As the geospatial industry rapidly evolves, uncrewed aerial systems technology has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing how spatial data is collected, analyzed, and applied. This presentation explores the expanding role of drones within the geospatial workforce, highlighting their value in enhancing data accuracy, reducing operational costs, and increasing safety and efficiency across a variety of sectors.
From high-resolution mapping and 3D modeling to environmental monitoring, infrastructure assessment, and disaster response, drones are reshaping the workflows of GIS professionals and remote sensing specialists. The presentation will delve into applications, discuss current regulatory frameworks, and explore the skills and training necessary for geospatial professionals to integrate UAS operations into their toolkit. Attendees will gain insight into how drone technology not only augments traditional geospatial practices but also opens new career pathways and service opportunities for the modern geospatial workforce.
Dr. Rich Schultz serves as a faculty member teaching GIS at DePaul University, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Wheaton College. He also teaches drone technologies at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. He has previously served as an Associate Research Scientist at the Illinois State Geological Survey Prairie Research Institute and currently serves on the ILGISA board of directors as Past President and Chair of the Governance Committee. He has twenty-eight years of experience in higher education and previously worked for eight years in the hazardous waste cleanup industry.Dr. Schultz is an FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot since 2018 and works for the FAA as a FAASTeam volunteer serving as a Drone Pro.Dr. Schultz was the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) and also received the “GIS Service Award” for geospatial education from ILGISA and was the inaugural recipient of the Richard Hilton Collaboration Award from ILGISA in 2010.
Presentation Abstract: As the geospatial industry rapidly evolves, uncrewed aerial systems (UASs or “drones”) technology has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing how spatial data is collected, analyzed, and applied. This presentation explores the expanding role of drones within the geospatial workforce, highlighting their value in enhancing data accuracy, reducing operational costs, and increasing safety and efficiency across a variety of sectors. From high-resolution mapping and 3D modeling to environmental monitoring, infrastructure assessment, and disaster response, drones are reshaping the workflows of GIS professionals and remote sensing specialists. The presentation will delve into applications, discuss current regulatory frameworks, and explore the skills and training necessary for geospatial professionals to integrate UAS operations into their toolkit. Attendees will gain insight into how drone technology not only augments traditional geospatial practices but also opens new career pathways and service opportunities for the modern geospatial workforce.
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