Using Drones for Environmental Restoration

Overview

Drones (UAV / UAS) have revolutionized data collection for environmental restoration. Master data collection, processing, and analysis using drones in this 4-day shortcourse. Students will learn how to collect and analyze data for multiple restoration applications, including wildlife, forest, rangeland, and river systems. Data analysis focuses on the visible, thermal, and multi-spectral sensors commonly mounted on drones and includes photogrammetry, change detection, and classification modeling.

Course Description

Primary Learning Outcomes

Participants will master data collection, processing and analysis using drones:

1. Mission planning for environmental restoration applications (rivers, forests, wildlife, rangelands…)
2. Drone and sensor demos
3. Data Collection
4. Mosaicking visible, thermal, and multi-spectral imagery
5. Developing digital surface models
6. Approximating 3-D terrain using Structure-from-Motion Analyzing data for restoration monitoring and decision-making
7. Analyzing data for restoration monitoring and decision-making

Learn to apply course material for problem solving in the context of wetland management in the Intermountain West.

Included With Course:

• Drone imagery / datasets
• Photogrammetry software available during course (PIX4D)
• Drone demo field trips
• Bring drone imagery and/or drones, if desired

This course does not prepare students to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 commercial drone pilot license. Nor does this course teach the mechanics of flying drones. For courses on those topics, see the UAS emphasis in the Aviation BS degree or the UAS minor

Drone flying experience (as a commercial drone pilot or as a hobbyist) and remote sensing experience are helpful, but not required.

Reccomended Courses in Remote Sensing:

• WILD 5750 - Applied Remote Sensing
• NR 6940 - Principles of Remote Sensing

Course Materials

All course materials will be shared at the beginning of the course. 

Instructors

Associate Professor

Research Associate