This autumn SIOS offers a training course on how to effectively use UAVs in Svalbard research. The training will be delivered by UAV experts from SIOS member institutions, international researchers, and experts from the industry.
- Time: 4 - 8 September 2023
- Location: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
- Application deadline:
15 April 2023(Extended to 30 April)
The goal of the course is to teach participants the basic skills needed to use UAVs in Svalbard.
- Target audience
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The course is intended for scientists, master/Ph.D. students and technicians with no or modest experience with UAVs in their research.
Those who have not used UAVs before are preferable.
- Course objectives
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General objectives
Due to the relatively fast and easy data acquisition, low cost and high data resolution, UAVs have become a popular instrument in environmental studies. SIOS member institutions use drones in a range of research projects across Svalbard. However, scientists may lack the necessary training required to fly drones and/or process the data. PhD students from SIOS member institutions who are about to begin careers can especially benefit from this training course.
This course will consist of following activities:
- Theoretical lecture series
- Hands-on, demo and practice sessions
- Field excursion and social events
- Mini-projects
Learning objectives
At the conclusion of the educational activities (4-8 September 2023) and the following mini-projects;
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you should achieve basic/beginner’s understanding of the applicability of UAVs in Svalbard/Arctic research.
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you should develop knowledge and understanding of how drones and associated datasets can benefit your research.
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you should be able to plan your own drone-based fieldwork in Svalbard and arctic environments.
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you should be able to use SfM methods for post-processing images to create 3D data products.
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you should be able to safely conduct drone flights within the applicable regulations in Svalbard.
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you should know of more sophisticated methods of drone usage.
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you should be able to demonstrate understanding of potential advanced applications of drone technologies to arctic research questions.
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you should develop the knowledge/expertise to carry out your own drone-based field campaigns.
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you should develop mini-projects or pilot applications using UAV data.
- Confirmed teachers
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- Richard Hann, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Clare Webster, University of Oslo
- Peter Betlem, The University Centre in Svalbard
- Tentative timeline
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Pre-training course activities
- Application period: 1 March – 30 April 2023
- Review of applications: 30 April - 15 May 2023
- Decision on selection: by 7 June 2023
- Final selections from the waiting list after cancellations: 20 June 2023
- Sharing practical information (travel, software and hardware requirements): 30 June 2023
Training course activities
- Course dates: 4 - 8 September 2023 (starting Monday morning, ending Friday at lunchtime to allow flight departure the same day).
- Course schedule: coming soon
Post Training activities (Virtual)
- Mini-projects: 10 September - 10 October 2023
- Mini-project presentation: by 15 October 2023
- Project summary and report deadline: 1 December 2023
- Application procedure
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- The course is available for applicants from all institutions, but employees and students from SIOS member institutions will be prioritised (Is my institution a member of SIOS?).
- There are no course fees. Participants must cover their own expenses on travel and accommodation in Longyearbyen
- Employees and students from SIOS member institutions can apply for partial support for travel and accommodation (actual costs up to 6 000 NOK/participant from European/Nordic SIOS member institutions and up to 12 000 NOK/participant from Asian SIOS member institutions).
- Each SIOS member institution has one place guaranteed - provided an application is received. If no application from a SIOS member institution is received, the allocated place is forfeit and may be allocated to an applicant from another institution.
- Application period: 1 March – 30 April 2023
APPLY HERE
- Practical information
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This list will be updated.
- The training course is free of charge. Participants must cover their own expenses on travel and accommodation in Longyearbyen
- Course participants are expected to bring their own laptops
- SIOS will cover one networking dinner and all lunches/coffee breaks during the training course
- Software requirements will be communicated in June
- Task force
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This training course is organised by a task force comprised of the following members:
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Richard Hann - NTNU
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Clare Webster – University of Oslo
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William Harcourt – Aberdeen University
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Sara Aparício - Solenix for ESA/NOVA University of Lisbon
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Zuzanna Swirad, IG-PAS
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Shridhar Jawak - SIOS-KC
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