Dam wall weed control
Explore the transformation of dam wall weed control along the Goulburn River, as FMS collaborates with Goulburn Murray Water to employ cutting-edge drone technology, mapping, and precise application techniques for a safer, cost-effective, and disruption-minimising solution.
Customer
Goulburn Murray Water
Location
Goulburn River
Equipment Used
- Phantom 4 RTK
- DJI Agras T10
Licences and approvals
- Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence (AAOL)
- Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)
Problem
GM Water manages several dam facilities throughout the state. These dams have steep artificial walls which need regular weed control to prevent structural issues and maintain access for staff. These walls are often close to roadways, and have traditionally been treated by hand or helicopter. A safer, more cost effective solution was sought that could deliver a consistent application of herbicide to the dam walls with minimal risk and disruption to the public.
Solution
FMS mapped the dam walls to create highly accurate 3D models of each dam. This was then used to create flight paths for the DJI T10 spray drone. These paths were optimised to ensure that herbicide was applied in a consistent rate across the surface of the dam walls, and did not overspray into the water.
"Goulburn Murray Water have really valued working with the guys at Field Master Systems. This has helped us look at ways we can utilise drones to improve our efficiencies in our everyday spray operations. Regardless of differing weed types in varying terrains/situations they have been able to adapt the drone spraying to work efficiently and effectively."
Danielle, GM Water
