foundation for real-time robotic navigation and health monitoring in commercial farming.