Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for GEO 254 Winter 2025


Course Number:
GEO 254
Course Title:
Geospatial Modeling with Drones II
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
30

Course Description

Focuses on high precision drone and terrestrial geospatial modeling. Addresses advanced principles and concepts of the workflow for medium and large sized drones, terrestrial laser scanners, and high accuracy and precision GPS to create digitally derived Point Clouds, Digital Terrain Models, Digital Surface Models, 3D objects, and Orthomosaics with the intent of extracting data for use in multiple platforms. Required: Current Part 107 Certificate of Authorization from the FAA or meet course prerequisites. Prerequisites: (GEO 265 and GEO 252) or instructor permission. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

  • Conduct high accuracy drone imagery and/or drone LiDAR surveys using effective planning to execute autonomous flights using industry standard desktop and mobile software.

  • Execute terrestrial laser scans with industry standard desktop and mobile software using effective planning.

  • Create detailed visualizations using an advanced understanding of virtual reality data capture techniques.

  • Collect ground control data using high accuracy GPS technologies.

  • Perform post-flight data processing to create high accuracy products from drone and terrestrial scanning data capture.

  • Manage large scale drone projects using Crew Resource Management (CRM) to accomplish more complex drone operations.

Aspirational Goals

Be efficient and resourceful to problem solve both technical and process-oriented issues. Analyze the capabilities, limitations, and features of technology and equipment to create digital imaging products that meet a client’s needs.

Course Activities and Design

The materials in this course will be presented in a computer lab and field setting through classroom lecture, discussion, software demonstrations, drone flying in: urban, exurban and rural settings, and computer-based assignments.  Other methods may be implemented such as small group work, guest speakers, and in-class activities. 

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of themes, concepts, issues, competencies and skills by any combination of the following:

  •  Written results of class labs and exercises

  • Completion of exams and quizzes

  • Completion of a final project

  • In-class discussions

  • Drone flying drills

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Content, Themes, Concepts

  • Drone ethics, regulations, and licensing

  • Drone Crew Resource Management (CRM)

  • Drone operation planning and execution for geospatial data acquisition

  • Intelligent/autonomous mission planning

  • Photogrammetry: visual image interpretation, digital image processing for GIS

  • Terrestrial laser scanning ethics, regulations, and licensing

  • Terrestrial scanning Crew Resource Management (CRM)

  • Terrestrial laser scanner operation planning and execution for geospatial data acquisition

  • Processing virtual data for 3D and 2D extraction and export to multiple platforms

  • Applications of remotely sensed data and imagery

  • Applications of terrestrial data and imagery

Issues & Skills

  • Types, uses, and analyses of small and medium drone systems and data

  • Troubleshoot technical issues

  • Ethical flight operation and camera operation

  • Limitations of small and medium drone systems: flight times, transmission ranges

  • Limitations of small and medium drone pilots: visual line of sight, pilot physiology

  • Capture, compile, analyze, and display drone derived products.