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Unit of Study GENG3001 - Drone Technology and Spatial Analysis (2023)

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Unit Snapshot

  • Enrolment information

    This unit has a compulsory 2-day residential for ALL students. Online students will attend a residential at the Lismore campus or at the National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour (depending on availability of places). National Marine Science students will attend a residential at the National Marine Science Centre (Coffs Harbour). Please refer to https://www.scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.

Unit description

Introduces students to the use of aerial drones in marine, environmental, forest and agricultural systems, as well as visual arts and other applications. Students will obtain hands on experience piloting drones, planning operations and analysing associated spatial data, and also learn about the role that rapidly advancing drone technology will play in shaping our future.

Unit content

  1. Use of aerial drones in marine, environmental, forest and agricultural systems, as well as other applications.
  2. Basic principles of safe drone flight for commercial applications and governing legislation.
  3. Planning and executing drone operations to comply with relevant Southern Cross University policy and procedures.
  4. Capturing quality drone footage, and using it to create video show reels and other applications.
  5. Cutting edge drone sensors (e.g. thermal, multispectral and Lidar imagery), 3D habitat mapping and spatial analysis.
  6. The application of drones in wildlife biology and conservation.

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

explain and apply the principles of safe drone flight and regulations governing drone operations in Australia

proficiently plan and execute successful drone operations that comply with Southern Cross University policy and procedures

competently pilot a drone

evaluate application of cutting-edge drone sensors

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
  • No prescribed texts.
Prescribed Resources/Equipment

  • You must wear protective footwear during all practical activities. You will also need sun protection, including sunscreen and a hat. You will also need protective eye wear and a tough long sleeved shirt when piloting or observing drones.

    Please bring a field notebook and pencil for recording information. Any camera equipment is brought to practicals at your own risk, so you will need to plan carefully.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.