Drone Mapping, Modelling and Surveying Program Course

Introduction

This 10-day intensive program covers the essential knowledge and practical skills required for drone-based mapping, modeling, and surveying. The course includes theory, hands-on drone flight training, and software-based data processing, ensuring participants gain real-world experience in geospatial applications.

The rapid advancement of drone technology has transformed the fields of mapping, modeling, and surveying, offering faster, safer, and more cost-effective methods for data collection and analysis. The Drone Mapping, Modeling, and Surveying Program is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to operate drones for geospatial applications, conduct aerial surveys, and create high-resolution maps and 3D models.

This course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in drone operations, photogrammetry, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students will learn how to plan and execute drone-based surveys, process aerial imagery, and apply data for industries such as construction, agriculture, environmental monitoring, real estate, and infrastructure management.

The integration of drone technology into mapping, surveying, and modeling has revolutionized how spatial data is captured, analyzed, and applied across various industries. From land surveying and construction site monitoring to environmental assessments and precision agriculture, drones provide a cost-effective, accurate, and time-efficient solution for collecting geospatial information.

The Drone Mapping, Modeling, and Surveying Program is designed to equip participants with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required to plan, execute, and process drone-based surveys. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and software training, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of drone operations, photogrammetry, and geospatial data processing techniques.

Through a mix of classroom instruction, field exercises, and software training, participants will gain practical experience and industry-relevant skills, preparing them for professional applications of drone-based mapping and surveying.     

Why This Course?

As industries increasingly adopt drone technology for mapping and surveying, professionals with expertise in drone-based data collection and analysis are in high demand. Traditional surveying methods are often time-consuming, expensive, and require extensive manpower. Drones offer a faster, safer, and more precise alternative, making them indispensable tools in modern geospatial workflows.

This course covers essential topics such as drone regulations, flight planning, aerial image processing, 3D modeling, and GIS integration. By the end of the program, students will be proficient in using drones for high-resolution mapping, terrain modeling, and data-driven decision-making.

Who should attend 

·       Surveyors, engineers, and GIS professionals seeking to integrate drone technology.

·       Drone operators looking to specialize in mapping and 3D modeling.

·       Environmental scientists, urban planners, and real estate professionals.

·       Individuals pursuing careers in geospatial technology and drone surveying.

Course Duration:

10 days

Course objective

By the end of this training the participants will be able to: 

·       Understand the fundamentals of drone technology and its applications in mapping and surveying.

·       Operate drones safely and efficiently while complying with aviation regulations.

·       Plan and execute aerial surveys using flight planning software.

·       Process drone imagery using photogrammetry techniques to generate orthomosaic maps and 3D models.

·       Integrate drone data into GIS for analysis and decision-making.

·       Apply drone-based mapping for various industries, including construction, agriculture, and land surveying.

Course Outline 

Module 1: Introduction to Drone Mapping & Surveying

• Overview of drone applications in mapping and surveying
• Comparison of traditional vs. drone-based surveying methods
• Key benefits and challenges of drone-based surveying
• Industry applications (construction, agriculture, mining, real estate, etc.)
• Understanding aerial photogrammetry and LiDAR basics

Module 2: Drone Types, Sensors, and Equipment

• Types of drones used for mapping (multirotor vs. fixed-wing)
• Payloads and sensors (RGB, multispectral, LiDAR, thermal)
• Understanding Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) and resolution
• Choosing the right drone and equipment for different projects
• Drone hardware and software ecosystem

Module 3: Aviation Regulations, Safety, and Compliance

• Overview of global drone regulations (FAA, EASA, local laws)
• Licensing, permits, and operational guidelines
• Flight safety, risk assessment, and emergency procedures
• Ethical considerations and privacy laws in drone surveying

Module 4: Flight Planning and Data Collection

• Principles of aerial data acquisition
• Understanding flight parameters (altitude, overlap, speed, camera settings)
• Automated flight planning using software (DroneDeploy, Pix4Dcapture, DJI GS Pro)
• Pre-flight checks, calibration, and best practices
• Hands-on drone flight training and data collection

Module 5: Photogrammetry & Aerial Image Processing

• Introduction to photogrammetry and 3D reconstruction
• Processing aerial imagery into orthomosaics, digital elevation models (DEM), and 3D point clouds
• Software training (Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, RealityCapture)
• Accuracy assessment and error correction
• Hands-on session: processing real aerial data

Module 6: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Data Analysis

• Introduction to GIS and its role in drone mapping
• Georeferencing and spatial data management
• Integrating drone maps with GIS platforms (QGIS, ArcGIS)
• Overlaying drone maps with GIS datasets for analysis
• Hands-on GIS mapping and data analysis

Module 7: Industry-Specific Applications of Drone Mapping

• Construction & Infrastructure: Site monitoring, volumetric analysis, progress tracking
• Agriculture: Precision farming, crop health analysis, NDVI mapping
• Environmental Monitoring: Disaster response, forestry management, wildlife tracking
• Land Surveying & Real Estate: Topographic mapping, property surveys, urban planning
• Mining & Extraction: Stockpile measurements, mine site mapping
• Case studies of real-world drone mapping projects

Module 8: Advanced Techniques & Accuracy Improvement

• LiDAR vs. photogrammetry: when to use each
• Using Ground Control Points (GCPs) and RTK/PPK for high-precision mapping
• Troubleshooting common drone mapping issues
• Optimizing workflows for faster and more accurate results

Module 9: Data Interpretation & Project Workflow

• Interpreting and validating drone survey data
• Creating deliverables for clients (3D models, maps, reports)
• Workflow automation and cloud-based processing
• Legal and ethical considerations for sharing and storing drone data

Training Approach

This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in the respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.

Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training for executive assistants and administrative professionals, participants will be issued with a certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide training needs. A training needs assessment will be done on the training participants to collect data on the existing skills, knowledge gaps, training expectations and tailor-made needs.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue 

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808 

Terms of Payment:

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better

Online/ On-site (Nairobi, Kenya) Training Schedule