Evaluating Generalization of Methods for Artificially Generating NDVI from UAV RGB Imagery in Vineyards

High-resolution NDVI maps derived from UAV imagery are valuable in precision agriculture, supporting vineyard management decisions such as disease risk and vigor assessments. However, the expense and complexity of multispectral sensors limit their widespread use. In this study, we evaluate Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) approaches—trained on either multispectral-derived or true RGB data—to convert low-cost RGB imagery into NDVI maps. We benchmark these models against simpler, explainable RGB-based indices (RGBVI, vNDVI) using Botrytis bunch rot (BBR) risk and vigor mapping as application-centric tests. Our findings reveal that both multispectral- and RGB-trained GANs can generate NDVI maps suitable for BBR risk modelling, achieving R-squared values between 0.8 and 0.99 on unseen datasets. However, the RGBVI and vNDVI indices often match or exceed the GAN outputs, for vigor mapping. Moreover, model performance varies with sensor differences, vineyard structures, and environmental conditions, underscoring the importance of training data diversity and domain alignment. In highlighting these sensitivities, this application-centric evaluation demonstrates that while GANs can offer a viable NDVI alternative in some scenarios, their real-world utility is not guaranteed. In many cases, simpler RGB-based indices may provide equal or better results, suggesting that the choice of NDVI conversion method should be guided by both application requirements and the underlying characteristics of the subject matter.