Optimizing UAV LiDAR Data Collection in Cotton Through Flight Settings and Data Processing Best Practices

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology can be used to assess canopy height in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), but standardized data acquisition and processing guidelines are lacking. Accurate canopy height estimation is crucial in cotton for optimizing growth regulator application and maximizing yield. The main goal of this study was to determine the optimal unmanned aerial vehicle flight settings—altitude and speed—and to assess specific processing parameters impact on data accuracy, processing time, and file size. Nine flight settings comprising three altitudes (12.2 m, 24.4 m, and 48.8 m) and three speeds (4.8 km/h, 9.6 km/h, and 14.8 km/h) were tested. LiDAR data were processed using DJI Terra software, where two user-defined processing steps were examined: point-cloud thinning via grid size sub-sampling (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm) and slope classification (flat, gentle, and steep). The optimal flight altitude was 24.4 m, with no effect of flight speed. Grid sub-sampling up to 20 cm produced balanced accuracy, processing time, and file size. The choice of slope category had no significant effect on LiDAR-derived canopy height. These findings contribute to the development of standardized LiDAR data acquisition and processing guidelines for cotton to support crop management decision.