Author: Jiří Rous
At the end of May, I had the opportunity to attend the 45th EARSel Symposium, hosted this year in Prague. The conference brought together researchers from various fields of remote sensing, including environmental monitoring, forestry, agriculture, climate science, and data processing. The atmosphere was inspiring, with presentations covering a broad spectrum of methods and technologies, from satellite observations and UAV applications to sensor integration and modelling. It was exciting to see how remote sensing continues to evolve and how its tools are increasingly applied to address real environmental and land-management challenges.
I participated in the symposium with a poster presentation introducing our ongoing research on UAV-based surface temperature monitoring in agroforestry systems. The study explores how thermal data collected by unmanned aerial vehicles can be improved through the integration of ground temperature sensors, multispectral indicators such as NDVI, and meteorological observations. Field surveys were carried out across a 1.4 ha agroforestry site over two growing seasons, combining thermal flights with continuous microclimate monitoring. Preliminary analyses indicate that temperature estimates derived solely from UAV thermal imagery can exhibit considerable variability; however, incorporating environmental parameters helps reduce errors and better capture spatial patterns in surface temperature. The work aims to contribute to more accurate microclimate mapping and enhance the potential of UAVs in agricultural and forestry applications.
Taking part in EARSeL 2025 was an enriching experience that allowed me to connect with the international research community, discuss methodological approaches, and gather valuable feedback. Presenting the poster opened space for conversations around data fusion techniques, vegetation effects on thermal measurements, and possibilities for future collaboration. I truly appreciated the openness and curiosity of the other participants, as well as the insightful discussions that helped refine my ideas for the following stages of the project. I returned with new contacts, motivation, and a clearer vision of how this work could be further developed — for example, by testing seasonal variability, implementing automated correction workflows, or expanding to other agroecological sites. Overall, I am grateful to have been part of this event and look forward to continuing the research journey.
