By Scout Nelson
A new hands-on learning experience is taking shape in university geospatial science classes as drones are introduced to help students understand modern mapping tools and data collection methods. The Introduction to Geospatial Technology and GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources courses recently added drone demonstrations to show how this technology supports research in agriculture and environmental science.
Students learned how to plan drone flight paths on a monitor and attach a high-resolution camera to collect images. During one class, the drone captured detailed photos—including a group of selfie—from the backyard of Hardin Hall. Students also explored lidar technology when instructors attached a lidar sensor to the drone.
Lidar works by shooting lasers toward the ground, and the time it takes for the lasers to return allows drones to measure three-dimensional shapes of trees, structures, and landscapes.
In follow-up sessions, students studied the image and lidar data collected during the demonstrations. They also heard about real-world applications from a researcher who uses drones to study Nebraska grasslands.
Many students said the experience helped them understand how drones support field data collection, including safety steps, setup, and launching procedures. One student remarked, "It was an exciting experience seeing how exactly a drone is operated, right from assembly to launch to data collection and the safety precautions of operation."
Before students can operate drones on their own, they must earn the Federal Aviation Administration’s Remote Pilot Certificate. Certified students may then borrow university drones, which can cost about $20,000 each.
Although the price may seem intimidating, instructors emphasized that drones are now essential tools for fine-scale mapping and have replaced the use of airplanes in many research areas.
Students also noted how drones can support conservation work, mapping tasks, and environmental monitoring. One student said, "They can help me create maps, look into hard-to-reach areas, track changes in landscapes, and help plan conservation zones." Another student added that the drone’s image clarity was surprisingly impressive.
Interest in geospatial courses continues to grow, with students from agronomy, engineering, environmental science, and wildlife studies enrolling. Instructors hope that integrating drone technology will encourage more students to explore careers and research opportunities in spatial sciences.
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General