Introduction

Effective land management, whether for urban development, environmental conservation, agriculture, or resource extraction, fundamentally relies on accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive geospatial data. Traditional land surveying and mapping techniques are often labor-intensive, time-consuming, costly, and limited in their ability to capture the intricate details and vast areas required for modern planning and analysis. The revolutionary advent of drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems - UAS) has completely transformed this critical field. Equipped with high-resolution RGB cameras, LiDAR scanners, and advanced photogrammetry capabilities, drones can rapidly acquire precise aerial imagery and 3D data, enabling professionals to create highly accurate orthomosaic maps, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Digital Surface Models (DSMs), and dense point clouds. This unprecedented access to detailed spatial information empowers more informed decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and sustainable land use practices. This essential training course focuses on Aerial Surveying & Mapping for Land Management, equipping professionals with the expertise to leverage this transformative technology for superior geospatial insights and effective land stewardship.

This intensive training course provides a comprehensive and practical guide to integrating drone technology into diverse land management applications. Participants will gain hands-on experience with drone selection for surveying and mapping missions, mastering advanced flight planning techniques for large-scale data acquisition, and effectively utilizing photogrammetry and LiDAR processing software to generate actionable deliverables. We will delve into topics such as creating high-accuracy topographic maps, volumetric calculations, cadastral mapping, environmental monitoring, and urban planning support. By mastering the operational workflows, technical skills, and data analysis crucial for drone-based aerial surveying and mapping, you will be prepared to conduct efficient, accurate, and cost-effective land assessments, ultimately enhancing planning, improving resource management, and contributing to sustainable development.

Target Audience

• Land Surveyors & Geomatic Engineers
• Urban & Regional Planners
• Environmental Scientists & Conservationists
• GIS Professionals & Analysts
• Civil Engineers & Developers
• Real Estate Developers & Managers
• Forestry & Agricultural Managers
• Government Agencies (Land Departments, Municipalities)

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of aerial surveying and mapping with drones.
• Identify suitable drone platforms and sensors for diverse land management applications.
• Master advanced drone flight planning and data acquisition techniques for accurate mapping.
• Learn to process drone imagery using photogrammetry software to create orthomosaics and 3D models.
• Apply LiDAR data processing techniques for generating highly accurate terrain models and volumetric calculations.
• Understand how to create Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Digital Surface Models (DSMs) from drone data.
• Interpret and utilize drone-generated maps and models for cadastral mapping and boundary surveys.
• Explore the application of drone data for environmental monitoring and natural resource management.
• Develop a workflow for integrating drone data into GIS and CAD software for land analysis.
• Understand regulatory compliance and safety protocols for commercial aerial surveying operations.
• Design a comprehensive drone mapping program for effective land management.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Aerial Surveying & Mapping

• Evolution of surveying and mapping: from traditional to drone-based methods.
• The unique advantages of drones in land management: speed, accuracy, cost-effectiveness, safety.
• Overview of key deliverables: orthomosaics, 3D models, point clouds, DEMs, DSMs.
• Understanding the fundamental concepts of geodesy, projections, and coordinate systems.
• The role of drones in sustainable land development and resource management.

Module 2: Drone Platforms & Sensors for Mapping

• Comparison of multirotor vs. fixed-wing drones for different mapping scales and terrains.
• High-resolution RGB cameras for photogrammetry and visual inspections.
• RTK/PPK (Real-Time Kinematic/Post-Processed Kinematic) GPS systems for survey-grade accuracy.
• LiDAR sensors for penetrating vegetation and generating bare-earth models.
• Choosing the optimal drone and sensor configuration for specific land management projects.

Module 3: Advanced Flight Planning & Data Acquisition

• Utilizing specialized flight planning software for automated grid and contour missions.
• Defining flight parameters: altitude, speed, overlap, side-lap, and Ground Sampling Distance (GSD).
• Strategies for capturing high-quality imagery over diverse landscapes (urban, rural, forested).
• The importance of Ground Control Points (GCPs) and best practices for their placement.
• Flight execution and on-site data quality checks.

