R&D: HiView’s Crop Monitoring Pole in Development

Throughout 2024 and 2025, HiView is actively developing a new tool in its portfolio: the Crop Monitoring Pole (CMP). 

The CMP is a highly mobile, ultra-tall pole (12 metres) with a camera mounted at the top — typically HiView’s own Rapid Eye XS, a near-infrared camera designed specifically for agricultural use (www.rapideyexs.com). Real-time imagery is displayed at the base of the pole via a tablet or smartphone, with full control of the camera using a handheld remote. 

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The CMP was conceived as a practical alternative to drone-based surveys. Based on HiView’s extensive experience across Africa, drone flights can be difficult to conduct due to restrictions from Civil Aviation Authorities — particularly near airports, urban areas, nature reserves, or defense zones. In other situations, drone use may simply be too costly or logistically complex. 

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That’s where the CMP offers a smart solution. Despite the lower altitude, its elevated angle (typically around 4 degrees) often provides sufficient crop insight for monitoring health, growth, and stress patterns. 

Current R&D efforts are focused on optimising the practical usability of the pole and improving georectified reprojection of the oblique images captured by the Rapid Eye XS.