Drone Applications in Ecology

from $500.00
Dates:
Participant:
Quantity:
Add To Cart
 
  • This course provides an introduction to drone applications as they pertain to ecological and natural resources sciences and management disciplines, including wildlife management, agriculture, and other land management sciences.  Emphasis will be on small, unmanned aircraft systems and a broad range of topics will be covered, including a brief history of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), aircraft and payload applications, mapping techniques, and remote sensing fundamentals.  The dynamics of emerging UAS technologies will be addressed and hands-on exercises will introduce techniques using sample software applications.  

    • Contact us about group rates and private training options

    • Access to Adobe PhotoShop or any equivalent photo editing software.

    • Drone Pilot Preparation (FAA Part 107 certificate and simulator training) is recommended. 

    • FAA TRUST certificate is required before performing sUAS flights in the United States. 

  • Module 1: Aircraft Types

    Learning Objective: This unit provides an overview of the various UAS aircraft available.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Demonstrate understanding of the history of sUAS

    • Interpret how different types of drones can be used for specific purposes

    • Identify components of a UAS

    • Apply relationships between pilot and specific aircraft applications

    Module 2: Payloads

    Learning Objective: Identify payload applications associated with sUAS

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Explore various data capture payload sensors including:

    ·  Photographic cameras

    ·  LiDAR

    ·  Remote Sensing

    ·  Infrared/Thermal

    ·  Passive and Active Sensors

    ·  Emerging sensor technologies

    • Understand principles of Remote Sensing

    • Demonstrate an understanding of mechanical payloads including transport/delivery

    Module 3: Drones and Terrestrial Ecology

    Learning Objective: Become familiar with sampling plant communities with drones.

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Demonstrate how to program a flight to capture landforms imagery

    • Demonstrate how to produce an orthomosaic map

    • Recognize capabilities and limitations of existing sensing technologies

    Module 4: Sampling Fauna with drones

    Learning Objective: Become familiar with sampling animal populations with drones

    Learning Outcomes:

    • Demonstrate the ethical use of UAS to obtain data.

    • Review and summarize literature pertaining to tracking animals

    • Discuss risks and opportunities associated with sampling animal populations

COURSE FORMATS See Chart above)

STANDARD

FORMAT:

  • 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

  • Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, and one-on-one appointments

  • After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

  • 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

  • 4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training with the Ecological Society of America

  • See our Continuing Education Page for more details

DATES & PRICES:

  • Winter: Dec 2 - Feb 23 (Early bird ends Nov 4th): $425 student / $525 professional

    *Early bird saves $75

INSTRUCTOR

 
 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Full scholarships are available to participants from countries designated as “lower income” and “lower middle income” in the World Bank List of Economies. Please see our CWS World Scholars Program page for details.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations 30 days or more before the start date are not subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations <30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds once the course begins.