Drone Mapping Essentials Online Course

Drone Mapping Essentials

Led by industry expert Dylan Gorman, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to navigate complex aerial mapping projects and capitalize on opportunities in this fast growing segment of the drone industry.

“Excellent course that provides a deep-dive into the drone mapping discipline. Highly recommend!“

Kevin

Arizona

“I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know until I took this course. Awesome information, and a fantastic course. Dylan really knows his stuff. I’m inspired to get mapping.”

Kip

California

“Great training with very useful hands on exercises to help walk through mission planning, the mission, downloading and processing to create amazing deliverables.”

Matthew

Iowa

This course was great. I've been flying for about 4 years, and this course will help me refine my photo and video work. There are some new techniques that I learned that I can't wait to try!

What a very comprehensive and well presented presentation on the ins and outs of taking and editing of still and video images. I can not think of anything that you did not discuss. Well done!!

Become a drone mapping pro

Develop Technical Skills: Master the art of drone mapping by capturing aerial images and using specialized software for 3D mapping.
Select the Right Equipment: Choose the appropriate drone, camera, and software tailored to specific survey needs for optimal results.
Plan Flights Effectively: Execute flight paths with ample overlap to ensure thorough data capture, considering factors like altitude and obstacles.
Ensure Accuracy in Data Processing: Set up Ground Control Points (GCPs) and align captured data meticulously for precise 3D model creation.
Navigate Airspace Regulations: Understand and adhere to airspace regulations and legal requirements for safe and compliant drone operation.
Thrive in Competitive Markets: Identify target markets such as construction and agriculture, building a strong portfolio to succeed in the competitive drone mapping industry.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Why Choose Us

1 One-on-one
Support

Email, call or send us a voice message. You get unlimited support for your burning questions. Our course is online, but you won’t be on your own.

2 Money-back
guarantee

Not 100% satisfied with the course during the first 30 days? Let us know and we will give you your money back. No questions asked!

3 lifetime
access

Enjoy lifetime access to all course materials, keeping you updated with the latest information long after you enrolled.

Full Curriculum

Learn everything in 9 hours — with 102 step-by-step lessons you can watch anytime, anywhere.

Course Overview

1.1 Course Introduction

1.2 Instructor Introduction

1.3 Course Navigation

1.4 Course Curriculum Overview

1.5 Course Materials

1.6 Glossary of Aerial Mapping Terms

1.7 Need Help? Contact Us

What is Photogrammetry?

2.1 Module 2 Overview

2.2 How Aerial Photogrammetry Evolved

2.3 How Drones in Photogrammetry Have Evolved

2.4 The Math Behind Photogrammetry – The Concepts

2.5 Photogrammetry vs LiDAR – Are They the Same?

2.6 Module 2 Quiz

2.7 Module 2 Resources

Industries That Use Drone Mapping

3.1 Module 3 Overview

3.2 Industries That Use Drone Mapping

3.3 How AEC Uses Drone Mapping

3.4 How Engineers Use Drone Mapping

3.5 Construction Drone Mapping Use Cases

3.6 Engineering Drone Mapping Use Cases

3.7 Module 3 Resources

Equipment Overview

4.1 Module 4 Overview

4.2 Drones Used for Mapping

4.3 3 Categories for Quads

4.4 Camera Sensors Used for Mapping

4.5 Science Behind Camera Sensors

4.6 Field Tools for Photogrammetry & Mapping

4.7 Office Tools for Photogrammetry & Mapping

4.8 Accuracy Tools for Photogrammetry & Mapping

4.9 Equipment Checklist

4.10 Module 4 Quiz

How to Generate Accurate Maps

5.1 Module 5 Overview

5.2 What Is Visual Accuracy?

5.3 Case Study (Solving for GSD on Pavement Assessment Project)

5.4 GSD Data Sample Breakdown

5.5 How to Solve for GSD

5.6 Lesson 1 Quiz

5.7 What Is Physical Accuracy?

5.8 What Are GCPs?

5.9 Understanding the Systems Behind GCPs

5.10 NGS Monuments for GCPs

5.11 Lesson 2 Quiz

5.12 What Is PPK?

5.13 CORS & Base Stations for PPK

5.14 Use NGS for PPK

5.15 Lesson 3 Quiz

5.16 What Is RTK?

5.17 What Is an RTK Network?

5.18 RTK Network Resources

5.19 Data Comparison (RTK vs Non-RTK)

5. 20 Lesson 4 Quiz

5.21 ASPRS – What Is It?

5.22 Types of Data Covered

5.23 Accuracy Classes

5.24 Horizontal & Vertical Accuracy

5.25 How to Meet ASPRS Standards

5.26 Lesson 5 Quiz

5.27 Module 5 Resources

Methodology for Data Acquisition

6.1 Module 6 Overview

6.2 Nadir Capture

6.3 Oblique Capture

6.4 Vertical Capture

6.5 Methods of Data Capture

6.6 Mission Planning Best Practices

6.7 Mission Planning Guide

6.8 Module 6 Quiz

Software for Data Acquisition + Deep Dive

7.1 Module 7 Overview

7.2 What Is Data Acquisition Software?

7.3 Two Types of Software

7.4 DJI Pilot 2 Deep Dive

7.5 Drone Link Deep Dive

7.6 Drone Deploy Deep Dive

7.7 Mission Planning Checklist

7.8 Data Acquisition Software Overview

Software for Data Processing & Visualization + Deep Dive

8.1 Module 8 Overview

8.2 What Is Data Processing Software?

8.3 Types of Data Processing Software

8.4 WebODM Deep Dive

8.5 Pix4D Matic Deep Dive

8.6 Drone Deploy Deep Dive

8.7 Data Processing & Visualization Software Overview

Full Process for Data Acquisition

9.1 Module 9 Overview

9.2 Mission Planning Refresher

9.3 Setting Up a Safe Area of Operations (SAOO)

9.4 DJI Pilot 2 Full Process

9.5 Drone Link Full Process

9.6 Drone Deploy Full Process

9.7 Data Offload Procedures

9.8 Module 9 Data Download

9.9 Data Capture Checklist

Full Process for Data Processing (2D Maps)

