2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Hobart
This unit is offered to students in postgraduate environmental geospatial science qualifications as first preference, and other interested students as available.
Enrolments for each availability of this unit are capped. If you are unable to enrol, please contact the unit co-ordinator - darren.turner@utas.edu.au
Due to the nature of the unit, attendance face-to-face in Hobart for a series of practical training and assessment dates is essential. All parts of the unit must be attempted and successfully completed in order to obtain the embedded CASA qualification in this unit.
This unit has an OPTIONAL levy of $500 that covers the fees that are required to process the drone license paperwork. If you don’t require a license, you may opt not to pay the fee.
Introduction
In this unit you will learn the knowledge and develop the skills required to become a certified drone pilot. To achieve this you will complete three components,: CASA RePL theory, drone flight training, and using drones for geospatial mapping. You will learn about basic aviation, multi-rotor systems and functionality, mission preparation and planning, aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, human factors, and maintenance. You will also learn how to fly a drone safely and proficiently, and you will develop skills that will enable you to use drones for the purposes of geospatial mapping.
To complete the unit there are three main assessments:
CASA theory exams
Drone flight test demonstrating safe and proficient drone flying skills
A report demonstrating your knowledge of planning a flight and collecting mapping data
To be able to conduct mapping missions with a drone you will be taught how to configure both RGB and multispectral cameras and how to use software to produce 3D point cloud and orthomosaic.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be CASA-certified for RePL operations including a radio operators license.
Summary
| Unit name | Introductory Drone Mapping and Pilot Certification |
| Unit code | KGG545 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Darren Turner |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Spring |
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- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 1/11/2026 | 16/11/2026 | 2/12/2026 | 2/1/2027 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain basic aerodynamics, aircraft systems, air law, operational planning, and meteorology in the context of drone piloting.
- Conduct drone flying activities in a professional manner.
- Use radio communications procedures according to appropriate CASA regulations.
- Plan a drone flight for geospatial mapping
- Produce a 3D point cloud and orthomosaic using photogrammetric software.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 031103 | $1,192.00 | $1,192.00 | not applicable | $3,401.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KGG539|KGG540|KGG542Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Three sessions of intensive delivery per year. Per delivery:
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|---|---|
| Assessment | Drone Flight Test (25%)|CASA RePL Theory and Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) Exam (35%)|Geospatial Mapping with a Drone (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
CASA remote pilot licence (RePL) theory - supplied as part of the unit. |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.