Charles Sturt University is exporting its air video system technology, with a three-week tour of New Zealand set to fly out of Wagga Wagga this week.

The remote sensing equipment and expertise, which can be used to enhance agricultural production and promote environmental land use, is being loaded on a Cessna single engine aircraft for the three-day trip across the Tasman Sea.

CSU science and technology lecturer Dr David Lamb will showcase the technology - running workshops and promoting the versatility of the system to New Zealand universities, Government Departments and private sector interests. The Cessna being used for the campaign is custom-fitted by CSU scientists to run the airborne system, which is a four-camera digital multispectral imaging device.

Applications of the data collected by this device include the ability to decrease pesticide and fertiliser use on crops by up to 60 per cent: “With this very precise information, farmers can ensure that they only target the areas that need it - areas identified as having a weed, fertility or pest infestation problem,” Dr Lamb said.

Digital information recorded by the system can also be used to map water and soil quality testing areas for early identification of problems such as salinity, acidity and algal blooms.

Dr Lamb said the invitation to run a New Zealand campaign arose after he ran a workshop on Remote Sensing and Agriculture at an international conference last year. He will be based at the University of Waikato while overseas, and will also meet Ministry of Agriculture and industry representatives.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for CSU to take our technology overseas - at their invitation,” Dr Lamb said.

“Even the trip over will be an adventure in itself... a three day journey in a single-engine Cessna via Coffs Harbour, Lord Howe and Norfolk islands before we get to Auckland.”