10.1 Module 10 Overview

10.2 Module 10 Application Downloads

10.3 Project Setup Best Procedures

10.4 2D WebODM Data Processing

10.5 2D Drone Deploy Data Processing

10.6 2D Pix4D Matic Data Processing

Ground Control Point (GCP) Utilization & Workflows

11.1 Module 11 Overview

11.2 GCP Control Book Review

11.3 Setting Control On Site

11.4 Locating GCPs On Site

11.5 Visually Marking Control On Site

11.6 Best Methods for GCP Data Capture

11.7 Live GCP Data Capture

11.8 Project Setup Best Procedures

11.9 GCP Full Process – Pix4D Matic

11.10 GCP Full Process – Drone Deploy

11.11 Module 11 Data Download

11.12 GCP Data Capture Checklist

Precision Mapping with Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) Workflows

12.1 Module 12 Overview

12.2 Mission Planning for PPK

12.3 Using CORS for PPK

12.4 Using NGS for PPK

12.5 Equipment for PPK

12.6 Project Setup Best Procedures

12.7 Emlid Studio for PPK Processing

12.8 Module 12 Data Download

12.9 PPK Data Capture Checklist

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Processing Workflows

13.1 Module 13 Overview

13.2 Best Process for RTK Data Capture

13.3 Mission Planning for RTK Capture

13.4 Equipment for RTK Capture

13.5 RTK vs GCPs

13.6 RTK via NTRIP

13.7 RTK via Private Base Station

13.8 RTK via D-RTK 2

13.9 RTK Data Processing

13.10 Module 13 Data Download

13.11 RTK Data Capture Checklist

Professional Data Deliverable Production

14.1 Module 14 Overview

14.2 What Are Deliverables

14.3 Deliverable Creation with WebODM

14.4 Deliverable Creation with Pix4D Matic

14.5 Deliverable Creation with Drone Deploy

14.6 Module 14 Data Download

Final Exam

15.1 Final Exam Prep

15.2 Final Exam Study Guide

15.3 Final Exam

15.4 Congratulations on Completing the Course! Need a Certificate of Completion?

15.5 Leave Us a Review

Your Drone Mapping Course Instructor

Dylan Gorman
Founder, PilotByte

Dylan Gorman is the founder of Pilotbyte and an experienced commercial drone pilot with over 10 years of experience, the last 5 of which have been focused on drone photogrammetry. He has completed and managed over 5000 flight missions in this field and has a successful track record in the industry. Gorman has also sold a drone business and now works as an educator in the drone space, sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE COURSE

Do I need my Part 107 to take this course?

IF you are flying recreationally then NO. But if you plan to use this to build a new technical skill to sell as a service then you WILL need a Part 107 certification to fly legally. View our Part 107 test prep, Drone Pilot Ground School here.

Do I need to pay for any software to take the course?

NO, within this course you will learn about FREE software for mapping and data processing.

What drone should I use for mapping?

This depends on a variety of factors. This is a topic that we go in depth on within the online course.

Is there a certificate of completion after I complete the course?

Yes, upon completion of the course you will receive a certificate of completion.

Is there a final exam for this course?

Yes, there is a final exam after module 14 that you will need to pass in order to generate your certificate of completion.

If I fail the exam, will I need to pay for the course again?

No, the exam is administered through our learning platform and you can take it as many times as you need in order to pass the exam.

How do I access the course materials?

The course is 100% online. As soon as you sign up, you will be able to see the entire course. You can access the lessons anytime, anywhere – on your desktop, tablet or phone.

Can I take the online course without attending the Drone Mapping Essentials workshop?

Yes, the Drone Mapping Essentials online course does not require the purchase of the 1 day workshop.

If I enroll into the Drone Mapping Essentials 1 day workshop, do I also need to buy the Drone Mapping Essentials online course?

No, the Drone Mapping Essentials online course is included for free with the purchase of a 2 day workshop enrollment.

PAYING FOR THE COURSE

How do we pay for our team to take the course?

Contact us at 888-626-1490 or enroll@uavcoach.com, and we’ll send an invoice to you and/or the appropriate person in your organization. We accept payments by credit card, ACH, PayPal and check.

Can you process purchase orders?

We’re happy to accept POs and can complete any vendor paperwork necessary.

My organization is tax-exempt - how can we sign up?

If your organization is tax-exempt, please email a copy of your state-issued tax-exempt form to enroll@uavcoach.com, including the number of people you wish to enroll.

We already signed up and paid tax even though we’re tax exempt - what can we do now?

Send a quick email, including a copy of your purchase receipt and your state sales tax exemption certificate, to enroll@uavcoach.com. A sales tax refund will be issued within 7 days.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

What do I do if I need help?

We’re here to help! For technical support as well as questions about the course content, email us at support@uavcoach.com. You can also leave us a voice message by pressing the “Ask a Question by Voicemail” button inside the course.

What if I’m unhappy with the course?

We want to hear from you. Email us at support@uavcoach.com and give us your feedback. If we can’t make it right, you can rely on our 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.