Course content

A drone is an unmanned aircraft that can be controlled remotely or fly autonomously by pre-programmed the route of the drone. Drones can be used for many purposes, such as bringing objects from one place to another, performing work in places that are difficult to access, and retrieving information.

Airborne sensor systems are a collective term for equipment that can collect information about the ground from the air. The most common systems are based on photo or film cameras mounted on drones, planes or helicopters. IR sensors, radars, ultrasound or laser scanners. In the course, we will have the main focus on equipment that can be mounted on drones that fly above the ground, but will also present drone technology for use underwater.

In the first part of the course, relevant commercial drone solutions will be presented. The focus is on purchasing costs, operating costs, range and control/autonomy. Subsequently, regulations for the use of airborne drones will be reviewed and discussed.

Part two of the course focuses on the technologies for obtaining information. Most emphasis is placed on information collected with photo and film cameras, but other systems such as LIDAR will also be affected. Here, too, commercial solutions are presented with prices and qualities, e.g. resolution and the possibility of rendering 3D models. Principles of image recognition will be reviewed. Methods and techniques for creating dynamic models will also be introduced. Dynamic models can identify changes over time, e.g. rocks and soil masses that are in motion. Dynamic models can also be used to identify suspicious objects, e.g. related to sabotage, burglary, etc. Advanced dynamic models can also be developed to calculate wind profiles, water flow, etc., which will be important e.g. with regard to forest deposition and the risk of flooding.

The last part of the course will deal with operational vulnerabilities where key words are data security and control of the value chains.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The student has basic insight into:

• different drone systems and how they are defined
• principles for flying and controlling drones
• purchasing and operating costs for different types of drones
• Range and weather conditions to be able to fly drones
• technologies to collect information
• methods for analyzing information from drones to support decisions
• Vulnerabilities of using drones in inspection and surveillance

Skills:

Student

• can identify specific areas where drone technology can be useful
• can analyze different drone technologies in terms of range, cost and operational conditions to choose the right drone technology
• can structure information needs about selecting relevant sensor systems for information retrieval
• can use analysis tools to analyze data collected from drones so that the information can be utilized to make good decisions
• identify weaknesses in using drones for information gathering
• is familiar with regulations for the use of drones

General competence:

The student has insight into the development that is taking place in the drone area and how business and administration can make use of drone technology for surveillance and inspection.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in physics and mathematical modelling.

Required previous knowledge

Completed bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of work experience.

Course materials

Course compendium and slides.