This project titled " UAV Photogrammetry Current Online Educational Landscape" funded by the ISPRS Capacity Building Initiative 2024, is carried out by the ITC faculty team at the UAV Center. the project focuses on the growing field of UAV photogrammetry, a vital tool for applications such as disaster management, food security, and mapping. As demand for online education in this area increases, the project addresses the challenge of navigating the vast array of available resources. Our team has compiled a comprehensive inventory of UAV photogrammetry courses, categorized by educational level, and evaluated relevant UAV datasets and software tools to support both training and professional applications.
This catalogue includes UAV photogrammetry courses, software packages, and datasets collected since 2022. It is not exhaustive, and some information may be incomplete or outdated. Users should refer to original sources for the latest details. Inclusion does not imply endorsement, and we are not responsible for inaccuracies or decisions based on this content.
- Courses
- Introductory Courses
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Institution Name
DartDrones
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Duke University
Pix4d
Drone Valk
Drone Valk
Type of the institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Educational Institutions
Educational Institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Course Name
Aerial Mapping and Modeling with DroneDeploy Workshop
AlaskaX: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Fundamentals
Drones for Environmental Science
Pix4D Essentials certifications
DRONE - IMAGE SURVEYING AND PROCESSING
GIS with ArcGIS - Basic to Advanced
Duration ( partially or full time)
2 weeks
4 weeks
12 Hours
6-12 hours
10.5 Hours of videos
9 Hours and 40 min. of videos
Course fees/ Currency
780 US dollar
230 Euro
Paid
290 US dollar
19.99 Euro
39.9 Euro
Credits (ECTs)
None
NA
None
None
None
None
Main Language or Languages
English
English
English with 21 online translation
English
Portuguese
Portuguese
Delivery Method
Interactive
Self-paced
Self-paced
Self-paced
Self-paced
Self-paced
Application Fields
Surveying and mapping
Geospatial science
Environmental Science and monitoring
Depends on the course, such as Photogrammetry, Agriculture, survey
Surveying and mapping
Surveying and mapping, digital satellite image processing, Geostatistics, water management
Prerequisites Knowledge
To get the most out of this class, we recommend that you have: 5+ hours of flight time.Part 107 Certificate. Your drone will need to be compatible with DroneDeploy™ software.
None
None
Depend on the course, several courses available.
None
the student must have knowledge of the Windows platform and basic knowledge of Cartography
Level of the target participants
professionals
Beginners, students and professionals
Beginners, students and professionals
Beginners, Students, Professionals
Beginners, students and professionals
Professionals
Course Description
Curriculum Designed:
- `1
- Introduction to Mapping and Modeling
- Types of Mapping Data
- Types of Mapping Products
- Platform and Payload Considerations
- Mapping for Construction
- Mapping for Agricultural Uses
- Mapping for Engineering and Architecture
- 2
- Aerial Photogrammetry
- Principles of Photogrammetry
- Photogrammetric Geometry
- Aerial Triangulation
- Photogrammetric Procedures
- Common Coverage Errors
- Georeferencing
- Spatial Reference Systems
- 3
- Getting Started with DroneDeploy
- DroneDeploy Account Levels
- Autonomous Flight Planning
- Waypoints
- Collecting Nadir Imagery for 2D Mapping
- 4
- 3D Modeling
- Collecting Oblique Imagery for 3D Modeling
- Orbit at End of Mission
- DJI Point of Interest
- Manual Collection
- 5
- Using the Map Engine
- Map Engine Processing Options
- Map Engine Data Requirements
- Uploading Datasets
- Accessing the Final Product
- Common Issues in Low Quality Maps
- 6
- Analyzing Your Data
- Layers of a DroneDeploy Map
- Analyzing Evaluation Data
- Performing Volumetric Calculations
- Cut, Fill, and Volumetric Measurement Calculation
- Lowest Point and Best Fit Base Planes
- Adjusting Histogram to Change Elevation Values
- 7
- Map Accuracy
- Relative vs. Absolute Accuracy
- Project Accuracy Requirements
- Survey-Grade Accuracy
- DroneDeploy Accuracy Levels
- Factors that Improve Map Accuracy
- Techniques to Improve Map Accuracy
- 8
- Using Ground Control Points
- Creating GCPs
- Placing GCPs
- Utilizing the GCP Checklist
- Submitting GCPs in DroneDeploy
- 9
- Exporting Your Date
- Export Options in Drone Deploy
- Static Layer Export Procedures
- Custom Layer Export Procedures
- Sharing Your Map
- 10
- The Drone Deploy App Market
- App Market for Enhanced Drone Deploy Capabilities
- Linear Mapping App
- Overlap Optimizer App
- PDF Annotation Report
- EZRoof App
- Quick Map Overlays App
- Tensor Flight App
- GCP Volume Analysis
- KML & SHP Import
- Thimble App
- AirData UAV Sync App
Learn the fundamentals of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) including terminology, types of platforms, flight physics, and selection of UAS for specific needs and applications
There are 4 modules in this course:
*How can drones be used for good in environmental science? What types of data can scientists collect, and how should they go about collecting it using drones? Why should someone integrate drones into their existing career or pursue this field?
