What: VCE Workshops: Mapping with Drones 

Who: Priority will be given to VCE agents and specialists. Registration will then open up to non-VCE employees.

Topic: Mapping with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) 

Online Registration: 
Secure online registration

Background

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS, aka drones) are permeating many sectors of industry and are increasingly being employed as data collection platforms to support an array of applications.  sUAS applications span disciplines and industries and can include:  planning, natural resource management, marketing, inspection of structures, agricultural production, permitting, STEM education, and public safety.  Specific sensors can be used to tailor application needs. Flights can be scheduled and conducted under short notice to accommodate weather and temporal considerations.  sUAS operations support efficient workflows and provide opportunities for ‘data on demand’.

Workshop Summary

The major goals of these workshops are to provide the Extension community with the knowledge to operate a drone legally, safely, and effectively.  These are introductory level professional development opportunities, and together, this 2-workshop series can be considered as a "Drone Boot Camp".  No prior 'drone' experience is necessary!!!

The training has been divided into 2 back-to-back workshops.  You can elect to attend one or both of the workshop options:

  • Workshop #1: Preparing for the FAA's Remote Pilot Certificate Exam (aka Part 107)
  • Workshop #2: Flight Operation, Data Collection, and Image Processing Basics

The general agenda for these workshop options is as follows:

Workshop #1: Preparing for the FAA Remote Airman Knowledge Test (aka Part 107)

Goal: Provide participants with the knowledge and best practices to operate a drone legally, safely, and provide adequate preparation for VCE personnel to take (and pass!!) the FAA's Remote Airman Knowledge Exam (aka Part 107)

Workshop Duration: 1.5 days

Workshop #2: Flight Operation, Data Collection, and Image Processing Basics

Goal: Make sure that participants are prepared to fly the friendly skies, by providing an introduction to flight planning, flight operation, sensor and platform selection, and image processing options (hopefully hands-on).  We anticipate having opportunities for sUAS demonstrations, and for participants to operate unmanned aircraft.  These opportunities are contingent on weather and potential flight restrictions at the specific site.

Workshop Duration: 1.5 days

Workshop Cost:

Through the support and partnership of Virginia Cooperative Extension, VirginiaView, and Germanna Community College (Culpeper location), this workshop series is available for a highly discounted fee to VCE employees.

It is anticipated that the majority of the $450 value associated with this 3-day workshop will be offset for VCE participants by In-service Funds and through grant funding from VirginiaView.  However, a $25 buy-in registration fee is required upon registration, which should be covered by local operating budgets.  Any workshop slots unclaimed by VCE will be made available to participants outside of the VCE.  Participants external to VCE will be assessed the full $450 cost / person for the 3-day workshop.

Workshop Locations and Dates:

To accommodate demand we are pleased to offer these workshops in several locations around the state.

1.       Blacksburg /  Virginia Tech, February 18-20th

  • Workshop #1 February 18 (beginning at 10:00) – February 19th (concluding around noon)
  • Workshop #2 February 19th beginning at 1:00) – February 20th (ending at 3:00ish)

2.      Culpeper, Virginia, March 3-5th

  • This workshop option covers the same material as the other locations.  However, this option is only offered as a comprehensive, 3-day workshop beginning on March 3rd at 10:00 and ending on March 5th at 3:00ish.  Unfortunately, we are not able to provide VCE subsidized pricing for the Culpeper workshop location.  Lunches are included for all 3 days. The registration fee for the Culpeper workshop $450.  

3.      Petersburg / Virginia State University,  March 31 - April 2

  • Workshop #1 March 31 (beginning at 10:00) – April 1st (concluding around noon)
  • Workshop #2 April 1 (beginning at 1:00) – April 2nd (ending at 3:00ish)

Workshop Outcomes

At the conclusion of the 3-day workshop, participants will: 

  • Be prepared to take (and pass) the FAA's Remote Pilot Knowledge Test (aka Part 107);
  • Have the knowledge to be able to identify applications that may be appropriate for sUAS data collection;
  • Understand the steps required to conduct a commercial sUAS operations safely and legally;
  • Understand VT sUAS policies;
  • Be able to identify suitable platforms and sensors to support their application needs, and;
  • Generate image mosaics, compatible with numerous software applications (including GIS, remote sensing, etc.) using drone imagery.    

Registration

This is an intensive, yet introductory level workshop.  No previous knowledge or experience with drones, sUAS, or GIS is required. Online registration is required and is available here (major credit cards / p-cards are accepted). 

Space for each of the workshops is limited. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. We may open up workshops to non-VCE affiliated personnel on a fee-basis in the next few weeks.

Questions associated with the workshop should be directed to John McGee (jmcg@vt.edu) or Daniel Cross (falkus@vt.edu). 

This workshop is sponsored by the Virginia Tech Geospatial Extension Program, in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the Conservation Management Institute (CMI), VirginiaView, and GeoTEd-UAS. 

VCE Statement

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact John McGee (307C Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA) at (540) 231-2428 /TDD*or jmcg@vt.edu) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations at least 5 days prior to the event.

*TDD number is (800) 828-1120. 

Contact: