Course Details

Advanced Drone Surveying Projects and Field Practicum Training Course

Introduction

Elevate your drone surveying capabilities from theory to unparalleled practical mastery with our intensive 10-day "Advanced Drone Surveying Projects and Field Practicum" training course. Designed for seasoned drone operators, geospatial professionals, and surveyors who have a solid foundation in drone mapping and photogrammetry, this immersive program focuses on tackling complex, real-world surveying challenges. You will gain invaluable hands-on experience through extensive field exercises and project-based learning, addressing diverse terrains, critical accuracy requirements, and intricate data acquisition scenarios that simulate actual industry demands.

This advanced practicum emphasizes strategic mission planning for large-scale and challenging projects, optimizing RTK/PPK workflows in varied environments, meticulous field data acquisition, and robust quality control from the ground up. Participants will troubleshoot real-time field issues, manage project logistics, and hone their skills in a practical setting, ensuring they can confidently execute high-precision drone surveying projects from conception to successful data capture. This course is your definitive step towards becoming a highly proficient and capable drone surveying professional.

Duration

 10 Days

Target Audience

The "Advanced Drone Surveying Projects and Field Practicum" training course is tailored for professionals who already possess a strong foundation in drone operation, photogrammetry, and ideally, some experience with RTK/PPK techniques. This course is designed for those who want to transition from basic understanding to advanced, real-world project execution. Ideal participants include:

• Experienced Land Surveyors: Seeking to integrate and master drone technology for complex survey projects and enhance field efficiency.
• Geospatial Project Managers: Who need to understand the practical nuances and challenges of advanced drone data acquisition and project execution.
• Senior Drone Pilots/Operators: Aiming to specialize in high-precision, large-scale surveying and mapping services.
• Civil Engineers and Construction Professionals: Responsible for complex site mapping, volumetric analysis, and as-built surveys.
• Mining and Quarrying Professionals: Requiring highly accurate and frequent surveys of large operational areas.
• Environmental Consultants: For detailed topographic and environmental mapping in challenging natural environments.
• GIS Analysts: Who understand drone data processing conceptually but need hands-on field experience in data acquisition.
• Anyone aspiring to lead or execute complex drone surveying projects.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Advanced Drone Surveying Projects and Field Practicum" training course, participants will be able to:

• Strategically plan and execute complex drone surveying missions for large-scale and challenging terrains.
• Master advanced RTK/PPK workflows in diverse field conditions, minimizing reliance on traditional GCPs.
• Implement rigorous field data acquisition protocols to ensure the highest level of data accuracy and integrity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve common challenges encountered during advanced drone surveying operations in real-time.
• Conduct comprehensive in-field quality control assessments of acquired drone data and GNSS observations.
• Effectively manage project logistics, crew coordination, and safety protocols for large-scale field deployments.
• Optimize drone operations for specific surveying deliverables, including precise DTMs, high-density point clouds, and volumetric data.
• Integrate various surveying instruments (e.g., total stations, RTK GNSS) for hybrid data collection where necessary.
• Assess site-specific complexities and adapt mission strategies for optimal data capture.
• Develop a professional methodology for planning, executing, and validating advanced drone surveying projects.

Course Modules

Module 1: Advanced Project Planning & Scope Definition

• Defining project objectives and deliverables for complex surveying tasks.
• Understanding different client requirements and accuracy specifications (e.g., engineering-grade, cadastral).
• Strategic site reconnaissance: identifying ground conditions, obstacles, and access points.
• Legal and regulatory considerations for large-scale field operations (e.g., special permits).
• Developing comprehensive project proposals and resource allocation plans.

Module 2: High-Precision GNSS & Base Station Deployment

• Advanced base station setup and configuration for optimal RTK/PPK performance in varied environments.
• Understanding different base station types: CORS, private networks, and static setups.
• Techniques for robust GNSS signal acquisition and mitigation of signal interference.
• Integration of high-precision GNSS receivers with total stations for complementary data.
• Troubleshooting common base station issues in the field (e.g., connectivity, data logging).

Module 3: Advanced Flight Planning & Execution for Complex Sites

• Designing intricate flight plans for challenging terrains: steep slopes, dense vegetation, narrow corridors.
• Utilizing terrain-following capabilities for consistent GSD over varied elevation.
• Strategies for maximizing image overlap and sidelap in complex 3D environments.
• Optimizing drone flight parameters for specific deliverables (e.g., high-density point clouds, detailed orthophotos).
• Executing autonomous and semi-autonomous flights with advanced flight control software.

Module 4: Field Data Acquisition Techniques (Photogrammetry)

• Hands-on execution of advanced photogrammetry missions in diverse outdoor settings.
• Techniques for capturing oblique imagery and specific angles for 3D model completeness.
• Best practices for image consistency: exposure, focus, white balance management across multiple flights.
• Efficient data offloading and in-field backup procedures.
• Strategies for managing multiple drone batteries and extended operational times.

Module 5: Field Data Acquisition Techniques (LiDAR Integration)

• Understanding the specific requirements for drone-LiDAR data acquisition.
• Planning LiDAR missions for optimal point density and ground penetration.
• Hands-on deployment and operation of drone-mounted LiDAR systems (if available).
• Calibrating and verifying LiDAR system performance in the field.
• Collecting complementary imagery for LiDAR data colorization.

Module 6: Ground Control Points (GCPs) & Independent Checkpoints (ICPs) Mastery

• Advanced strategies for strategic GCP placement to control project accuracy and minimize quantity.
• Precise measurement of GCPs and ICPs using survey-grade GNSS receivers and total stations.
• Techniques for establishing local coordinate systems for project control.
• Field validation of GCP coordinates and integrity.
• Documenting GCP locations and measurement methodologies comprehensively.

Module 7: In-Field Quality Control & Data Validation

• Real-time monitoring of drone telemetry, GNSS status, and image capture quality during flight.
• Performing immediate in-field visual inspection of acquired imagery for coverage and clarity.
• Conducting quick data integrity checks to identify potential issues before leaving the site.
• Using rudimentary in-field processing tools for preliminary accuracy assessment.
• Establishing a systematic QA/QC checklist for all field operations.

Module 8: Troubleshooting & Problem Solving in the Field

• Diagnosing and resolving common drone hardware malfunctions (e.g., GPS signal loss, IMU errors).
• Addressing flight control software issues and unexpected behaviors.
• Managing adverse weather conditions and unexpected site changes.
• Strategies for data recovery in case of drone crashes or data corruption.
• Decision-making protocols for continuing, pausing, or aborting a mission due to field challenges.

Module 9: Project Management & Crew Coordination

• Effective communication strategies within a drone surveying team.
• Role assignment and responsibilities for pilot, visual observer, and ground crew.
• Logistics planning: equipment transport, power sources, shelter, and security.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive safety plan for advanced field operations.
• Post-mission debriefing and continuous improvement processes.

Module 10: Post-Practicum Data Handoff & Project Closure

• Organizing and delivering well-structured raw drone data and field notes for post-processing.
• Preparing a detailed field report summarizing mission parameters, challenges, and successes.
• Discussing the implications of field data quality on final processing and deliverables.
• Reviewing best practices for data storage and archiving.
• Reflecting on lessons learned from practical projects and preparing for future advanced operations.

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