*This Duke Environment+ course serves as an introduction for anyone interested in learning more about drone use in the environmental sciences. No background knowledge in drones is assumed or necessary.
*Over the course of four weeks, you will discover the basics of drone use in the environmental sciences, including specific benefits of using drones for scientific research; types of drones and how they are used for different purposes and missions; and best research practices, including legal and ethical concerns. The final week of the course will help you get started on exploring different career paths that involve drones by introducing you to professionals working with this technology in the environmental sciences.
*By the end of the course, you should be better equipped to consider how to use drones for your own research interests, and you will be better prepared for the more in-depth Environment+ course sequence UAS Applicants and Operations in Environmental Science, should you decide to continue your studies.
Several courses available:
Become Pix4D certified on essential photogrammetry concepts, including data acquisition, measurements, editing, and visualization tasks or
Learn industry-specific and in-depth concepts
The drone course was developed to provide students with the best possible theoretical and practical experience. It brings together theoretical and practical information based on what the market needs most today. It is a completely structured course for anyone to learn, regardless of whether they have previous knowledge of drones or not. In addition, we have qualified professionals to support our students with any questions they may have during our group and individual mentoring sessions. Our individual mentoring process for those who want to start a business in this area, along with digital marketing, is also a way to develop students for the market, help them to obtain services and even formulate their first budgets.
In the Introduction to ArcGIS Software Course, we consider that everyone present is having their first contacts with the program. By participating in this course, the student will be led in the process of initiating projects involving thematic mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), through integration with geospatial databases to the production of a complete layout of the map for printing.
*In the part of the ArcGIS Software Intermediate and Advanced Use Course, the participant will learn about more complex features of the program for varied applications such as digital satellite image processing, Geostatistics, watershed delimitation, among several other topics.
Course content
*3 sections: Introduction, Drone and Sig with ArcGIS and Pix4D, Drone, ArcGIS and Marketplace
Learning outcomes
NA
- Understand the principles of flight safety
- Learn the types of platform used in unmanned flight
- Know what types of sensor can be used to record data on flights
- Learn how UAS’s are being used in research, commercial, and industrial applications
- Understand how to choose the right equipment for your needs
- Learn the basics of unmanned aircraft systems and related terminology.
- Differentiate between the types of UAS and their uses and identify various aircraft configurations.
- Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of particular characteristics of UAS to inform appropriate platform selection for use in various scenarios.
- Calculate basic aircraft weight trends and aerodynamic properties.
- Determine propulsion performance for specific UAS applications.
- Analyze an aircraft and predict performance
- Describe all fixed equipment needed to fly UAS
- Define the difference between visible and NIR spectrum
- Describe how the broader field of remote sensing is applied within the UAS industry
- Identify and articulate the strengths and limitations of the different types of sensors that are available for a particular mission
- Determine when an active sensor vs passive sensor is the most appropriate payload for a mission
- List the fundamental considerations for sensor/payload selection based on integration parameters/constraints (e.g., platform limitations, mission goals, etc.)
- Identify which data products, such as photogrammetry and 3D models, are commonly produced using optical sensors and GIS.
