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Introduction to UAVs for Environmental Science Applications


Gain hands-on experience in UAV-based geospatial data collection and mapping through an intensive bootcamp that takes participants from mission planning and field data collection to processing and the creation of professional geospatial products.

UAV

COURSE DETAILS

Over five days, participants will learn the full UAV workflow, from regulations and mission planning to field data collection, processing, analysis, and quality control. Participants will also consider where UAV data fits alongside satellite and field data, and what it can and cannot tell us.

Dates: October 26–30, 2026
Format: Hybrid (In-person @ Carleton DGES + live online)
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (ET)

DAILY STRUCTURE

Follow-up session: November 4th (1-hour Q&A)

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Participants need to bring a laptop computer: (Windows, macOS, or Linux) for all hands-on exercises. Installing the required software prior to the course is highly recommended to ensure a smooth learning experience.

Minimum System Requirements: 64-bit (Windows, macOS, or Linux) operating system , At least 16 GB RAM At least 50 GB of available disk space

Required Software: WebODM, QGIS, R (version 4.2 or newer), RStudio Desktop (install after R has been installed)

Download links:  https://webodm.org/download/  https://qgis.org/download/  https://www.r-project.org/ https://posit.co/downloads

No prior experience with UAVs or the required software is necessary

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

COURSE OUTLINE

Day 1: Platforms, sensors, and regulations
Day 2: Mission planning and execution
Day 3: PPK correction and photogrammetric processing
Day 4: Radiometric calibration and vegetation indices
Day 5: 3D Environmental mapping with UAV point clouds

INSTRUCTOR(S)

This course is delivered by instructors affiliated with Carleton University, and partner organizations. Instructors combine expertise in UAV mapping, geomatics, remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and geospatial technologies with extensive field experience. This cohort’s instructor is Leila Rashid.

Leila holds an MSc in Geography from Carleton University and is a researcher in the GeoSTARS Lab, where she works with cutting-edge UAV technologies, including LiDAR, multispectral, and thermal sensors, to support environmental monitoring and geospatial research projects.

Her expertise spans research design, UAV mission planning, field data collection, sensor calibration, data processing, and the application of drone-based remote sensing to environmental and resource management challenges.

Drawing on both research and applied field experience, she has successfully planned and executed many UAV data collection missions across a wide range of environmental settings, including wetlands and northern ecosystems in the Yukon, forest landscapes in Ontario, and projects in other regions across Canada.

Her comprehensive understanding of drone-based mapping workflows, from mission planning and data acquisition to processing and analysis, enables her to provide participants with practical, hands-on guidance grounded in real-world applications. As an instructor, she brings both technical expertise and extensive field experience, helping participants develop the skills and confidence needed to successfully plan, execute, and analyze UAV mapping missions in diverse environmental conditions.

FEES & REGISTRATION

Regular: C$750 + Tax
Student pricing (open to all institutions): C$250 + Tax (limited spots)

Registration Link (click to the left to register)
Deadline: October 23, 2026
Contact: Ashraf Elshorbagy (ashraf.elshorbagy@carleton.ca)

WHY THIS COURSE?

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