Industrial & Infrastructure Drone Ops

Service Description

Course Level: Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 8 Weeks (Online Theory + Practical Field Labs) Certification: MLDR Certified Industrial Drone Operator Prerequisite: FAA Part 107 Certification (or MLDR Part 107 Course Completion) ⸻ Course Overview This MLDR course prepares pilots to safely and effectively conduct drone operations in the industrial, engineering, and energy sectors. Students will gain advanced skills in aerial data collection, mapping, photogrammetry, and structural inspection using modern drone systems. Emphasis is placed on workflow accuracy, data analysis, and real-world applications that support construction, energy, and disaster response industries. ⸻ Course Breakdown Week 1: Introduction to Industrial Drone Applications • Overview of commercial drone roles in construction, utilities, and surveying • Drone hardware and sensor types (RGB, LiDAR, thermal, multispectral) • Understanding deliverables: orthomosaics, 3D models, volumetric reports • Legal compliance and safety for industrial operations Lab: Conduct a site safety assessment and mission plan for a construction area. ⸻ Week 2: Construction Site Progress Monitoring • Setting up recurring flight missions using waypoint automation • Capturing consistent angle and altitude data for time-lapse documentation • Integrating data into BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows • Project reporting and stakeholder presentation Exercise: Create a simulated weekly progress report using captured aerial photos. ⸻ Week 3: 3D Mapping & Photogrammetry • Principles of photogrammetry and ground control points (GCPs) • Overlap, sidelap, and flight grid planning • Processing data in Pix4D, DroneDeploy, or Agisoft Metashape • Generating orthomosaics, point clouds, and textured 3D models Lab: Capture imagery and process a 3D site model. ⸻ Week 4: Earthwork & Volume Measurement • Using drones for cut and fill analysis • Calculating stockpile volumes and material movement • Comparing site data over time for grading accuracy • Reporting formats for construction supervisors and engineers Exercise: Measure and compare volumetric data from two flight dates. ⸻ Week 5: Structural Inspections (Bridges, Towers, Roofs) • Close-proximity flight operations and obstacle avoidance techniques • Camera settings for defect detection (cracks, corrosion, displacement) • Thermal imaging for roof and structure heat signatures • Safety protocols for working near tall and complex str