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GCIP 268 - Digital Imaging with Drones II

Syllabus

Calendar

Grades

Intermediate uses of unmanned vehicles for digital imaging. This hands-on course covers high resolution video, aerial imaging, intelligent mission planning, and the use of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROV) for image capture, editing, mapping and related uses.

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

  1. Plan a dynamic scripted sequence that fits the clients needs;
  2. Capture an accurate number of images in order to create a detailed visualization;
  3. Capture and process images within two hours of solar noon and generate relevant data for agriculture;
  4. Use intelligent mission planning modes to script out flight paths for image capture.

Content:

  1. Introduction
    1. Safety issues and regulations
    2. Mission planning a scripted sequence
    3. Flight planning for geospatial data aquisition
    4. Planning for digital imaging acquisition for agriculture
  2. Data Aquisition
    1. Intelligent mission planning modes
    2. Automated flight path planning
    3. Content creation
    4. UAV imaging for remote sensing
  3. Post-Processing
    1. Editng UAV generated images and video
    2. Editing aerial images for agriculture
    3. Generating images and data for GIS related uses
    4. Processing imagery for 3D export

Workflow for Planning Photogrammetry Based Missions (Video/Photography missions can start at step 5.):

  1. Calculate the area to fly: https://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-area-calculator-tool.htm
  2. Calculate an approximation in meters x meters (for use in MapsMadeEasy Point Estimator Tool) or feet by feet based on data from DaftLogic. (Use calculator to get the square root of the square area)
  3. Go to MapsMadeEasy.com use in “Tools” the point estimator (does not work in Apple Safari as of 2/2020).
  4. Put in all the parameters in the point estimator to get an idea of what ground resolution (cm/pixel), flight time, number of images taken, etc. to estimate what the mission will require. You can use that information to help you create a bid.
  5. Use Skyvector.com to check airspace or to refer to any Chart Supplements that may provide additional detail.
  6. Use AirMap.com to check more details for the flight. Click the “Plan a Flight” button. Also Know Before You Fly.
  7. Depending on the airspace restrictions, you may need to use an app or site like Kittyhawk.io to request permission (sometimes at least 48 hrs. in advance, but usually on site within a couple minutes) via the FAA's Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC)
  8. On the day you plan to fly, check the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) or Meteorological Aviation Reports (METAR) weather observations and forecasts. (Ex. for McClellan-Palomar Airport: KCRQ). You may want to also refer to UAV Forecast.
    1. This key for the TAF and METAR should help you learn to read and decode the reports.
    2. The Aviation Weather Services Circular 00-45H breaks down the format of the METAR in section 3.1. The TAF format is explained in section 5.13.
    3. The Aviation Weather Advisory Circular 00-6B has heaps of information that will help prepare pilots for the Part 107 Exam.
  9. Check Notice To Airmen (NOTAMS) at 1800WXBrief.com
  10. Preflight Checklist
  11. Safety First!

Recommended Reading:

  1. Cheng, Eric. Aerial Photography and Videography Using Drones. 1st ed. Peachpit Press, 2015.ISBN: 9780134122779
  2. Commercial UAV News
  3. FAA's UAS related information

Required Writing:
Digital imaging drone project proposal: contains rough ideas, sketches, shots that team members will create, required equipment, along with a description of the message to convey to target audience.

Apps:

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Assistant Professor Mark Bealo
Palomar College Graphic Communications
1140 West Mission Road • San Marcos, CA 92069
760.744.1150 ext. 2958
mbealo@palomar.edu