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 It is not exhaustive, and some information may be incomplete or outdated.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.
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Institution Name
DartDrones
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Duke University
Pix4d
Drone Valk
Type of the institutions
Profit/ Private Institutions
Educational 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
Main Language or Languages
English
English with 21 online translation
Portuguese
Delivery Method
Interactive
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, 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.
Depend on the course, several courses available.
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, Professionals
Professionals
Course Description
Curriculum Designed:
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
learning outcomes depend on the course. Several courses available
Course URL
Virtual Mapping and Modeling Workshop - DARTdrones
https://www.edx.org/learn/science/university-of-alaska-fairbanks-unmanned-aerial-systems-uas-fundamentals?index=product&objectID=course-358335f2-b350-41ad-bb95-c01bc0bdd91e&webview=false&campaign=Unmanned+Aerial+Systems+%28UAS%29%3A+Fundamentals&source=edX&product_category=course&placement_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.edx.org%2Flearn%2Fdrones
https://www.coursera.org/learn/drones-for-environmental-science
https://training.pix4d.com/pages/online-courses
https://www.udemy.com/course/drone-legislacao-levantamento-e-processamento-de-imagens/?couponCode=ST10MT8624#instructor-1
https://www.udemy.com/course/sig-com-arcgis-basico-ao-avancado/?couponCode=ST10MT8624
7
8
The Pennsylvania State University
Wageningen University & Research
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Drones for Agriculture: Prepare and Design Your Drone (UAV) Mission
Drones for Agriculture: Advanced Sensing and Analysis
UAS Applications and Operations in Environmental Science courses series
10 weeks
3 weeks
6 weeks/
18 weeks
193 Euro
140 US dollar
209 US dollar
2000 US dollar per course- Entire Sequence 4,200 US dollar
3 ECTs
2.5 ECTs
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
Environmental Science and monitoring, UAV operations
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:
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!
No information
Students
Students, Professionals
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
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 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.
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:
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
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!
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.
https://geospatial.psu.edu/geog892
https://www.mooc-list.com/course/drones-agriculture-prepare-and-design-your-drone-uav-mission-edx
https://www.edx.org/learn/drones/wageningen-university-research-drones-for-agriculture-prepare-and-design-your-drone-uav-mission?index=product&queryID=e659cd3f16128ffdf1d813f65fc976f3&position=2&results_level=first-level-results&term=drone&objectID=course-90a35a07-2d42-4080-be6d-6e69bf786899&campaign=Drones+for+Agriculture%3A+Prepare+and+Design+Your+Drone+%28UAV%29+Mission&source=edX&product_category=course&placement_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.edx.org%2Fsearch
And
https://www.wur.nl/en/show/Drones-for-Agriculture-Prepare-and-Design-Your-Drone-UAV-Mission.htm
https://www.edx.org/learn/drones/wageningen-university-research-drones-for-agriculture-advanced-sensing-and-analysis?index=product&queryID=37dd28297ab75ba43ad5003b1da37b1c&position=3&results_level=first-level-results&term=drone&objectID=course-941d1e0a-758c-4792-acbe-e50aef58a236&campaign=Drones+for+Agriculture%3A+Advanced+Sensing+and+Analysis&source=edX&product_category=course&placement_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.edx.org%2Fsearch
https://marineuas.net/new/education/
University of Twente/ ITC Faculty
Earth Observation with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
1395 Euro
5 ECTs
precision agriculture; mapping applied to water control in rural flood-affected areas; application in AI-based scene understanding.
There are no specific admission requirements. Basic knowledge of imagery and using UAVs are positive elements of attending this course.
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.
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.
https://www.itc.nl/education/study-finder/earth-observation-with-unmanned-aerial-vehicles/
1. DJI Terra
2. Pix4Dmapper
3. Agisoft Metashape
4. DroneDeploy
5. Propeller
6. Mapware
7. DroneMaps by Skycatch
8. 3D Survey
9. Pixpro
10. PhotoModeler
11. 3DF ZEPHYR
1. OpenDroneMap (ODM)
2. OpenSfM
1. Pix4D Dataset
2. AgEagle (SenseFly Resources)
3. Mid-Air Dataset
4. VisDrone Dataset
5. UAV Sample Dataset
6. ASL Dataset
7. Stanford Drone Dataset
8. Okutama-Action Dataset
9. Zurich Urban Micro Aerial Vehicle Dataset
10. Open Cities AI Challenge Dataset
11. IEEE Datasets
12. ODMData
13. UseGeo Dataset