- Describe how a variety of drones can accomplish important missions for environmental science;
- Explain the importance of key best practices in drone research, including legal and ethical concerns;
- Discover relevant career paths in drones for environmental science;
learning outcomes depend on the course. Several courses available
- Learn about the market and applications of Drones
- Choosing and purchasing equipment for your needs
- Know, register and approve your aircraft with the agencies that regulate the use of Drones in Brazil: Anac, Anatel and Decea
- *Register your aircraft with Anac
- *How to register to request Flight Authorization at DECEA
- *Aerial photogrammetry - Remote sensing, Photogrammetry and Geomorphology
- *Photogrammetry, Coordinate Systems, Coating and Aero triangulation
- *Photography and Drone 1. Shutter 2. ISO 3. Aperture 4. Composition 5. White Balance
- *Professional Flight Planning
- *learn flight maneuvers, recording professional videos and images
- *Piloting in practice
- *Image processing with Agisoft PhotoScan/Metashape
NA
Course URL
https://www.coursera.org/learn/drones-for-environmental-science
https://www.udemy.com/course/sig-com-arcgis-basico-ao-avancado/?couponCode=ST10MT8624
- Intermediate Courses
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Institution Name
The Pennsylvania State University
Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research
Pix4d
Drone Valk
Drone Valk
Duke University
Type of the institutions
Educational Institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Educational Institutions
Educational Institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Educational Institutions
Course Name
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Drones for Agriculture: Prepare and Design Your Drone (UAV) Mission
Drones for Agriculture: Prepare and Design Your Drone (UAV) Mission
Drones for Agriculture: Advanced Sensing and Analysis
Pix4D Essentials certifications
DRONE - IMAGE SURVEYING AND PROCESSING
GIS with ArcGIS - Basic to Advanced
UAS Applications and Operations in Environmental Science courses series
Duration ( partially or full time)
10 weeks
6 weeks/
3 weeks
6-12 hours
10.5 Hours of videos
9 Hours and 40 min. of videos
18 weeks
Course fees/ Currency
NA
193 Euro
140 US dollar
209 US dollar
290 US dollar
19.99 Euro
39.9 Euro
2000 US dollar per course- Entire Sequence 4,200 US dollar
Credits (ECTs)
3 ECTs
None
None
None
None
None
None
2.5 ECTs
Main Language or Languages
English
English
English
English
English
Portuguese
Portuguese
English
Delivery Method
Interactive
Self-paced
Self-paced
Self-paced
Self-paced
Self-paced
Self-paced
Interactive
Application Fields
Geospatial science
Agriculture
Hyperspectral Imaging, Data Processing, Crop Management, Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR), Agriculture
Remote Sensing, Planning Tools, Data Visualization, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Aerial Surveys, Workflow Management, Aerial Photography, Image Resolution, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Agriculture, Planning
Depends on the course, such as Photogrammetry, Agriculture, survey
Surveying and mapping
Surveying and mapping, digital satellite image processing, Geostatistics, water management
Environmental Science and monitoring, UAV operations
Prerequisites Knowledge
There are no formal prerequisites for graduate students taking this course. However, prospective students should have some working knowledge of the following topics, covered in Georg 480, 482, 483:
- photogrammetry and geographic information system (GIS)
- basic GIS or CAD data processing experience
- datums and coordinate systems
- maps accuracy standard
do not need any prerequisite knowledge. Nonetheless, being a computer software enthusiast will help a lot!
*A basic understanding of physics and statistics with an interest in agriculture.
*MOOC "Drones for Agriculture: Prepare and Design Your Drone (UAV) Mission" or equivalent skills.
*Familiarity with scripting languages will help you to get the most out of this online course.
None, Nonetheless, being a computer software enthusiast will help a lot!
Depend on the course, several courses available.
None
the student must have knowledge of the Windows platform and basic knowledge of Cartography
No information
Level of the target participants
Students
professionals
Professionals
Students, Professionals
Beginners, Students, Professionals
Beginners, students and professionals
Professionals
Students, Professionals
Course Description
- Description: Unmanned Aerial Systems are developing aggressively, and many government and non-government agencies are considering acquiring such systems. The acquisition of a system may be the easy part of the entire process of running an UAS. However, selecting the right system and providing details of running and managing the system may prove to be challenging for an ordinary user that does not possess prior knowledge in this field. There is quite a large amount of information now available on the UAS. However, most of such information focuses on either the engineering aspect of the aircraft or its defense applications. Very little information is available on the geo-spatial utilization of a UAS.
- This course provides an introduction to the Unmanned Aerial system from the Geo-spatial perspective which includes but is not limited to:
- sensors and platforms;
- civilian and remote sensing applications;
- sensors calibration and boresighting;
- operational requirements of the UAS;
- concept of operation for UAS;
- data processing software;
- Evaluating data quality and accuracy and the new mapping standards;
- generation of digital data products such as ortho-rectified imagery and digital terrain surface;
- current rules and regulations governing owning and operating a UAS in the United States;
- concerns surrounding UAS safety, security, and privacy issues.
After finishing this online course you will have gained full understanding of the aerial mapping workflow and how to implement it in a programmable small drone. You will know which steps you need to take to gain the valuable insights you are looking for.
