Satellite vs drone vs phone for BC vineyard and berry scouting

Section 1

Satellite for the first ranking

Use satellite when the question is broad: which block deserves the first walk, which area changed relative to its neighbours, or whether a follow-up is worth planning. It is efficient for screening but too broad to replace row-level confirmation.

Section 2

Drone for shape and boundaries

Use a drone when a block already earned attention and the remaining question is spatial: where a pattern starts, how it follows rows, or whether a boundary explains the contrast. Decide the capture question before scheduling the pass.

Section 3

Phone for visible proof

Use a phone when the question has narrowed to something the team can see and record in the row. A short photo or note can connect the remote signal to ground conditions, but it is still evidence from one visit, not a universal diagnosis.

Section 4

Choose the smallest useful combination

Start with the satellite pass, confirm on the ground, and add drone or closer photos only if that evidence would change a field decision. Extra capture that does not change the action still costs money.