Applied Drone Technology Program

From zero to pro

Incoming 2026 Training Sessions

Starting July 1

Limited Seats

Early cohort pricing available.
No previous experience needed.



Comprehensive drone certificate
&
commercial operation training

Take your drone skills to the next level with our all-in-one professional drone training program, designed to turn beginners and enthusiasts into industry-ready operators.

Over 8 intensive weeks, you’ll gain hands-on experience across every major domain of commercial drone use—starting with Advanced + Level 1 certification and ROC-A radio licensing, then diving into GIS, mapping, and LiDAR, followed by specialized training in agriculture spraying, multispectral imaging, and thermal inspections.

You’ll also work on real industry projects and even learn to build your own drone with 3D integration, giving you a complete understanding from hardware to high-level applications. With a strong focus on practical skills (including multiple days of field training), this program equips you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in surveying, agriculture, inspections, and beyond. It also comes with optional opportunities to participate in field project volunteering for real-world experience.

Course Details

Duration

8 weeks

Format

Classroom lecture + field flight

Location

Calgary-based training site

Tuition

$6000 + $1500 (Equipment Deposit)

Ideal Participants

Professional drone pilots looking to obtain skills in more commercial areas

Beginners wishing to steadily develop drone operation skills

Students who want to get into drone careers

Course Modules

Survey Workflow & Mission Planning

• Fundamentals of aerial surveying with drones
• Flight planning using ground control points (GCPs) and
RTK/PPK workflows
• Overlap, altitude, and camera angle optimization
• Risk assessments and compliance in Canadian airspace

Photogrammetry & Mapping

• Capturing nadir and oblique imagery for structure-from-
motion (SfM) modeling
• Generating orthomosaics, DEMs/DSMs, and 3D models
using Pix4D, DJI Terra, or Agisoft Metashape
• Accuracy evaluation, error correction, and quality reporting
• Exporting GIS-compatible outputs (GeoTIFF, SHP, KMZ)

LiDAR Surveying Techniques

• LiDAR sensor types, scanning principles, and parameter
tuning
• Matching point density with altitude and flight speed
• Raw point cloud collection, alignment, and noise filtering
• Creating terrain models and extracting features using
LAStools, CloudCompare, or TerraSolid

Post-Processing & GIS Integration

• Georeferencing and projection transformation
• Data layering and fusion (e.g., combining LiDAR and
multispectral imagery)
• Introduction to QGIS workflows for map creation and
feature classification
• Preparing professional deliverables for clients or
regulatory use

Class Schedule & Topics

Date

Content

Week 1

Advanced drone pilot certificate + Level 1 Complex drone pilot certificate


Radio ROC-A certificate

Week 2

GIS

Week 3

Mapping 2 days

LiDAR 1 day

Field practice 2 days

Week 4

Agriculture Drone Spray & Parts 2 days


Multispectral Drone 3 days

Week 5

Thermal Drone Operation

Week 6

Industry Project

Week 7 – 8

Building drones

3D Modeling

Why This Course

Discover the reasons that set us apart.

01

Practical

Hands-on training with industry-grade equipment (e.g., Feima D2000 + LiDAR, DJI M3E)

02

Expertise

Learn from professionals with multi-sector experience: mining, agriculture, surveying, land development, and disaster response

03

Balance

Blends theory, real-world case studies, and field operation

What You’ll Achieve

  • Confidently plan and execute UAV-based topographic surveys
  • Understand the full photogrammetry and LiDAR workflow
  • Produce clean, georeferenced deliverables for professional use
  • Receive a Certificate of Completion for UAV Surveying and Mapping
  • Be eligible for inclusion in commercial or government UAV service rosters