Syllabus
1. Advanced remote sensing with UAVs
In the opening module, you will enter the world of UAV remote sensing. We will introduce you to different sensing techniques (multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal and LiDAR). You will then learn how these sensors operate and how they can be used for agricultural monitoring.
2. UAV data processing in practice
In this part, we will focus on the intricacies of UAV data processing with hands-on exercises. You will learn how to design and implement processing workflows for different datasets and specific agricultural scenarios. This experience will also enable you to effectively evaluate analysis outputs.
Module 1: Remote Sensing, UAV's and Applications
In this module you will learn about what Remote Sensing is and how we can use UAVs as tool for our applications. We will explore the possibilities that airborne technology offers.
Module 2: Planning a mission and acquiring the data
During module 2 we will cover the steps that need to be followed when planning a mission, how to do it, what is needed and what to look out for and how the data is acquired.
Module 3: From acquisition to visualisation
Module 3 focuses on evaluating and processing the data that we have obtained during the mission and how we can process it to deliver a product instead of just a photo gallery! This module will also show some simple examples of data processing techniques used in academia and professional work
Several courses available:
Become Pix4D certified on essential photogrammetry concepts, including data acquisition, measurements, editing, and visualization tasks or
Learn industry-specific and in-depth concepts
The drone course was developed to provide students with the best possible theoretical and practical experience. It brings together theoretical and practical information based on what the market needs most today. It is a completely structured course for anyone to learn, regardless of whether they have previous knowledge of drones or not. In addition, we have qualified professionals to support our students with any questions they may have during our group and individual mentoring sessions. Our individual mentoring process for those who want to start a business in this area, along with digital marketing, is also a way to develop students for the market, help them to obtain services and even formulate their first budgets.
It is, without a doubt, the most complete course on the market and the one that provides the most personal and professional development.
In the Introduction to ArcGIS Software Course, we consider that everyone present is having their first contacts with the program. By participating in this course, the student will be led in the process of initiating projects involving thematic mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), through integration with geospatial databases to the production of a complete layout of the map for printing.
In the part of the ArcGIS Software Intermediate and Advanced Use Course, the participant will learn about more complex features of the program for varied applications such as digital satellite image processing, Geostatistics, watershed delimitation, among several other topics.
Course content
3 sections: Introduction, Drone and Sig with ArcGIS and Pix4D, Drone, ArcGIS and Marketplace
Many aviation training programs are conducted as though they are an end unto themselves, with becoming a pilot or remote pilot representing the primary goal. Our approach to aviation focuses on a set of inspirational environmental science examples, where those with interest or aptitude in the environment gain foundational knowledge and skills through linked examples of how aviation can be applied in this field. Our course sequence employs two powerful hooks to gain and maintain the attention of students and to convey key scientific aviation concepts:
Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS, aka drones) are presently an inspirational technology that can be used to engage on basic aviation concepts, from the physics of flight to operational themes like air space management. There has been significant growth in environmental science education and careers focused on changing earth systems and sustainable development challenges faced nationally and globally. Aviation support is a key element to many environmental science programs, but students rarely consider this as a viable pathway for an aviation career. Enter the concept of the Scientist Pilot, an aviation professional focused on providing key services to environmental programs using drones.
Three Course Sequence:
1
Introduction to UAS in Biology, Ecology, and Conservation
Discover the foundations of revolutionary drone technology and how it’s being applied in environmental science and management. (six weeks, asynchronous video lectures and assessments, plus six 1.5 hour in-person synchronous sessions)
Goal: Identify how drones can be applied in research, including your own
2
UAS operations for Environmental Scientists
Learn the basics of drone flight operations, how to become legally certified, and how to fly effectively for scientific research purposes. (six weeks, asynchronous video lectures and assessments, plus six 1.5 hour in-person synchronous sessions)
Goal: Become the Scientist Pilot!
3
Quantitative analysis of UAS data
Gain hands-on experience with drone data and modern analytical software needed to assess habitat changes, count animal populations, study animal health and behavior, and assess ecosystem relationships. (six weeks, asynchronous video lectures and assessments, plus six 1.5 hour in-person synchronous sessions)
Goal: Use drone data to test scientific hypotheses and communicate research results.
Learning outcomes
- understand the capabilities and limitations of the UAS and data post-processing systems;
- understand fundamental concepts surrounding operating a UAS such as:
- selecting the right UAS,
- assessing its performance,
- managing resulting products,
- selecting the appropriate commercially available processing software,
- products accuracy assessment,
- ways and means to produce metric products from UAS;
- Evaluating data quality and accuracy.
