GIS/MEA 584:
Mapping and Analysis Using UAS

Mapping and Analytics Using UAS

Course description

The course starts with a brief overview of the UAS mapping technology and its rules and regulations. The principles of UAS data collection are explained along with hands-on practice in flight planning and execution. The main focus of this course is on processing the collected imagery using structure from motion technique and deriving orthophoto mosaics and ultra-high resolution digital elevation models of land surface, vegetation and structures. More advanced topics include multitemporal 3D data analysis, fusion with lidar data and 3D visualization with applications in natural resources.

Instructor

Dr. Justyna Jeziorska, ASPRS-certfied UAS mapping scientist

Office hours: by appointment
Email: jajezior@ncsu.edu
Office: 3133 Jordan Hall

Prerequisites

None, but GIS/MEA582 and/or GIS540 or equivalent courses are highly recommended.

Educational approach

This course will consist of: lectures, readings, hands-on exercises, homework assignments, and a major project. All the work will be collected within an electronic portfolio that will systematically include the work that you will do for this and other GIS courses. Extra credits will be given for innovative solutions, creativity in problem solving and extensions to given tasks.

Class materials and schedule

See instructions in Course logistics and Schedule

Textbooks

No required textbook, on-line material is used.

Recommended books:

Software

See Course logistics web page.

Grading policy

60% homeworks, 40% project
100% is the maximum number of points (total+extra credits) achieved in class. Points are taken off for late submissions.
Grade  Course and each HW
Max     100
A+       97
A        93
A-       90
B+       87
B        83
B-       80
C+       77
C        73

Topics

  • Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Rules and regulations for UAS operations
  • From images to 3D models: Photogrammetry and Structure from Motion concepts
  • UAS flight planning
  • Imagery processing and structure from motion (SfM)
  • Accuracy of UAS-derived DSM and orthophoto
  • UAS and lidar data: comparison and fusion
  • Analysis of ultra high resolution elevation models
  • Analysis of multitemporal UAS data and its applications

Academic integrity
Overview, Policies, Code of Student Conduct
Attendance policy
in regular section, attendance is checked at each class, see also attendance regulations and university definitions of excused absences
Accommodation of students with disabilities
Disability Services Office