This course introduces students to the fundamentals of mapping with small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (soaps) using digital imaging sensors to produce high resolution, spatially accurate 2D and 3D geospatial data products. The course will cover the full spectrum of UAS mapping from survey design to data processing to product assessment. Students will learn the principles of UAS data acquisition for photogrammetric purposes including spatial referencing and establishment of ground control. Industry relevant commercial software will be utilized to process image sequences and derive planimetric maps, reflectance products, and 3D models of the terrain.

Analysis workflows will be conducted to assess the spatial fidelity of derived data products and optimize results for client needs. Techniques learned in this course can be applied to a variety of geospatial applications and various examples will be presented. This is the second of the four courses required to earn the UAS Marketable Skills Award (MSA).