- understand rules and regulations governing operating a UAS in the United States of America.
- On the practical side, students develop knowledge about photogrammetric processes and will have the opportunity to use the Pix4D processing software to perform aerial triangulation and produce their own orthos and digital terrain model using imagery collected by UAS.
- Students who excel in this course are able to:
- assess commercially available UAS and its suitability for the job;
- assess commercially available data processing software and its suitability for the job;
- describe the basic principles of UAS operation requirements and develop Concept of Operation (CONOP);
- assess risks surrounding operating a UAS and propose mitigation for such risks;
- design a UAS-based aerial imagery operation;
- design a UAS-based flight mission;
- evaluate strength and weakness of different phases of the design;
- recommend a procedure for sensor calibration;
- recognize and recommend potential applications of the UAS for GIS operations;
- apply acquired knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve a real-world problem with appropriate UAS acquisition and data processing and analysis methods;
- produce geospatial products such as ortho photos and digital terrain models;
- advise users on the rules and regulations on operating an UAS;
- Understand the new ASPRS mapping standards and how it applies to UAS-derived products.
- Learn to decide whether it makes sense to use a drone for your application or challenge
- Design a process from acquisition to data visualization and evaluation for your specific drone application
- Learn about the available airborne technology and software
- Understand what UAV international legislation and regulations are concerning drones
- How to make an aerial surveying workflow
- How to make the required flight preparations and create- and execute a safe mission setup
- You will learn about mission planning and the available open source and commercial tools
- You will gain understanding about aerial imaging product delivery
- Explain which UAV sensing systems are available and how they operate
- *nterpret data acquired with different sensors
- Understand how different sensors can be used in your application
- Implement a processing workflow for different types of UAV data
- Design an appropriate processing approach based on available datasets and application at hand
- Evaluate results of UAV data analysis and propose improvements
- Identify whether it makes sense to use a drone for your application or challenge.
- Give examples about the available airborne technology.
- Give an overview what international legislation and regulations are concerning drones.
- Perform the required flight preparations and create- and execute a safe mission setup.
- Define a mission planning with the available open source and commercial tools.
- Discuss the potential of image product delivery for different purposes.
- Examine drone data and derive information from it.
learning outcomes depend on the course. Several courses available
- Learn about the market and applications of Drones
- Choosing and purchasing equipment for your needs
- Know, register and approve your aircraft with the agencies that regulate the use of Drones in Brazil: Anac, Anatel and Decea
- Register your aircraft with Anac
- How to register to request Flight Authorization at DECEA
- Aerial photogrammetry - Remote sensing, Photogrammetry and Geomorphology
- Photogrammetry, Coordinate Systems, Coating and Aero triangulation
- Photography and Drone 1. Shutter 2. ISO 3. Aperture 4. Composition 5. White Balance
- Professional Flight Planning
- learn flight maneuvers, recording professional videos and images
- Piloting in practice
- Image processing with Agisoft PhotoScan/Metashape
NA
- Explain basic aeronautics, flight physics, and describe how and why drones fly.
- Describe the foundations of revolutionary drone technology and how it’s being applied in environmental science and management.
- Identify how drones can be applied in novel research, including your own.
- Describe the basics of drone flight operations, how to become legally certified, and how to fly effectively for scientific research.
- Identify the legal and ethical challenges of using drones in environmental science.
- Analyze drone data to test scientific hypotheses and communicate research results.
- Use modern analytical software to assess habitat changes, count animal populations, study animal health and behavior, and assess ecological relationships.
Course URL
https://www.mooc-list.com/course/drones-agriculture-prepare-and-design-your-drone-uav-mission-edx
https://www.wur.nl/en/show/Drones-for-Agriculture-Prepare-and-Design-Your-Drone-UAV-Mission.htm
https://www.udemy.com/course/sig-com-arcgis-basico-ao-avancado/?couponCode=ST10MT8624
- Advanced courses
No.
