Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Operations
Choosing the UAS that works best for your needs is just the start of a successful survey. A successful survey must be carefully planned, safely executed, and processed correctly. In this course you will learn the theory, and practice the application of mission planning, conducting flights, and working with the data that is collected. In the first section you will learn how to plan a mission for a UAS flight, and the many considerations you must take into account including logistics, permissions, determining the area of interest, setting the flying height and flight paths, among many other factors.
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Choosing the UAS that works best for your needs is just the start of a successful survey. A successful survey must be carefully planned, safely executed, and processed correctly. In this course you will learn the theory, and practice the application of mission planning, conducting flights, and working with the data that is collected. In the first section you will learn how to plan a mission for a UAS flight, and the many considerations you must take into account including logistics, permissions, determining the area of interest, setting the flying height and flight paths, among many other factors.
Choosing the UAS that works best for your needs is just the start of a successful survey. A successful survey must be carefully planned, safely executed, and processed correctly. In this course you will learn the theory, and practice the application of mission planning, conducting flights, and working with the data that is collected. In the first section you will learn how to plan a mission for a UAS flight, and the many considerations you must take into account including logistics, permissions, determining the area of interest, setting the flying height and flight paths, among many other factors.
In the next section, you will learn some of the basics of flying. While each platform will have its own set of procedures and protocols for it to fly, there are some basics that will apply for a large majority of aircraft. Here you will learn about flight safety, common regulations and rules, roles of the personnel on the ground, and hear about some accidents and lessons learned from others.
The last section will take a deep dive into the processing of optical images taken from UAS to derive orthomosaics and digital elevation models (DEMs) using Structure from Motion (SfM) software. SfM is now used across disciplines for industrial, commercial, and research applications. You will learn the basics of the technology, and work with a sample dataset to construct your own products.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How terrain and flight conditions affect data acquisition
- Best practices for creating flight plans for surveying and mapping
- How to add ground control and conduct accuracy assessments
- The basics of operations such as logistical support and crew resource management
- Professional tips and tricks for flying in various conditions and scenarios
- How weather and other external factors may impact your flights
- How terrain and flight conditions affect data acquisition
- Best practices for creating flight plans for surveying and mapping
- How to add ground control and conduct accuracy assessments
- The basics of operations such as logistical support and crew resource management
- Professional tips and tricks for flying in various conditions and scenarios
- How weather and other external factors may impact your flights
Syllabus
Good to know
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Activities
Create a course notebook
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Compile the syllabus, lecture notes, and readings in one digital or physical notebook.
Show steps
-
Create a table of contents
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Add the syllabus
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Make copies of the lecture notes and readings
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Set up a system for organizing new notes
Follow tutorials on flight planning software
Show steps
Complete a flight planning tutorial to become familiar with the software's features.
Show steps
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Search for tutorials on YouTube or Google
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Watch a few tutorials to find one that is clear and easy to follow
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Follow the steps in the tutorial to create a flight plan
Review 'Introduction to UAV Systems' by Paul Fahlstrom
Show steps
Read sections on mission planning to familiarize with the basic concepts.
View
Introduction to UAV Systems
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the first three chapters
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Outline the steps for mission planning
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Describe the differences between SfM and photogrammetry
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Plan a mock mission for a specific surveying task
Show steps
Apply concepts of mission planning to a real-world scenario and consider the logistical requirements.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific surveying task, such as mapping a construction site or inspecting a bridge
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Research the area to be surveyed and identify any potential hazards
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Determine the flight path and altitude that will be used
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Calculate the amount of time that the mission will take
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Identify the equipment and personnel that will be needed
Attend a local drone meetup or conference
Show steps
Network with other individuals and organizations in the field of UAV surveying to learn about topics beyond the course.
Show steps
-
Search for local drone meetups or conferences
-
Register for the event and attend
-
Introduce yourself to other attendees and ask questions about their work
Develop a presentation on the applications of UAVs in surveying
Show steps
Summarize the potential of UAV technology for the course material
Show steps
-
Research the different applications of UAVs in surveying
-
Identify the benefits and limitations of using UAVs for surveying
-
Create a presentation that is clear, concise, and engaging
Create a course notebook
Show steps
Compile the syllabus, lecture notes, and readings in one digital or physical notebook.
Show steps
- Create a table of contents
- Add the syllabus
- Make copies of the lecture notes and readings
- Set up a system for organizing new notes
Follow tutorials on flight planning software
Show steps
Complete a flight planning tutorial to become familiar with the software's features.
Show steps
- Search for tutorials on YouTube or Google
- Watch a few tutorials to find one that is clear and easy to follow
- Follow the steps in the tutorial to create a flight plan
Review 'Introduction to UAV Systems' by Paul Fahlstrom
Show steps
Read sections on mission planning to familiarize with the basic concepts.
View
Introduction to UAV Systems
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read the first three chapters
- Outline the steps for mission planning
- Describe the differences between SfM and photogrammetry
Plan a mock mission for a specific surveying task
Show steps
Apply concepts of mission planning to a real-world scenario and consider the logistical requirements.
Show steps
- Choose a specific surveying task, such as mapping a construction site or inspecting a bridge
- Research the area to be surveyed and identify any potential hazards
- Determine the flight path and altitude that will be used
- Calculate the amount of time that the mission will take
- Identify the equipment and personnel that will be needed
Attend a local drone meetup or conference
Show steps
Network with other individuals and organizations in the field of UAV surveying to learn about topics beyond the course.
Show steps
- Search for local drone meetups or conferences
- Register for the event and attend
- Introduce yourself to other attendees and ask questions about their work
Develop a presentation on the applications of UAVs in surveying
Show steps
Summarize the potential of UAV technology for the course material
Show steps
- Research the different applications of UAVs in surveying
- Identify the benefits and limitations of using UAVs for surveying
- Create a presentation that is clear, concise, and engaging
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