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Application of Small Drones for Geological Data Acquisition
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:52
Abstract
Remote sensing data from unmanned airborne platforms are increasingly used in industry, public sector, and science. Geological applications include but are not limited to high-resolution photographic images, photogrammetric 2.5D modelling, spectral imaging, or laserscanning. The course will teach the necessary skills to plan, setup, and carry out drone flights for photogrammetric data acquisition.
Objective
The major goal of this workshop is to teach the student the necessary details to plan and carry out a safe and successful UAV flight in typcial geological outdoor environments. At the end of the course the student should be familiar with the important aspects of flight planning and UAV (copter system) operation. Successful course participation, including practical training and a case study report, will allow the student to use the Earth Science Department's drone system for her or his MSc project.
Content
The course contains a theoretical and a practical part. The theory part includes: - Regulations on operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Switzerland and abroad - Drone systems and capabilities - Introduction in photogrammetric data processing - UAV flight planning for copter systems - Procedure to deploy the drone in your project The practical part includes: - UAV flight planning (for flights at a test location, for the student's field area / case study) - Manual and (semi)automated UAV flights
Resources
Learning Materials (Links)
- Additional links
- Terms and Conditions for Excursions and Field Courses at D-ERDW
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 10
- Signup End
- 20.04.2020
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Application of Small Drones for Geological Data Acquisition
Block course:
Theorie: 27.7.2020 (Zoom)
Praxis: 28.7.2020 (Gruppe A, Gruppe B, Gruppe C)
Praxis: 29.7.2020 (Gruppe D, Gruppe E, open slot)
Praxis: 30.7.2020 (open slots, adapting to weather)
|
No time listed | 15 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Electives (Courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich (according to prior agreement with the MSc Committee).)
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Doctoral Department of Earth Sciences (More Information at: )