1
2
3
4
6
Institution Name
Pix4d
Drone Valk
Drone Valk
University of Twente/ ITC Faculty
Duke University
Type of the institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Educational Institutions
Educational Institutions
Course Name
Pix4D Essentials certifications
DRONE - IMAGE SURVEYING AND PROCESSING
GIS with ArcGIS - Basic to Advanced
Earth Observation with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
UAS Applications and Operations in Environmental Science courses series
Duration ( partially or full time)
6-12 hours
10.5 Hours of videos
9 Hours and 40 min. of videos
10 weeks
18 weeks
Course fees/ Currency
290 US dollar
19.99 Euro
39.9 Euro
1395 Euro
2000 US dollar per course- Entire Sequence 4,200 US dollar
Credits (ECTs)
None
None
None
5 ECTs
2.5 ECTs
Main Language or Languages
English
Portuguese
Portuguese
English
English
Delivery Method
Self-paced
Self-paced
Self-paced
Interactive
Interactive
Application Fields
Depends on the course, such as Photogrammetry, Agriculture, survey
Surveying and mapping
Surveying and mapping, digital satellite image processing, Geostatistics, water management
precision agriculture; mapping applied to water control in rural flood-affected areas; application in AI-based scene understanding.
Environmental Science and monitoring, UAV operations
Prerequisites Knowledge
Depend on the course, several courses available.
None
the student must have knowledge of the Windows platform and basic knowledge of Cartography
There are no specific admission requirements. Basic knowledge of imagery and using UAVs are positive elements of attending this course.
No information
Level of the target participants
Beginners, Students, Professionals
Beginners, students and professionals
Professionals
Students
Students, Professionals
Course Description
- Several courses available:
- Become Pix4D certified on essential photogrammetry concepts, including data acquisition, measurements, editing, and visualization tasks or
- Learn industry-specific and in-depth concepts
The drone course was developed to provide students with the best possible theoretical and practical experience. It brings together theoretical and practical information based on what the market needs most today. It is a completely structured course for anyone to learn, regardless of whether they have previous knowledge of drones or not. In addition, we have qualified professionals to support our students with any questions they may have during our group and individual mentoring sessions. Our individual mentoring process for those who want to start a business in this area, along with digital marketing, is also a way to develop students for the market, help them to obtain services and even formulate their first budgets.
It is, without a doubt, the most complete course on the market and the one that provides the most personal and professional development.
In the Introduction to ArcGIS Software Course, we consider that everyone present is having their first contacts with the program. By participating in this course, the student will be led in the process of initiating projects involving thematic mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), through integration with geospatial databases to the production of a complete layout of the map for printing.
In the part of the ArcGIS Software Intermediate and Advanced Use Course, the participant will learn about more complex features of the program for varied applications such as digital satellite image processing, Geostatistics, watershed delimitation, among several other topics.
Course content
3 sections: Introduction, Drone and Sig with ArcGIS and Pix4D, Drone, ArcGIS and Marketplace
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones has surged in the last two decades, leading to remarkable changes in several remote sensing applications. However, the development of best practices for high-quality UAV mapping is often overlooked, representing a drawback for their adoption in different domains. UAV solutions then require an interdisciplinary approach, integrating different expertise and combining several hardware and software components on the same platform.
This course aims to deliver theoretical and hands-on knowledge to acquire, process and interpret UAV data. The course addresses three specific and alternative application domains: precision agriculture, mapping applied to water control in rural flood-affected areas and application in AI-based scene understanding.
Many aviation training programs are conducted as though they are an end unto themselves, with becoming a pilot or remote pilot representing the primary goal. Our approach to aviation focuses on a set of inspirational environmental science examples, where those with interest or aptitude in the environment gain foundational knowledge and skills through linked examples of how aviation can be applied in this field. Our course sequence employs two powerful hooks to gain and maintain the attention of students and to convey key scientific aviation concepts:
Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS, aka drones) are presently an inspirational technology that can be used to engage on basic aviation concepts, from the physics of flight to operational themes like air space management. There has been significant growth in environmental science education and careers focused on changing earth systems and sustainable development challenges faced nationally and globally. Aviation support is a key element to many environmental science programs, but students rarely consider this as a viable pathway for an aviation career. Enter the concept of the Scientist Pilot, an aviation professional focused on providing key services to environmental programs using drones.
Three Course Sequence:
1
Introduction to UAS in Biology, Ecology, and Conservation
Discover the foundations of revolutionary drone technology and how it’s being applied in environmental science and management. (six weeks, asynchronous video lectures and assessments, plus six 1.5 hour in-person synchronous sessions)
Goal: Identify how drones can be applied in research, including your own
2
UAS operations for Environmental Scientists
Learn the basics of drone flight operations, how to become legally certified, and how to fly effectively for scientific research purposes. (six weeks, asynchronous video lectures and assessments, plus six 1.5 hour in-person synchronous sessions)
Goal: Become the Scientist Pilot!
