Preparing Drone Data Technicians

Curriculum

Associate in Applied Science sUAS Data Technician

This program prepares students for a career as a small unmanned aircraft systems technician, with a degree option in sUAS Data Technician. Upon successful completion, students will demonstrate proficiency in sUAS operations, general maintenance and repair, geospatial data collection and management, and the pre- and post-processing of aerial images. The Data Technician option also provides specialized training in the use of sophisticated passive and active sensors, as well as advanced image analysis using artificial intelligence.

Students are required to sit for and pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) examination, leading to the Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rating, which allows for the commercial drone operations under 55 lbs. in the National Airspace System. The program includes off-campus field trips, fieldwork, and the development of a portfolio showcasing completed projects and coursework.

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES (Gen Ed. Category)	CREDITS
Communication - 6 credits
ENGL101-Composition I	3
ENGL230-Technical Writing	3
Math-Science-Technology - 3 credits
CISM125-Introduction to Computers	3
Social Science or Humanities Courses (3 credits)
General Education Social Science or Humanities course	3
General Education Electives (8 credits)
Choose 8 credits of General Education courses	8
PROGRAM COURSES	CREDITS
AVIT140-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation-Multi-Rotor Instructor Resources	3
AVIT185-Remote Sensing Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems	4
AVIT245-Professional sUAS Operations	3
AVIT250-sUAS Maintenance & Repair	4
AVIT290-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Capstone Project	1
ENVL122-Agricultural Technology or CISM143-Introduction to Project Management	3
ENGR125-Introduction to Electronics	4
GIST101-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	4
OPTION COURSES	Credits
GIST202-Geodesy Instructor Resources Learning Activities	4
AVIT257-Aerial Data Assurance Instructor Resources	3
AVIT285-Advanced Aerial Data Collection Instructor Resources	4
AVIT277-Aerial Image Analysis Instructor Resources	3
Total	60

Commercial sUAS Data Collection Certificate (33 credits)

This certificate program prepares students for careers in the application of small-unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) with a specialized focus on aerial data collection and analysis. This credit program offers hands-on instruction in the operation of sUAS, advanced sensor technologies, geospatial data analysis, and image processing.

Students will gain experience in using passive and active and interpret data for applications in industries such as environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, land surveying, and infrastructure inspection. The program also covers foundational concepts in geodesy, geographic information systems (GIS), and data security techniques, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed to ensure the accuracy and integrity of aerial data.

This program provides students with practical knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be directly applied in the workforce. Whether entering the job market or advancing in their careers, graduates will be prepared for roles such as sUAS data technicians, remote sensing technician, and GIS specialists in a variety of high-demand sectors.

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES	CREDITS
ENGL101-Composition I	3
General Education Technology Competency	4
PROGRAM COURSES
AVIT140-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation-Multi-Rotor	3
AVIT185-Remote Sensing Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems	4
AVIT290-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Capstone Project	1
GIST101-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	4
GIST201-Geodesy	4
AVIT57- sUAS Data Assurance and Cybersecurity	3
AVIT285-Advanced Aerial Data Collection	4
AVIT277-Aerial Image Analysis	3
Total	33

sUAS Aerial Data Collection Specialist Certificate (18 Credits)

This short-term certificate program is designed to quickly prepare students for entry-level roles in the growing field of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) data collection. The program focuses on developing key competencies in the operation of sUAS for capturing and processing geospatial data. Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced active and passive sensors.

In addition to technical training, the program provides essential knowledge in image analysis, leveraging artificial intelligence, and ensuring data security. The curriculum is geared toward practical application, including off-campus fieldwork that allows students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

Students will be well-prepared to sit for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) examination, leading to the Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rating, which permits commercial drone operations under 55 lbs. in the National Airspace System.

This intensive program is ideal for those seeking to quickly enter the workforce with specialized skills in sUAS data collection. Additionally, the courses completed in this program can be applied toward an Associate in sUAS Field Technician Applied Science degree.

PROGRAM COURSES	CREDITS
AVIT140-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation-Multi-Rotor	3
AVIT185-Remote Sensing Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems	4
GIST101-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	4
AVIT277-Aerial Image Analysis	3
AVIT285-Advanced Data Collection	4
Total	18

This website is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant number DUE 2400656 to Atlantic Cape Community College. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of Atlantic Cape and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Preparing Drone Data Technicians

Curriculum

Associate in Applied Science sUAS Data Technician

PROGRAM COURSES

OPTION COURSES

Instructor Resources

Commercial sUAS Data Collection Certificate (33 credits)

PROGRAM COURSES

sUAS Aerial Data Collection Specialist Certificate (18 Credits)

PROGRAM COURSES