Drone Data Analysis for Environmental Restoration
(WATS 4720 & 6720 / CEWA 6720)
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About the Course
About the Course
Registration for Professionals
Registration for Professionals
Registration open!
CEWA 6720
3 Continuing Education Units (CEU)
Course fee is $800 + ~ $90 for CEU credits
Registration for USU Students
WATS 6720 (CRN 31631)/4720 (CRN 31630), 2 units
Open to upper-division and graduate students
Course applies credit toward:
Date, Time, & Location
Date, Time, & Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
May 18 - 21, 2026
Course Description
Drones (UAV / UAS) have revolutionized data collection for environmental restoration. Master data collection, processing, and analysis using drones in this 4-day shortcourse. Students will learn how to collect and analyze data for multiple restoration applications, including wildlife, forest, rangeland, and river systems. Data analysis focuses on the visible, thermal, and multi-spectral sensors commonly mounted on drones and includes photogrammetry, change detection, and classification modeling.
This course does not prepare students to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 commercial drone pilot license. Nor does this course teach the mechanics of flying drones. For courses on those topics, see the UAS emphasis in the Aviation BS degree or the UAS minor
Drone flying experience (as a commercial drone pilot or as a hobbyist) is helpful, but not required.
Previous GIS / Remote sensing experience required. Contact instructor for online learning resources, if needed. (See below)
ArcGIS Pro Prerequisites
Familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS Pro is required for this course.
Completion of NR 6910 – GIS for Natural Resources is recommended
OR -- completion of the following FREE ESRI Online courses:
Getting Started with GIS, Getting Started with Data Management, and Getting Started with Mapping and Visualization (optional)
Recommended Courses in Remote Sensing:
Primary Learning Outcomes
Primary Learning Outcomes
Participants will master data collection, processing and analysis using drones:
Mission planning for environmental restoration applications (rivers, forests, wildlife, rangelands…)
Drone and sensor demos
Data Collection
Mosaicking visible, thermal, and multi-spectral imagery
Developing digital surface models
Approximating 3-D terrain using Structure-from-Motion Analyzing data for restoration monitoring and decision-making
Analyzing data for restoration monitoring and decision-making
Included with the Course
Included with the Course
Drone imagery / datasets
Photogrammetry software available during course (PIX4D / ArcGIS Pro)
Drone demo field trips
Bring drone imagery and/or drones, if desired
Course Material
Course Material
All course materials will be posted on CANVAS at the beginning of the course.
Instructors
Instructors
Dr. Sarah Null
Dr. Sarah Null
Professor
Office: BNR 106, Utah State University
Phone: 435-797-1338
Email: sarah.null@usu.edu
Dr. Curtis Gray
Dr. Curtis Gray
Forest Ecologist
Office: BNR 360, Utah State University
Email: curtis.gray@usu.edu
Sensors
Sensors
Drone in Flight
Drone in Flight
Staging
Staging
Visualizing the Landscape:
Orthomosaic / Vegetation Index / Infrared Imaging
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