3
Quantitative analysis of UAS data
Gain hands-on experience with drone data and modern analytical software needed to assess habitat changes, count animal populations, study animal health and behavior, and assess ecosystem relationships. (six weeks, asynchronous video lectures and assessments, plus six 1.5 hour in-person synchronous sessions)
Goal: Use drone data to test scientific hypotheses and communicate research results.
Learning outcomes
learning outcomes depend on the course. Several courses available
- Learn about the market and applications of Drones
- Choosing and purchasing equipment for your needs
- Know, register and approve your aircraft with the agencies that regulate the use of Drones in Brazil: Anac, Anatel and Decea
- Register your aircraft with Anac
- How to register to request Flight Authorization at DECEA
- Aerial photogrammetry - Remote sensing, Photogrammetry and Geomorphology
- Photogrammetry, Coordinate Systems, Coating and Aero triangulation
- Photography and Drone 1. Shutter 2. ISO 3. Aperture 4. Composition 5. White Balance
- Professional Flight Planning
- learn flight maneuvers, recording professional videos and images
- Piloting in practice
- Image processing with Agisoft PhotoScan/Metashape
NA
UAVs for precision agriculture
In this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to effectively utilize UAVs in precision agriculture. By the end of the course, you will be able to generate 2D and 3D maps, analyze vegetation and crop health, assess water stress, and even explore topics like wildlife and livestock monitoring. This hands-on training will equip you with the expertise needed to harness spatial data from UAVs for enhanced agricultural practices.
UAVs use on mapping for water control in rural flood-affected areas
By completing this course, you will acquire the necessary expertise to employ UAVs for mapping in water management and flood control. You will learn how to generate accurate 2D and 3D maps, develop specialized flood analysis products, assess hydraulic properties, and utilize bathymetric tools for water volume calculations. With practical training and comprehensive knowledge, you will be able to compile and apply this information directly in GIS projects for flood modeling and control.
UAVs for AI-based scene understanding
In the scene understanding module, students will learn the basics of AI and deep learning with specific regard to semantic segmentation and object detection algorithms. The aim will be to use these algorithms to classify the scene acquired by UAV data and detect objects of interest in urban and rural contexts.
- Explain basic aeronautics, flight physics, and describe how and why drones fly.
- Describe the foundations of revolutionary drone technology and how it’s being applied in environmental science and management.
- Identify how drones can be applied in novel research, including your own.
- Describe the basics of drone flight operations, how to become legally certified, and how to fly effectively for scientific research.
- Identify the legal and ethical challenges of using drones in environmental science.
- Analyze drone data to test scientific hypotheses and communicate research results.
- Use modern analytical software to assess habitat changes, count animal populations, study animal health and behavior, and assess ecological relationships.
Course URL
https://www.udemy.com/course/sig-com-arcgis-basico-ao-avancado/?couponCode=ST10MT8624
https://www.itc.nl/education/study-finder/earth-observation-with-unmanned-aerial-vehicles/
- Software
- Commercial Software (Paid License)
1. DJI Terra
- Company: N/A
- Headquarters China
- Industries: some examples: Surveying &Mapping, Power Industry, Public Safety, Oil &Gas, Agriculture
- Website
2. Pix4Dmapper
- Company: Pix4D S.A.
- Headquarters Switzerland
- Industries: Surveying &Mapping, Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC), Precision Agriculture, Energy, Utilities and Infrastructure, Forensics & Public Safety
- Website
3. Agisoft Metashape
- Company: Agisoft LLC
- Headquarters: Russia
- Industries: NA
- Website
4. DroneDeploy
- Company: DroneDeploy, Inc.
- Headquarters United States
- Industries: Construction, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Mining & Quarries, Utilities, Roofing, Property Management
- Website
5. Propeller
- Company: Propeller Aero Pty Ltd
- Headquarters: Australia
- Industries: Constructions, Aggregates + Mining, Waste management, Survey+Engineering
- Website
6. Mapware
- Company: Mapware
- Headquarters United States
- Industries: Oil & Gas ,utilities, construction, Telecom, Property Management, Agriculture, Public Safety, Defense
- Website
7. DroneMaps by Skycatch
- Company: Skycatch, Inc.
