Overview
This microcredential first guides participants through Transport Canada regulations pertaining to the safe and legal operation of small remotely piloted aircraft systems (sRPAS). Next, there is a thorough discussion of elements related to conducting a site survey and mission planning. This is followed by an overview of structure-from-motion (SfM)-based photogrammetry image processing techniques using color, multi-spectral, and thermal drone images. The microcredential ends with practical examples of NDVI, radiometric thermal orthomosaics, and multi-spectral GIS analysis.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program accepts and processes enrollments for XRPA 1100, XRPA 1200, XRPA 1500, and XRPA 1600, which are courses scheduled for the Winter and Fall terms.Recommended for success
Success in this program requires qualities such as diligence, engagement, motivation, curiosity, and commitment.International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs
Apply to program
Formal application to the microcredential is not required. Upon successful completion of the courses, email the program contact with your full name, student number, and mailing address to be issued a microcredential.
Scheduled Intakes
January and September.Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information.
Books & supplies
Students need access to a modern laptop or desktop computer, less than two years old.Courses
Class hours
Classes will be held:- Online: 8:30 am to 10:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
- In person: 09:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| XRPA 1100 | Introduction to RPAS Safety and Transport Canada Certification | 0.5 | |
| XRPA 1200 | Fundamentals of Relevant Sensors and Flight Planning | 0.5 | |
| XRPA 1500 | Cloud-based Processing of Visible, Thermal, and multi-spectral Images | 0.5 | |
| XRPA 1600 | Applications of RPAS to Quantifying Green Economy Metrics | 0.5 | |
| Total Credits: | 4.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Digital badge information
For information on how to obtain your course and/or microcredential digital badge, please review our Frequently Asked Questions page.Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
This part-time microcredential is four weeks in length.Grading
A minimum passing mark of 50% is required, based on the overall performance on one assignment and one quiz per week for a total of four weeks.Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Continue your education
Two badges from this microcrednetial program, namely XRPA 1100 and XRPA 1200, can fulfill 50% of the requirements for the Microcredential in Introduction to Forest Health Quantification with RPAS.Graduating & Jobs
This microcredential gives graduates job-ready skills in careers related to drone operations, digital mapping, 3D modeling and environmental sustainability including forestry and agriculture.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
- Dr. Eric Saczuk is your instructor. With a Ph.D. in remote sensing and natural hazards management, over 25 years of post-secondary teaching experience, and as the Flight Operations Lead for InDro Robotics Inc., Eric brings with him a wealth of current geospatial knowledge.
Contact Us
Dr. Eric Saczuk
RPAS Hub Coordinator
Tel: 604-451-7197
Email: Eric_Saczuk@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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