Module 4: Photogrammetry Processing Essentials

• Principles of photogrammetry: stitching images to create accurate maps and models.
• Introduction to leading photogrammetry software (e.g., Pix4Dmapper, Agisoft Metashape, DroneDeploy).
• Workflow for image alignment, point cloud generation, and mesh creation.
• Generating high-resolution orthomosaic maps for visual analysis and measurements.
• Quality control and accuracy assessment of photogrammetric outputs.

Module 5: LiDAR Data Processing & Analysis

• Understanding the principles of LiDAR technology and its advantages for terrain modeling.
• Processing raw LiDAR point cloud data to remove noise and classify points.
• Generating Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) for bare-earth representation.
• Techniques for volumetric calculations (stockpiles, cut/fill) using LiDAR data.
• Integrating LiDAR data with photogrammetric outputs for comprehensive models.

Module 6: Creating DEMs, DTMs, & DSMs

• Differentiating between Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), and Digital Surface Models (DSMs).
• Methods for generating these models from drone-acquired data (photogrammetry, LiDAR).
• Utilizing these models for slope analysis, drainage patterns, and watershed delineation.
• Applications in site planning, urban development, and infrastructure design.
• Ensuring vertical accuracy and precision in elevation models.

Module 7: Cadastral Mapping & Boundary Surveys

• The role of drone data in modern cadastral mapping.
• Overlaying property boundaries onto high-resolution orthomosaics.
• Identifying encroachments, land use changes, and illegal structures.
• Supporting boundary verification and dispute resolution.
• Limitations and considerations for legal survey applications.

Module 8: Environmental Monitoring & Natural Resource Management

• Using drone maps for vegetation analysis, forest inventory, and change detection.
• Monitoring land degradation, erosion, and deforestation.
• Mapping wetlands, water bodies, and wildlife habitats.
• Assessing post-disaster environmental impact (e.g., floods, wildfires).
• Supporting conservation efforts and environmental impact assessments.

Module 9: Urban Planning & Development Applications

• Providing up-to-date urban base maps for planning and zoning.
• Visualizing proposed developments in 3D for stakeholder engagement.
• Monitoring construction progress and land use changes in urban areas.
• Supporting infrastructure planning and utility mapping.
• Applications in smart city initiatives and urban green space management.

Module 10: Integration with GIS & CAD Software

• Importing drone-generated orthomosaics, point clouds, and 3D models into GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Performing spatial analysis, data querying, and thematic mapping.
• Exporting drone data for use in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) for design.
• Creating custom map layouts and presentations for land management reports.
• Data interoperability and best practices for seamless data flow.

Module 11: Regulatory Compliance & Safety in Aerial Surveying

• Understanding national and local aviation regulations for commercial drone operations.
• Obtaining necessary permits, licenses, and authorizations for aerial surveying missions.
• Comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategies for drone flights.
• Airspace management and communication with air traffic control (where applicable).
• Best practices for on-site safety, public interaction, and emergency procedures.

Module 12: Advanced Techniques & Emerging Technologies

• Real-time kinematic (RTK) and Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) workflows for enhanced accuracy.
• Drone-based Hyperspectral and Multispectral imaging for detailed vegetation analysis.
• AI and Machine Learning for automated feature extraction from drone maps (e.g., buildings, roads, trees).
• The future of autonomous mapping missions and drone swarms.
• Integration with satellite imagery and traditional ground survey data for hybrid solutions.

Module 13: Project Planning & Implementation

• Developing a comprehensive drone mapping program for a land management organization.
• Selecting the appropriate hardware and software ecosystem.
• Building an efficient data processing and analysis workflow.
• Training and certifying internal drone pilots and data analysts.
• Demonstrating ROI and value proposition of drone technology for land management.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.