Drone and Aerial Imaging

Aerial photography, video and mapping with drones under FAA Part 107, from flight planning to a paid client project.

PHOT-350 Year 3 3 credits 12 lessons · 6 h 19 min

Offered by HSM University · Photography

This is the American version of this course. See the Canadian version.

What you'll learn

Trace the history of aerial imaging and describe today's main uses of drones in photography, mapping and inspection
Compare multirotor, fixed-wing and VTOL drones, cameras, gimbals and sensors and choose equipment for a job
Apply US drone rules under Part 107, including registration, Remote ID, remote pilot certification, authorizations and waivers
Read airspace and weather information, carry out site surveys and score risks to produce a written flight plan
Fly safely with correct pre-flight checks, failsafe settings, emergency responses and lithium battery care and transport
Compose aerial images using viewpoint, altitude, pattern, scale and the direction and height of the sun
Control exposure with shutter, ISO and ND filters, and plan camera moves, panoramas, time-lapses and video settings
Plan mapping missions using GSD, overlap and flight lines, and explain structure from motion, control and accuracy
Explain thermal, multispectral and inspection imaging and the conditions, calculations and limits of each
Apply privacy, trespass, wildlife and community considerations to aerial work in your country
Price aerial services from operating costs and prepare insurance, contract and licensing terms
Prepare a complete, legal and professional aerial imaging and mapping project plan

12 lessons · 6 h 19 min total · final exam

Recommended background. You can start any course at any time.

Aerial photography, video and mapping with drones under FAA Part 107, from flight planning to a paid client project.

Part of the Film & Photography stream, typically taken in year 3.