| CODE | DGA1050 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | UAV Operations, Data Capture and Modular Technologies | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||||||
| EQF/MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 10 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Digital Arts | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces students to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, drone piloting, and modular sensor technologies with a strong focus on data capture for geospatial, environmental, and applied projects. The unit is designed to provide both theoretical foundations and practical skills, equipping students with competencies in UAV operations, mission planning, and data integration workflows. The study-unit covers UAV legislation, safety, and operational procedures; drone aerodynamics, mission planning, and piloting as well as information pertaining to acquiring an A1-A3 and A2 licenses. The study unit also covers sensor integration for photogrammetry, LiDAR, multispectral imaging, and other modular payloads. Emphasis is placed on hands-on fieldwork, real-world data collection, and integration of drone-acquired datasets into GIS and analytical environments. Study-Unit Aims: Study Units aims to: - Deliver the theoretical principles of UAV operations, aerodynamics, and safety procedures. - Provide a comprehensive understanding of EU and national UAV regulations. - Introduce mission planning concepts, risk assessments, and operational procedures for UAV-based projects. - Demonstrate UAV data capture workflows, including photogrammetry, LiDAR, multispectral and thermal imaging, and other modular payloads. - Develop practical piloting competence for multirotor UAVs in both open and specific categories. - Equip students with field-based skills in survey design, ground control point (GCP) integration, and quality assurance. - Integrate UAV data into GIS, BIM, and other platforms for spatial analysis, mapping, and reporting. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain UAV aerodynamics, flight principles, and modular technologies. - Present the legal and operational frameworks governing UAV flights in the EU and Malta. - Differentiate between UAV classes, categories, and operational requirements. - Describe payload options including photogrammetry, LiDAR, multispectral, and thermal sensors, and their applications. - Outline procedures for mission planning, risk management, and field operations. - Discuss data integration workflows linking UAV outputs to GIS, 3D modelling, and digital twin environments. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Pilot UAVs safely and effectively under standard operational rules. - Conduct mission planning, execute flights, and manage in-field data capture. - Configure UAV platforms with modular payloads (e.g., LiDAR, cameras, multispectral sensors). - Collect and process UAV photogrammetry and LiDAR data, including calibration and quality control. - Verify and validate UAV-derived data through GCPs and survey-grade instruments. - Convert and process UAV outputs into usable 2D/3D datasets for analysis and visualisation. - Demonstrate professional communication and reporting skills, enabling effective presentation of UAV project results. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: View reading list |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Practical and Fieldwork | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Saviour Formosa |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2026/7. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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