

Advanced Drone Use Cases and Systems Certification
Students are tested on their understanding of the following items:
Aerial Inspections
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Post Natural Disaster Use of Drones
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Insurance Drone Inspections
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Home and Roof Drone Inspections
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Chimney Drone Inspections
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Utility Inspections
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Water system Inspections
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Solar farm Inspections
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Wind farm Inspections
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Railroad Inspections
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Bridge Inspections
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Inspections Platform Considerations
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Inspections Payload Considerations
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Types of Imagery Products
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Environmental Impacts
Thermal Imaging & Inspection
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Thermal Imaging Fundamentals
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Types of Thermal Payloads
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Thermal Inspections
Emergency Response Operations
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EO Sensors
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Chemical Detectors
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Volunteering for County and State Agencies
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Volunteering Internationally
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Best Practices while Volunteering
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Requirements for Contracting with FEMA
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Finding Contracts Based on Emergency Management Phase
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Useful Waivers during Disaster Response
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Coordinating with Incident Command
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Checking-In at an Incident
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Incident Supervisor and Initial Briefing
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Incident Command Post
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Check-out and Demobilization
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Data Requirements Impact on Flight Profiles and Altitude
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Organization Data Privacy and Security Policies
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Hazards and Conditions Unique to Emergency and Disaster Areas
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Ways to Prevent Stress among Crew Members
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How to Prepare for Disaster Response Missions
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Communicating with Incident Command
Crew & Communication Management
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Determining Appropriate Crew Composition
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Camera Operator Responsibilities
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Visual Observer Responsibilities
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Visual Observer Placement
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Communication Methods
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Crew Briefing
Aerial Photography and Videography
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​Manual Flight Profiles
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Common Manual Shots
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Determining the Shot List
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​Image Framing
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Common Camera Settings
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Specialty Camera Settings
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Sample Shot Lists
Aerial Mapping and Modeling
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Types of Mapping Data
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Types of Mapping Products
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Platform and Payload Considerations
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Mapping for Construction
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Mapping for Agricultural Uses
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Mapping for Engineering and Architecture
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Principles of Photogrammetry
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Photogrammetric Geometry
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Aerial Triangulation
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Photogrammetric Procedures
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Georeferencing
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Spatial Reference Systems
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Collecting Oblique Imagery for 3D Modeling
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Map Engine Processing Options
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Map Engine Data Requirements
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Uploading Datasets
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Accessing the Final Product
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Common Issues in Low Quality Maps
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Analyzing Evaluation Data
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Performing Volumetric Calculations
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Cut, Fill, and Volumetric Measurement Calculation
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Lowest Point and Best Fit Base Planes
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Adjusting Histogram to Change Elevation Values
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Relative vs. Absolute Accuracy
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Project Accuracy Requirements
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Survey-Grade Accuracy
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Factors that Improve Map Accuracy
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Techniques to Improve Map Accuracy
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Creating GCPs
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Placing GCPs
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Utilizing the GCP Checklist
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Static Layer Export Procedures
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Custom Layer Export Procedures
Disaster Response
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Type and Magnitude of a Disaster
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Emergency Management Efforts
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Phases of the Emergency Response Process
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Roles of Local, State, and Federal Governments
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Process for Disaster Declaration
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Structure of Incident Command System
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Types of Disasters
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Sudden Events and Expected Events
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Real-World Disaster Response UAV Operations
Safety, Risk & Emergency Procedures
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Flight Hazards Around Structures
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Common Drone Emergencies
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Recommended Emergency Responses
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Utilizing Preflight Checklists
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Determining Airspace Requirements
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Evaluating Forecast Weather
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Performing a Site Evaluation
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Verifying Waiver Requirements
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Checking State & Local Regulations
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Identifying Hazards
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Determining Takeoff/Landing Points
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Adjusting the Flight Profile
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Updating Lost Link Settings
Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations
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Common SAR Scenarios
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Search Classifications
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sUAS Platforms
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sUAS Imagery Payloads
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sUAS Auxiliary Payloads
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The Five Stages of a Search and Rescue Operation
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Aerial Search Pattern Overview
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Types of Aerial Search Patterns
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Search Pattern Considerations
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Aerial Search Pattern Execution
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Incident Command System (ICS)
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Dissemination of Sensor Information
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Search Conclusion Classifications
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Subject Found Scenarios
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Suspension or Termination Scenarios
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Post Flight Debrief Procedures
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Planning Stage Actions
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Lost Person Behavior
Flight Assessment
Following the knowledge evaluation, students will move on to the practical application phase with a certified evaluator. During this phase, students will be required to discuss and/or perform tasks in the following areas:
Preflight Planning
Aircraft and System Checks
Safety Assessment and Briefing
Normal Procedures
Manual Flight Maneuvers
Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
CRM/ADM
Operational Compliance
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Evaluators will utilize the Assessment Form to conduct Flight Evaluations. This form lists all Knowledge Areas and Tasks with boxes for scores ranging from 1 to 4. The maximum score for any single item is a 4. At the completion of the flight evaluation, all line items will be scored. The evaluator will then average the scores to arrive at your final grade. An average grade of 3.0 or greater is required to obtain an Advanced Drone Use Cases and Systems Certification from the International Drone Pilot Certification Association.
Certification Details
Cost
Location
The cost of each certification exam is $40.
The independent, third-party exams are proctored online in a timed exam. Accommodations for all exams are available as needed.