Course Details

Drone Data Acquisition Techniques for Surveying Training Course

INTRODUCTION

Master the art and science of precise data capture with our "Drone Data Acquisition Techniques for Surveying" training course. This specialized program is designed for surveying professionals, geospatial technicians, and drone operators who aim to maximize the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of their drone-based mapping projects. Delving beyond basic flight operations, this course focuses on the critical methodologies for acquiring high-quality imagery and LiDAR data that meet the stringent demands of modern surveying, engineering, and land management applications.

This intensive training emphasizes best practices in mission planning, sensor calibration, real-time kinematics (RTK) and post-processed kinematics (PPK) workflows, and meticulous field procedures to ensure data integrity from the moment of capture. Participants will gain invaluable hands-on experience with industry-standard drones and accessories, learning to mitigate common acquisition challenges and optimize their workflows for diverse terrain and project specifications. Elevate your surveying capabilities and confidently deliver survey-grade results by mastering the essential techniques for superior drone data acquisition.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

The "Drone Data Acquisition Techniques for Surveying" training course is ideal for professionals who already have foundational knowledge of drone operations and photogrammetry, and who specifically seek to enhance their skills in high-accuracy data collection for surveying and mapping purposes. This includes:

• Land Surveyors and Geodetic Engineers: Seeking to integrate advanced drone data into their established workflows.
• Surveying Technicians: Responsible for field data collection and processing.
• GIS Analysts and Specialists: Who need to understand the nuances of drone data acquisition for better data integration and analysis.
• Civil Engineers: Requiring precise site data for design, construction, and progress monitoring.
• Experienced Drone Pilots: Looking to specialize in high-accuracy surveying and mapping applications.
• Project Managers (Geospatial/Construction): Overseeing drone data collection efforts and needing to understand quality control.
• Remote Sensing Professionals: Interested in the practicalities of drone-based data capture.
• Consultants: Advising clients on best practices for drone surveying projects.
• Researchers: Utilizing drones for precise geospatial data collection in academic or scientific studies.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the "Drone Data Acquisition Techniques for Surveying" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the advanced principles of drone-based data acquisition for survey-grade accuracy.
• Master the proper setup and calibration of survey-grade drone systems, including RTK/PPK GNSS modules.
• Design and execute optimal flight plans for complex terrains and specific surveying deliverables.
• Implement best practices for Ground Control Point (GCP) placement and measurement for optimal accuracy.
• Utilize RTK and PPK workflows effectively to achieve high positional accuracy and reduce reliance on numerous GCPs.
• Understand and apply techniques for acquiring data with specialized sensors such as LiDAR and high-resolution RGB cameras.
• Perform comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks to ensure data integrity and mission success.
• Identify and mitigate common challenges in drone data acquisition (e.g., GPS signal loss, lighting conditions, terrain changes).
• Implement robust quality control (QC) procedures in the field for captured data.
• Prepare drone-acquired data for seamless integration into photogrammetry and GIS processing workflows.

COURSE MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of Survey-Grade Drone Data Acquisition

• Review of core surveying principles relevant to drone data (coordinate systems, geoids, datums).
• Understanding the sources of error in drone data acquisition (GNSS, IMU, camera calibration, atmospheric).
• Introduction to absolute vs. relative accuracy and precision in drone surveying.
• Overview of the complete drone surveying workflow: planning, acquisition, processing, analysis.
• Importance of established surveying standards and specifications for drone deliverables.

Module 2: Advanced Drone Hardware for Surveying

• In-depth look at survey-grade drone platforms (e.g., DJI Matrice 350 RTK, WingtraOne, Quantum Systems Trinity F90+).
• Understanding integrated RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) and PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) GNSS systems.
• Exploring high-resolution RGB cameras, large format sensors, and their specifications for mapping.
• Introduction to drone-mounted LiDAR systems and their key components (scanner, IMU, GNSS).
• Proper setup, calibration, and maintenance of survey-grade drone hardware.

Module 3: RTK & PPK Workflows for High Accuracy

• Detailed explanation of RTK technology: how it works, advantages, and limitations in real-time.
• In-depth explanation of PPK technology: how it works, advantages, and post-processing steps.
• Comparison of RTK vs. PPK: when to use each, and their respective impacts on field procedures and accuracy.
• Understanding base station setup and configuration for RTK/PPK corrections.
• Practical considerations for achieving centimeter-level accuracy with RTK/PPK drones.

Module 4: Advanced Mission Planning for Surveying

• Utilizing professional flight planning software (e.g., UgCS, DJI Pilot 2, Pix4Dcapture) for complex missions.
• Designing optimal flight paths for various surveying tasks: topographic, corridor, volumetric, inspection.
• Strategies for achieving required GSD and overlap in challenging terrains (steep slopes, dense vegetation).
• Planning for optimal lighting conditions, sun angles, and shadow reduction.
• Techniques for managing large project areas with multiple flight blocks and seamless transitions.

Module 5: Ground Control Points (GCPs) & Checkpoints for Accuracy

• Principles of GCP placement: distribution, density, and visibility for optimal results.
• Best practices for measuring GCPs using traditional survey equipment (e.g., Total Station, RTK GNSS rover).
• Understanding the difference between GCPs and independent checkpoints for validation.
• Field procedures for efficient and accurate GCP deployment and measurement.
• Data management for GCP coordinates and integration into processing workflows.

Module 6: LiDAR Data Acquisition Principles & Field Operations

• Review of LiDAR technology specifically for drone-based surveying.
• Understanding LiDAR sensor parameters: pulse rate, scan pattern, multiple returns, intensity.
• Designing LiDAR flight missions for specific deliverables (e.g., bare earth DTM, power line mapping).
• Field calibration procedures for LiDAR systems and quality checks during acquisition.
• Challenges in LiDAR acquisition (e.g., laser penetration, sensor noise) and mitigation strategies.

Module 7: In-Field Quality Control & Data Integrity

• Real-time monitoring of flight parameters and sensor performance during acquisition.
• On-site review of captured imagery/data for coverage, focus, and quality issues.
• Implementing systematic data transfer, backup, and organization procedures in the field.
• Troubleshooting common field acquisition problems: GPS errors, sensor malfunctions, battery issues.
• Importance of detailed flight logs and field notes for post-processing and project documentation.

Module 8: Data Acquisition for Specialized Surveying Deliverables

• Techniques for capturing data specifically for volumetric calculations (stockpiles, open-pit mines).
• Strategies for linear asset mapping (roads, pipelines, power lines) using corridor flights.
• Best practices for acquiring data for high-detail 3D modeling of structures and infrastructure.
• Understanding data requirements for as-built surveys and construction monitoring.
• Case studies illustrating successful data acquisition for specific complex surveying projects.

Module 9: Post-Processing of GNSS Data (for PPK Workflows)

• Introduction to GNSS post-processing software (e.g., DJI Terra, NovAtel Waypoint, Emlid Studio).
• Importing raw GNSS observations from the drone and base station.
• Processing kinematic data to generate highly accurate trajectory and photo positions.
• Quality assessment of post-processed GNSS results (fixed solutions, residuals).
• Integration of corrected positions into photogrammetry software for precise georeferencing.

Module 10: Advanced Surveying Applications & Future Trends

• Integrating drone-acquired data with traditional survey methods (Total Station, RTK GPS) for hybrid solutions.
• Understanding data format requirements for various surveying software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation).
• Exploring emerging technologies: drone swarms, AI for automated feature extraction, real-time mapping.
• Discussion on the evolution of regulations and industry standards for drone surveying.
• Strategic planning for integrating advanced drone data acquisition capabilities into a surveying business.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com