WILLMAR, Minn. —  Midwest Aerial Technologies (MAT), a Minnesota based business, is an aerial surveying company focusing on industries nationwide. Headquartered at the MinnWest Campus on the north side of Willmar, Minn., MAT is in the middle of an ag tech business boom. “We chose the MinnWest Campus as our headquarters because of the companies that reside here,” said Matthew Rohlik, CEO of MAT. “There are research, surveying, consulting, manufacturing, construction and agricultural businesses all stationed here and all are focused on technology.”

MAT has been busy this summer surveying growers’ fields. This data is then archived into the grower’s farm management software for additional layers of information usable in the off season to adjust management zones as needed. “The high resolution we can now achieve is giving growers an advantage they never had before,” said Phil Moskal, Integrated Solutions Manager for Mid-State Equipment. “We can show farmers weed pressures that can be managed and areas of the fields that are nutrient deficient. This technology is still evolving but will change the way precision ag is looked at.”

Through the use of manned and unmanned aircraft, MAT has the ability to survey large parcels of land for any size company that needs 2D or 3D photogrammetry and imagery. Whether it’s aggregate piles, oil wells, gas pipes, or potato fields MAT has the capabilities to deliver the data needed by the customer. Midwest Aerial Technologies also specializes in custom drones. Wyatt Peterson, lead UAS engineer for MAT, has built several drones including multi-rotor and fixed wing platforms to meet the requirements of the requested mission. “Each customer has a specific need,” Peterson said “We evaluate each need and build the proper tool for the job.”

Data management is on the mind of every company, which led Midwest Aerial Technologies to partner with E4 & Sons from Woodbine, Iowa, as a provider for agricultural data management.

“When we started this business we wanted to provide options to industries looking at aerial surveying to cut costs or manage projects. Anyone with a Styrofoam kit and a camera can survey an area. What is done with acquired data is where we feel our advantage is," said Rohlik. “We can provide data processing for manned or unmanned aircraft. How it is used will make the difference.”