- Headquarters United States
- Industries: N/A
- Website
8. 3D Survey
- Company: 3D Survey
- Headquarters Slovenia
- Industries: Construction, Land surveying, Surface Mining
- Website
9. Pixpro
- Company Name: Pixpro UAB
- Headquarters: Lithuania
- Industries: inspection and measurement, accident documentation, mining maintenance, slope monitoring and landslide prevention, waste management
- Website
10. PhotoModeler
- Company: PhotoModeler Technologies
- Headquarters: Canada
- Industries: Fabrication and Manufacturing, Marine Fabrication, Public Safety and Forensics, Engineering, Architecture, and Surveying, 2D Template Pattern Digitizing, Mining and Geology, Science, Academics, Research, and Education, Film and Animation
- Website
11. 3DF ZEPHYR
- Company: 3DFLOW
- Headquarters: Italy
- Industries: Forensics, Surveying, Archaeology, Architecture, Marine modeling, cultural heritage, Virtual and Augmented Reality, geology, Precision Agriculture, Photogrammetry & BIM
- Website
- Dataset
1. Pix4D Dataset
- URL: https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000235126
- Description: This dataset provides example projects processed using Pix4D software. It includes datasets for 3D mapping, orthophoto generation, and digital surface model (DSM) production, suitable for applications like construction, agriculture, and site monitoring.
- Application: Photogrammetry, 3D modelling, and precision mapping.
2. AgEagle (SenseFly Resources)
- URL: https://www.sensefly.com/resources/?filter_by=data set
- Description: Contains sample datasets for agricultural mapping, environmental monitoring, and land use studies. It features high-resolution UAV imagery captured using SenseFly drones.
- Application: Precision agriculture and environmental monitoring.
3. Mid-Air Dataset
- URL: https://midair.ulg.ac.be/
- Description: A synthetic dataset designed for drone navigation and perception tasks. It provides simulated aerial data for training autonomous navigation algorithms.
- Application: UAV navigation, reinforcement learning, and computer vision.
4. VisDrone Dataset
- URL: https://github.com/VisDrone/VisDrone-Dataset
- Description: A large-scale dataset for object detection, tracking, and counting in drone-captured videos. It includes annotations for traffic scenes, pedestrian detection, and environmental surveillance.
- Application: Object detection, tracking, and urban monitoring.
5. UAV Sample Dataset
- URL:https://www.iitr.ac.in/uasg2023/sdata.html
- Description: Provides sample UAV datasets for photogrammetry and mapping applications. It contains Orthomosaic and DSM data useful for geospatial research.
- Application: Academic research and photogrammetry studies.
6. ASL Dataset
- URL: https://projects.asl.ethz.ch/datasets/doku.php?id=weedmap:remotesensing2018weedmap
- Description: Focused on remote sensing and vegetation monitoring, this dataset includes imagery for detecting and classifying weeds in agricultural fields.
- Application: Precision agriculture and vegetation classification.
7. Stanford Drone Dataset
- URL: https://cvgl.stanford.edu/projects/uav_data/
- Description: Captures real-world pedestrian and vehicle movement in outdoor environments, annotated for tracking and behaviour analysis.
- Application: Traffic monitoring, pedestrian behaviour analysis, and urban planning.
8. Okutama-Action Dataset
- URL: http://okutama-action.org/
- Description: High-resolution videos of dynamic scenes annotated for human action recognition and detection in aerial views.
- Application: Action recognition and behavioural studies using UAV data.
9. Zurich Urban Micro Aerial Vehicle Dataset
- URL: https://rpg.ifi.uzh.ch/zurichmavdataset.html
- Description: Provides urban aerial imagery and video data, including trajectory information for micro aerial vehicle (MAV) applications.
- Application: Urban planning, trajectory analysis, and aerial mapping.
10. Open Cities AI Challenge Dataset
- URL: https://www.drivendata.org/competitions/60/building-segmentation-disaster-resilience/page/151/
- Description: A dataset focused on building segmentation for disaster resilience. Includes pre- and post-disaster UAV imagery.
- Application: Disaster management and building footprint analysis.
11. IEEE Datasets
- Active Object Detection: https://ieee-dataport.org/documents/active-object-detection-uav-remote-sensing-behavior-cloning-and-shallow-feature-enhanced-q
- Peach Tree Disease Detection: https://ieee-dataport.org/documents/peach-tree-disease-detection-dataset
- Description: Offers datasets for active object detection and agricultural disease monitoring, emphasizing UAV applications.
- Application: Object detection and precision agriculture.
12. ODMData
- URL: https://www.opendronemap.org/odm/datasets/
- Description: Contains open datasets for UAV mapping and analysis using OpenDroneMap.
- Application: Open-source UAV mapping and community-driven research.
13. UseGeo Dataset
- URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667393224000140
- Description: A multi-sensor UAV dataset designed for geospatial research, including high-resolution imagery and sensor data.
- Application: Geospatial studies, multi-sensor data fusion.
