Using drones for environmental sciences

The course explores the use of drones for data collection, analysis, and monitoring in environmental sciences and urban planning, emphasising their role in mapping, resource management, and sustainable development.

• Drone Technology and Operations: understanding the types of drones, their components, and flight operations;
• Data Acquisition and Processing: techniques for collecting, processing, and analyzing drone-captured data, including photogrammetry and remote sensing;
• Environmental Monitoring: applications of drones in tracking environmental changes, biodiversity, and natural resource management;
• Urban Planning: using drones for mapping, infrastructure inspection, and urban development analysis;
• Regulations and Ethics: legal frameworks, safety considerations, and ethical implications of drone usage;
• Case studies and practical applications: real-world examples and hands-on projects demonstrating drone applications in environmental and urban contexts.

• a critical understanding of using drones for promoting urban sustainability;
  
• practices related to drones in different urban settings (legislation, rules, ethics);
• skills in using drones in urban planning and management;
• understanding the advantages and disadvantages of using drones in urban planning and management.

The physical mobility section of the BIP will take place between 31 May - 4 June 2027, in Sinaia, Romania. The five-day intensive learning experience focuses on practical exercises, applications, and discussions.

The teaching staff will provide input and lead smaller working groups dedicated to deepening learning experiences. These include:

• drawing lessons from interdisciplinary theoretical approaches and problematizing them in terms of practicability (case studies about using drones);
• building micro-projects related to using drones for different case studies;
• experimenting with drones in urban planning and management (air pollution, urban biodiversity, land use and land cover, urban climate);
• meet stakeholders from local governments, NGOs, private companies, administrations, and citizens, and learn about their interests, needs, and recommendations for urban planning and management;
• participating in excursions to analyse the challenges related to using drones.

The online part of the course will start in February 2027. We will be holding 9 seminars:

• 2 February 2027 (15:00-16:30 CET) Introduction to Drones in Environmental Studies
• 16 February 2027 (15:00-16:30 CET) Drone Regulations and Safety Requirements
• 9 March 2027 (15:00-16:30 CET) Drone Flight Planning and Data Acquisition
• 23 March 2027 (15:00-16:30 CET) Fundamentals of Drone Data Processing Algorithms
• 6 April 2027 (15:00-16:30 CET) Processing RGB and Multispectral Drone Imagery
• 20 April 2027 (15:00-16:30 CET) Processing LiDAR Drone Data
• 4 May 2027 (15:00-16:30 CET) Processing Thermal Drone Imagery
• 18 May 2027 (15:00-16:30 CET) 3D Modelling from Drone Data
• 14 June 2027 (15:00-16:30 CET) Challenges and Opportunities in Using Drones for Environmental Science

The assessment will be based on the following criteria:

• students will have to prepare to engage with the core readings for the roundtables and the on-site course. They will be required to formulate questions for facilitating the discussions and hand them in via the learning hub. They will also do a group presentation on a real-world problem at the on-site meeting;
• students will participate in the experimental use of tools and techniques and reflect on their experiences in a short position paper;
• students will be asked to develop final documentation of their learning experience by contributing to the open repository (this could be presentations, posters, podcasts, videos, or written reports). The teaching staff will advise students and examine the assignments. They will be evaluated according to each participating institution’s system.

Motivation Letter

Level of english (According to CEFR)

CV

The applications will be evaluated based on:

• academic background and relevant experience: assessment of prior education, coursework, or professional experience related to environmental sciences, urban planning, or drone technology;
• technical skills: evaluation of proficiency in geospatial technologies, data analysis, or related technical skills that would support success in the course;
• motivation and objectives: clarity and relevance of the student's motivation for taking the course, including how it aligns with their academic or career goals;
• problem-solving abilities: demonstrated ability to think critically and apply problem-solving skills in environmental or urban contexts;
• innovation and creativity: potential for innovative thinking and creativity in applying drone technology to environmental or urban planning challenges;
• communication skills: strength of written and verbal communication skills as evidenced in the application materials, reflecting the ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively.

Assoc. Prof. Ionuț Șandric, Geoinformatics and Earth Observation, University of Bucharest - experienced Geographer with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry. Strong information technology professional skilled in Remote Sensing, GIS Applications, and Spatial Modelling.

Dr. Manfred Mittlboeck, Senior Scientist, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg - specialising in geoinformatics and remote sensing. With extensive experience in spatial analysis and environmental monitoring, his work focuses on the application of geospatial technologies to address environmental challenges and support sustainable development.

Professor Volker Hochschild, University of Tübingen - specialising in geoinformatics and remote sensing. His research focuses on the development and application of spatial analysis techniques for environmental monitoring, urban planning, and land-use management.

Professor Emmanuel Vassilakis has extensive experience in optical and radar remote sensing, specialising in high-resolution and very high-resolution closed-range remote sensing used in geomorphology and natural hazards.

Carmen Hidalgo Giralt, Profesora Titular de Geografía Humana, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Barrado Timon Diego Antonio, Profesora Titular de Geografía Humana, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Assistant Professor Ana-Maria Popa, University of Bucharest.

Professor Cristian Iojă, Environmental Sciences, University of Bucharest - specialising in environmental science and urban planning. His research focuses on sustainable development, environmental impact assessment, and the integration of ecological principles into urban planning practices.

Blended Intensive Programme

This CIVIS course is a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP): a new format of Erasmus+ mobility which combines online teaching with a short trip to another campus to learn alongside students and professors across Europe.

GDPR Consent

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