Overview
Learn the theory and practical skills related to how remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS, as known as drones) are being used to quantitatively assess forest health using multi-spectral and thermal geospatial data. Gain knowledge and hands-on training about safe RPAS operations, mission planning, photogrammetric image processing and multi-layer GIS analysis for the purpose of quantifying variables related to the health of a forest stand.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Ongoing throughout the year.Recommended for success
Valid certification in Basic, Advanced, or Flight Reviewer Transport Canada Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) is an asset.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
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, 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.
Courses
Class hours
Online classes are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am - 11:30 am. The field component is held on Saturday from 8:30 am - 11:30 am.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 1300 | Cloud-based Multi-spectral Image Processing for Forest Stand Health Assessment | 1.0 | |
| XRPA 1400 | Timber Volume Quantification using Cloud-based Image Processing | 1.0 | |
| 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.Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly online with a field component.Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Courses are also offered through online learning.
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.
- Dr. Dezene Huber, Professor in Ecosystem Science and Management, UNBC with a research interest in entomology and insect and chemical biology.
- Dr. Joseph Shea, Associate Professor of Environmental Geomatics at UNBC with an interest in snow, glaciers, climate change, hydrology, mountains, unmanned air vehicles (UAV), remotely piloted aerial systems (RPAS), remote sensing, satellite.
Contact Us
Dr. Eric Saczuk
RPAS Hub Coordinator
Tel: 604-451-7197
Email: Eric_Saczuk@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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