The National Centre for Precision Farming
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Special Interest Group
The Unmanned Aerial Systems Special Interest Group (UAS SIG) is a membership group focuses on the application of unmanned aerial systems in agriculture.
Supported by the National Centre for Precision Farming and founder member URSULA Agriculture, its membership broadly reflects the UAS in agricultural industry, including UAS operators, operations and service providers, technologists, agronomists, agricultural training and academia. The group has close links with organisations such as the CAA and ARPAS.
The UAS SIG was officially launched on 6 March 2014 and it aims to develop operational standards and training for UAS operators in agriculture; raise awareness of the operational requirements for UAS in agriculture, and develop all aspects of UAS technology, thereby increasing the application of UAS in agriculture.
Our members
Membership details
The special interest group provides links between commercial, industrial, academic and international organisations and gives its members wider opportunities to exploit available technology and to combine their knowledge and skills. Its activities are relevant to individuals and groups interested in the:
- application of UAV sensing data to real world agricultural problems
- design and development of instrumentation, sensors and UAV platforms to increase the scope for UAS in agriculture
- development of novel techniques and methods for analysing UAV-sensed agricultural data
- integration of UAV-sensed data with other spatial data
- development of the agricultural market for UAV-sensing products and services
- development and support of education in UAV and UAS for agriculture
Members are involved in an extensive range of projects including:
- development of UAS operator training programme for the agriculture sector
- research and Development on sensors and UAVs (UK and International)
- engagement with UAS regulatory and policy bodies
UAS SIG outputs include
- UAS in Agriculture Conference Jan 2014
- Drones for Farming Conference Nov 2014, 2015 and 2016
- Code of Conduct for UAV operators – introduced Nov 2014
Frequently asked questions
What does the NCPF UAS SIG aim to provide?
- A forum for organisations and associations to address collectively issues concerning the adoption and development of UAS.
- A forum for specifying and building demonstrator agricultural UAS.
- A forum for networking and developing partnerships concerning commercialisation of UAS developments.
- A forum for identifying and partnering in research and business supporting funding bids.
- A UK collective voice on issues concerning the use and development of UAS in agricultural standards.
- A role in organising and delivering awareness and training events on agricultural UAS.
- A platform for demonstrating agricultural UAS products.
- A platform for promoting and celebrating innovation in agricultural UAS.
- A platform for promoting agricultural UAS products and services.
- A role in influencing education, research and development in areas associated with agricultural unmanned aerial systems.
- Free attendance at NCPF initiated Agricultural UAS events and reduced rates for NCPF training events and involvement in other interest groups.
What commitment do I have to make?
Being an active member is essential and each member's contribution will help drive timely and high quality in its achievement of the aims listed above. Attendance is expected at quarterly meetings.
How much do I need to pay?
The annual subscription rate is as follows:
- Membership – company membership - £250 + VAT (a maximum of 3 members of staff per company can attend meetings; however, the principle of one vote per company applies).
Whats included in my membership?
The annual subscription rate is as follows:
- Regular meetings
- Free registration to the annual Drones for Farming Conference
- Access to selected events as advertised
What is the renewal process?
Members will receive a reminder email one month prior to the end of their 12-month subscription. Renewals are payable within 28 days of the reminder and pricing details and a link to the online or alternative payment system will be included in the email.
What is the cancellation policy?
Subscriptions are non-refundable.
How will my membership benefit the NCPF?
The UAS Interest Group's expertise supports the NCPFs aim of evaluating and promoting the use of technology in agriculture. The NCPF in turn assists the group by providing an academic lead, researchers and secretariat to support the group in achieving its aims.
Membership form and payment
Please pay your annual subscription online, and then download and complete the membership application form and return to the NCPF (please include your payment reference on the form).
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