Detection of Crop Damage in Maize Using Red–Green–Blue Imagery and LiDAR Data Acquired Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Crop damage caused by wild animals, particularly wild boars (<i>Sus scrofa</i>), significantly impacts agricultural yields, especially in maize fields. This study evaluates two methods for assessing maize crop damage using UAV-acquired data: (1) a deep learning-based approach employing the Deepness plugin in QGIS, utilizing high-resolution RGB imagery; and (2) a method based on digital surface models (DSMs) derived from LiDAR data. Manual visual assessment, supported by ground-truthing, served as the reference for validating these methods. This study was conducted in 2023 in a maize field in Central Poland, where UAV flights captured high-resolution RGB imagery and LiDAR data. Results indicated that the DSM-based method achieved higher accuracy (94.7%) and sensitivity (69.9%) compared to the deep learning method (accuracy: 92.9%, sensitivity: 35.3%), which exhibited higher precision (92.2%) and specificity (99.7%). The DSM-based method provided a closer estimation of the total damaged area (9.45% of the field) compared to the reference (10.50%), while the deep learning method underestimated damage (4.01%). Discrepancies arose from differences in how partially damaged areas were classified; the deep learning approach excluded these zones, focusing on fully damaged areas. The findings suggest that while DSM-based methods are well-suited for quantifying extensive damage, deep learning techniques detect only completely damaged crop areas. Combining these methods could enhance the accuracy and efficiency of crop damage assessments. Future studies should explore integrated approaches across diverse crop types and damage patterns to optimize wild animal damage evaluation.