Forensic Drone Photography. 3 credits

Catalog description

This course explores the rapidly expanding use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) also referred to as a drone to assist forensic investigators to document scenes. These capture platforms allow the user to document events using both video and photographs from a vantage point not easily obtained. The data collected can then be further extracted to form maps and models of the scene. Students in this course will first be taught the knowledge and skills necessary to apply for a FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone (UAS) license. Next, they will develop their piloting skills to capture data through a series of lectures and practical problems typically found by forensic investigators. Finally, a survey of legal requirements for drone use and procedures to follow to seek authorizations to fly in certain areas.Offered by Forensic Sciences. May not be repeated for credit.