In 2018, CRIM’s vision and imaging and data science experts worked with SMB Logiag to explore methods to improve the soil analysis tool developed by this Quebec-based company specializing in the application of technologies to the agricultural sector.
This innovative tool, marketed by Logiag under the LaserAg trademark, uses laser-induced plasma spectroscopy to allow the detailed analysis of any material without contact or sample extraction. This technique, also known as LIBS spectroscopy, is used by Logiag to provide efficient and rapid soil analysis solutions for professional farmers. For example, the laser images thus obtained can be used to detect certain peaks of activity that provide information on the precise composition of the surveyed area.
The information provided by the LIBS tool must also be processed to determine the soil profile and its main deficiencies. Given the amount of data collected, an automated method is necessary to convert raw data into a product similar to traditional manual soil tests.
With this in mind, Logiag approached CRIM to explore a number of data science and deep learning methods to analyze its data and achieve satisfactory results.
LIBS spectroscopy holds considerable commercial and industrial potential with applications to other sectors of activity, particularly mining.
“We were delighted with CRIM’s expertise and their ability to introduce the world’s most advanced image analysis tools into our spectral image analysis algorithms.”
— Charles Nault, Ing. MBA, President and CEO of Logiag.
