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January 30, 2025

By Anne MacLaurin

As the reality of climate change impacts our world, geospatial analytics has emerged as an essential tool for understanding climate adaptation and mitigation.

UVic geographer, Chris Bone, is collaborating with industry partners to create a professional program in Geospatial Climate Analytics. As part of this program, a is tailored for workplace needs and timeframes.

The vision of the program is to develop courses on geospatial data science aimed at professionals in government, industry, First Nations and community to address climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation.

“There is a real need for training in drone mapping and other geospatial technologies to assist working professionals with utilizing spatial data for improving how we understand climate change impacts,” says Bone.

Drone technology can accurately, quickly, and inexpensively map and survey a diverse range of landscapes. Drones are used to create analysis for forestry, conservation, emergency management, energy, agriculture and transportation use.

The micro-certificate in mapping with drones teaches essential skills for a wide range of industries and provides hands on experience with new advanced technology. Whether individuals are looking to build their professional career or just eager to try something new, this program provides the tools to succeed.

The program shows how drones and open-source software can perform small drone-based data collection for creating digital 3D and 2D topographical maps. It also provides a streamlined set of practical skills to safely plan, acquire, and process drone imagery to produce high-quality 2D maps and 3D models.

 UVic geospatial micro-credential instructor, Roger Stephen, says, “the courses are open to anyone interested in developing the skills necessary to create and analyze high-resolution maps from drone acquired imagery.”

 Stephen explains the micro-certificate gives hobbyists, students and professionals access to affordable, high-quality consumer drones and technology that enables an increasing number of people to accurately map their surroundings or sites of interest with extremely high detail.

The micro-certificate in mapping with drones requires two (2) courses

This program is certified by . CIFAL provides certification for training courses that build the capabilities of individuals and communities towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants who successfully complete this course are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion co-signed by UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and CIFAL Victoria.