Drone Applications in Ecology

This course provides an introduction to drone applications as they pertain to ecological and natural resources sciences and management disciplines, including wildlife management, agriculture, and other land management sciences.  Emphasis will be on small, unmanned aircraft systems and a broad range of topics will be covered, including a brief history of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), aircraft and payload applications, mapping techniques, and remote sensing fundamentals.  The dynamics of emerging UAS technologies will be addressed and hands-on exercises will introduce techniques using sample software applications.  

• Contact us about group rates and private training options

Summer: Jun 1 – Sept 6, 2026

Fall: Sept 8 – Dec 20, 2026 (Early bird ends August 9)

*Early bird saves $75

• Access to Adobe PhotoShop or any equivalent photo editing software.

• Drone Pilot Preparation (FAA Part 107 certificate and simulator training) is recommended. 

• FAA TRUST certificate is required before performing sUAS flights in the United States. 

Module 1: Aircraft Types

Learning Objective: This unit provides an overview of the various UAS aircraft available.

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate understanding of the history of sUAS

• Interpret how different types of drones can be used for specific purposes

• Identify components of a UAS

• Apply relationships between pilot and specific aircraft applications

Module 2: Payloads

Learning Objective: Identify payload applications associated with sUAS

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore various data capture payload sensors including:

·  Photographic cameras

·  LiDAR

·  Remote Sensing

·  Infrared/Thermal

·  Passive and Active Sensors

·  Emerging sensor technologies

• Understand principles of Remote Sensing

• Demonstrate an understanding of mechanical payloads including transport/delivery

Module 3: Drones and Terrestrial Ecology

Learning Objective: Become familiar with sampling plant communities with drones.

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate how to program a flight to capture landforms imagery

• Demonstrate how to produce an orthomosaic map

• Recognize capabilities and limitations of existing sensing technologies

Module 4: Sampling Fauna with drones

Learning Objective: Become familiar with sampling animal populations with drones

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate the ethical use of UAS to obtain data.

• Review and summarize literature pertaining to tracking animals

• Discuss risks and opportunities associated with sampling animal populations