The second field study was conducted in Buldan, a mountainous region rich in Mediterranean highland flora, including Pinus brutia, Origanum onites, Salvia spp., and various endemic wildflowers. Beekeepers operating at altitudes between 800–1200 meters contributed multifloral honey samples for analysis. Alongside the sampling, DJI Mavic 3M drone flights were carried out to capture aerial data over apiary zones and surrounding floral corridors. The multispectral data collected enabled the creation of vegetation index maps (NDVI and NDRE), which will be used to correlate floral diversity and density with the quality of honey samples.
We wish to express our profound gratitude to the dedicated local beekeepers and field technicians who supported this mission. In particular, we are thankful to Mr. Hakan Aytekin, Veterinarian Tahir Bey, and Mr. Serdal UĞUR, Director of the Buldan District Agriculture Office, for their outstanding support and coordination throughout the study. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our international collaborators from the University of Malta, Dear Arthur Lamoliere and Prof. Dr. David Mifsud, for their steadfast support. Special thanks to Mr. Gökhan Akdeniz for his expert guidance, which was crucial to the successful implementation of this fieldwork.
