Drone mapping and navigation systems

By the end of the course, you'll be able to:

• articulate GNSS data collection and processing procedures for various GNSS data collection techniques and analyse sources of error in observations; and devise the essential features of project planning and data collection project for mapping when utilising GNSS
• design photogrammetric surveys and develop strategies for effective data collection including conceptualising drone-based remote sensing; and apply photogrammetric methods to extract information from photographs; appraise their application in topographic mapping, engineering projects, agriculture and information gathering for geographic information systems; and articulate the fundamental principles of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, various drone types, their applications, and the process of planning drone operations
• explore and articulate the characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum in the context of drone remote sensing and analyse how drones capture and interpret different wavelengths of light to acquire valuable data for remote sensing applications; and analyse and explore the use of visible, thermal and multispectral imagery across various industries and optimise practical skills in utilising software tools and techniques to process and analyse drone imagery data
• articulate the principles and applications of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology in drone-based data acquisition, and process and manipulate LiDAR data to improve quality; and utilise processed LiDAR data for various applications and analysis the limitations and uncertainties associated with drone LiDAR data.

• Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) including fundamentals, differential GNSS, project planning, and collection and processing.
• Drone Mission Planning including photogrammetry and remote sensing introduction, aerial photogrammetry principles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, and flight planning.
• Processing of Drone-based Visible, Thermal and Multispectral imagery including drone remote sensing, processing of visible or RGB imagery, processing of thermal imagery, and processing of multispectral imagery.
• Processing of Drone-based LiDAR data and Classification including principle of LiDAR technology, drone-based LiDAR, LiDAR processing, and LiDAR classification.

Upon successful completion of the course assessment, you will receive reputable digital badges that can be shared on LinkedIn. Eligibility requires successfully completing assessments, including: 

• scenario-based case study and project-based assessment: This assessment consists of three parts, each designed to gauge students' practical understanding and application of geospatial concepts in real-world scenarios
• drone LiDAR project assessment: This assessment evaluates their understanding of LiDAR principles, proficiency in drone LiDAR data processing, and insights into practical applications and challenges.

SVY1110 Global Navigation Satellite Systems and SVY2202 Photogrammetry and Drone mapping

This microcredential represents 2 units of credit. Drone Mapping and Navigation Systems can be taken as a stand-alone course. 

The microcredential can be used to apply for credit towards:

• Associate Degree of Surveying
• Bachelor of Surveying Technology
• Bachelor of Surveying (Honours)

To apply credit, you must first meet all of the program admission requirements to the program and approval must be granted from the Program Director.