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University of Technology, Jamaica

Applied Drone Technology in Disaster Recovery (A-DRP)

Certificate (Cert)
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Course Overview

Study Level

Course duration
  • 4
  • Day(s)
Credits
Mode of Delivery

In Person

Location(s)

level 1 est. tuition

The amounts quoted for are the existing fees for the Academic Year 2024/2025 and are subject to change based on variation in the number of credits assigned to the course of study and the cost per credit at the time of delivery.

Applied Drone Technology in Disaster Recovery Programme (A-DRP) is an intensive, instructor-led field training course designed to develop practical operational skills in the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in disaster-response environments. Building upon the theoretical foundations introduced in the Introduction to Drone Technology in Disaster Recovery (I-DRP) course, this program focuses on real-world UAV operations used in disaster preparedness, emergency response, search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, and post-disaster damage assessment. Participants will engage in hands-on training with multiple drone platforms while learning how to operate safely within structured flight teams under realistic operational conditions. The course emphasizes mission planning, crew coordination, sensor deployment, aerial data collection, and operational decision-making in dynamic environments. Through progressive training exercises and scenario-based missions, participants will gain practical experience in UAV flight operations, search-and-rescue methodologies, thermal imaging and LiDAR applications, and photogrammetry workflows used to support disaster assessment and recovery operations. The programme is delivered through four days of in-person instruction, combining classroom briefings with extensive field-based flight operations and simulated disaster-response scenarios.

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Course Details

Dates:

April 20-23 2026 (Cohort 1)
April 25-26, 2026  & May 2-3, 2026 (Cohort 2)
April 27-30 2026 (Cohort 3)

Time: 9am – 4:30pm EST
Duration: 4 days
Cost: US$2,000

Prerequisite: Introduction to Drone Technology in Disaster Recovery (I-DRP)

Successful completion of the Introduction to Drone Technology in Disaster Recovery (I-DRP) course is required prior to enrolling in the Applied Drone Technology in Disaster Recovery Programme (A-DRP).
The I-DRP course provides the theoretical knowledge necessary for participants to fully engage in the operational training and applied field exercises delivered during the A-DRP programme.

Course Structure and Delivery Format

The A-DRP course is delivered entirely in person through instructor-led field training and applied flight operations.
The programme consists of:

  • Four (4) days of instructor-led training
  • Approximately six (6) hours of instruction per day (9AM – 4:30PM), with a 90 minute lunch break
  • Total instructional time: approximately twenty-four (24) hours
    Training combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on drone operations and scenario-based field exercises designed to simulate real disaster-response missions.

Participants will progressively develop their operational skills through structured exercises, culminating in simulated disaster-response scenarios involving search operations, thermal detection, and aerial mapping missions.

 

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

  • Upon completion of the programme, participants will be able to:
    Conduct UAV mission planning for disaster-response operations using structured operational frameworks
  • Demonstrate safe and effective UAV piloting skills in both indoor and outdoor environments
  • Apply checklist-based operational procedures including pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight workflows
  • Conduct site assessments to identify hazards, access limitations, airspace considerations, and operational risks
  • Operate effectively within a UAV flight crew structure, fulfilling roles such as Pilot-in-Command, Visual Observer, and Ground Supervisor
  • Deploy thermal imaging systems for search-and-rescue and inspection missions
  • Plan and execute UAV-supported search operations using structured search patterns and detection methodologies
  • Conduct aerial mapping missions using photogrammetry techniques for disaster damage assessment
  • Interpret aerial imagery and UAV-derived data to support emergency response decision-making
  • Demonstrate operational judgment during simulated disaster-response scenarios involving time pressure and environmental constraints

Target Participants
The programme is designed for professionals and organizations involved in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and infrastructure resilience.
Potential participants include:

  • Emergency management personnel
  • Fire services and emergency medical responders
  • Search-and-rescue organizations
  • Civil defence and disaster management agencies
  • Infrastructure and utilities authorities
  • Environmental monitoring professionals
  • Engineers and infrastructure inspection specialists
  • UAV pilots expanding into disaster-response operations
  • Geospatial analysts and mapping professionals
  • Government personnel involved in emergency planning and response
  •  Students and early-career professionals pursuing careers in emergency management, aviation, or geospatial technology

Instructional Equipment and Training Resources
Participants will have access to multiple UAV platforms and supporting equipment during training exercises. Participants are required to bring a laptop, tablet or smartphone for notetaking and access to the internet for research purposes.
Equipment provided throughout the program may include:

  • Micro-drone platforms for indoor flight training and confined-space operations (DJI Neo Series)
  • Professional UAV platforms for outdoor missions and aerial inspection workflows, including the DJI Mini Series, DJI Mavic 3 Series, and DJI Matrice 4T
  • Thermal imaging drones (DJI Mavic 3T and DJI Matrice 4T) for search-and-rescue training exercises
  • Drone obstacle courses and navigation training systems
  • Mission planning templates and operational checklists
  •  Scenario-based training materials simulating disaster-response environments
  • Digital training materials and operational reference guides

Registration link : UTechOpen: Drone Technology Course Registration Form – Fill in form

 

 

 

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The information collected on this form is for the purpose of providing you with information about our courses of study, admission process and other related educational services.

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Your data will be used by the Student Recruitment Unit of the University of Technology, Jamaica. We will contact you with information about the course of study you have expressed interest in, as well as upcoming events and updates from the university.

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