Online Advanced Photogrammetry and Mapping with UAS Certificate

Map the World With Drones and Imagery.

1867: That's when the term photogrammetry first appeared in print, in work attributed to Prussian architect Albrecht Meydenbauer. What began as a method of measuring buildings and landscapes from photographs has evolved into a sophisticated science that transforms images into accurate maps and three-dimensional models.

Today, photogrammetrists use imagery captured by drones, aircraft, and satellites to produce detailed geospatial information. Their work supports everything from surveying and engineering to environmental monitoring, infrastructure development, and urban planning.

Michigan Tech's online Advanced Photogrammetry and Mapping with UAS Graduate Certificate builds on this legacy. You'll develop specialized skills in digital photogrammetry, image processing, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) mapping—expertise you can apply in your current profession, use to pursue new career opportunities, or build on toward a master's degree.

Who is This Certificate For?

This certificate may be a good fit for surveying, mapping, and geospatial professionals, as well as those in engineering or geographic information management who work with aerial imagery. You'll develop specialized knowledge of photogrammetry and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) mapping for spatial data collection and analysis.

What You'll Study

You'll earn photogrammetry and UAS mapping from faculty who work in surveying and image-based geospatial technologies. Coursework connects photogrammetric principles with coding and applied mapping, while electives allow study in areas such as hydrographic mapping and LiDAR-based 3D modeling. You'll take two required courses and then choose one elective from four courses.

When planning your program, make sure you check the course registration page for the availability of classes.

Required Courses

SU 5140 - Photogrammetry & UAV Mapping

Basic principles of photogrammetry and its role as a technology for spatial data collection. Use of photogrammetry in the fields of surveying, engineering, and geographic information management will be discussed.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

SU 5541 - Close-range Photogrammetry

The main topics that will be covered are: math fundamentals; imaging technology; the photogrammetric process; image acquisition planning; interior orientation; bundle block adjustment; 3D plotting; orthoprojection; image-matching techniques; and close range photogrammetry applications.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): SU 4140

Electives (Choose One)

SU 5010 - Geospatial Concepts, Technologies, and Data

High-level review of geospatial data acquisition systems, sensors and associated processing technologies. Course considers geospatial metadata generation principles, interoperability, and major tools for manipulation with geospatial data. Course may help in transition of non-geospatial majors to geospatial field.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Integrated Geospatial Tech, Surveying Engineering, Geospatial Engineering

SU 5013 - Hydrographic Mapping and Surveying

This course comprises theory and applications of hydrographic mapping technologies. Typical application scenarios are covered. An intensive lab component provides hands-on experience in hydrographic data processing and visualization.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-1)
Semesters Offered: Spring

SU 5142 - 3D Surveying and Modeling with Laser Scanner Data

Theory and application of terrestrial LIDAR scanning. Typical application scenarios are also included. Intensive lab component provides hands-on experience in LIDAR point cloud processing and visualization.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

This certificate is also available as an on-campus option.

Where You'll Apply Your Skills

In today’s world, the photogrammetry process (or mapping) is more important than ever. Architects and engineers — as well as federal, state, and local government agencies — depend on advanced photogrammetry to work safely and efficiently.

Earning a graduate certificate in advanced photogrammetry with mapping unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from Michigan Tech will prepare you for both UAS certification and mapping certification exams — laying the groundwork for an impactful and rewarding career in several modern workplaces.

Those with photogrammetry expertise often work as surveyors, mappers, technicians, and designers.

Possible Career Paths

Architecture
Cultural Heritage
Engineering
Geology
Government
Manufacturing
Police Investigation
Topographic Mapping

View of Michigan Tech university in the Fall, as seen from the other side of the Portage Canal.

Get Started on Your Advanced Photogrammetry Certificate.

Take the next step on your educational journey at Michigan Tech. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program.