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Course Description
This hands-on course focuses on advanced techniques for aerial data collection using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Students will explore the use of a variety of sensors, including active and passive technologies such as infrared, LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar, hyperspectral, and multispectral imagers. The course emphasizes practical applications, flight planning, sensor integration, and data collection. Students will design and execute flight missions, collect data, and analyze results in real-world scenarios.
Reflective Statement
Participating in this course significantly deepened my practical understanding of advanced aerial data collection using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Through hands-on experience with diverse active and passive sensors—including LiDAR, infrared, ground-penetrating radar, and multispectral imagers—I learned how to effectively select and integrate specific technologies to meet complex data requirements. One of the most impactful aspects was taking ownership of the entire data lifecycle: from meticulous flight planning and mission execution to the actual collection and analysis of spatial data in real-world environments. This comprehensive approach bridged the gap between theory and practice, equipping me with the confidence and technical proficiency needed to design, execute, and analyze sUAS missions for professional applications
Project 1-Wingtra
This project involved planning a comprehensive aerial mapping mission for the Atlantic Cape Community College Baseball Field. I used a WingtraOne GEN II drone with a Sony A6000 payload for data collection, and DroneDeploy for post-flight imagery and RTK data processing. My major tasks included configuring flight parameters for a 1.2 cm/px ground sample distance, establishing a network of five Ground Control Points and two Checkpoints, and developing risk mitigation strategies for site hazards like stadium lights and pedestrian traffic. Through this assignment, I developed and demonstrated skills in mission planning, hazard identification, altitude management, and survey-grade ground control placement. Ultimately, this project is important because it reflects the rigorous safety protocols and high-accuracy standards required in professional drone mapping and geospatial operations.
Project 2: MicaSense Altum-PT Multispectral Mission Planning for Vegetation Assessment
This project involved creating a professional multispectral flight plan for a data collection mission at the Atlantic Cape Community College Baseball Field. I utilized Google Earth Pro for site assessment and AI assistance to structure professional mission parameters for the MicaSense Altum-PT sensor. Key tasks included designing a radiometric calibration workflow using a Downwelling Light Sensor (DLS2) and reflectance panels, establishing high-overlap flight parameters, conducting an environmental risk assessment, and outlining analytical deliverables such as NDVI and thermal maps. Through this assignment, I developed specialized skills in multispectral mission planning, environmental assessment, and scientific data collection protocols. This project is highly relevant to professional drone operations, reflecting the strict consistency and calibration standards required for precision agriculture and environmental monitoring.
Project 3- Vegetation Indexing
This project focused on the application of remote sensing techniques to assess turf health on a local baseball field. By utilizing a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS), a high-resolution multispectral dataset was captured to generate a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) map. This map allows for the identification of areas with high chlorophyll activity versus those under stress, providing actionable insights for precision turf management and irrigation optimization.
Project 4- Entire Campus
This mission focused on capturing a comprehensive, high-resolution orthomosaic map of the entire Atlantic Cape Community College Mays Landing Campus. Spanning approximately 128 acres, the project served as a large-scale exercise in mission planning, battery management, and regulatory compliance.
To ensure maximum safety and maintain strict Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) for a mission of this scale, the STEM building rooftop was utilized as the primary command center. This elevated vantage point provided an unobstructed line of sight across the entire mission radius, allowing for real-time monitoring of the aircraft's telemetry and surrounding airspace that would have been obscured at ground level.
Project 5-Inspection
This mission focuses on the high-resolution aerial inspection and 3D modeling of the school library at the Atlantic Cape Community College (Mays Landing Campus). Utilizing a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise equipped with an RTK module, the project aims to assess the structural integrity and surface condition of the gym's vertical facade.
Key objectives include:
Precision Mapping: Capturing detailed RGB imagery to identify potential structural issues or surface degradation.
3D Reconstruction: Generating an accurate 3D model of the building for comprehensive spatial analysis and maintenance planning.
Safety & Compliance: Operating within Class C airspace with full LAANC authorization and strict adherence to pre-flight safety protocols.
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