Topographic mapping course with UAV
Online course of 300 hours in UAV topographic mapping. 6 modules covering applied surveying and geodesy, precise GNSS positioning, aerial surveys, topographic products and engineering applications under Royal Decree 1071/2007, the ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards and ISO 17123-8, with Autodesk Civil 3D, RTKLIB, Pix4Dmatic and Global Mapper, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Apply geodetic reference systems and coordinate transformations.
Use precise GNSS techniques in UAV surveys.
Design ground control networks for aerial surveys.
Choose between photogrammetry and LiDAR for each surveying assignment.
Generate terrain models, contour lines and CAD drawings.
Control the accuracy of topographic products.
Apply UAV surveying to civil works and mining.
Who it's for
- Site surveyors.
- Aerial survey technicians.
- Cartographic draughtspersons.
- Geomatics engineers.
- Heads of surveying departments.
- Cadastre technicians.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter construction and infrastructure.
What you'll work with
- Royal Decree 1071/2007 (official geodetic reference system in Spain)
- ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data (accuracy classes for geospatial products)
- ISO 17123-8 (field test procedures for GNSS RTK equipment)
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (rules and procedures for UAS operation)
- ISO 19111 (referencing by coordinates)
- Directive 2007/2/EC (INSPIRE spatial data infrastructure)
- Royal Decree 517/2024 (Spanish UAS regulation)
- Autodesk Civil 3D
- RTKLIB
- Pix4Dmatic
- Global Mapper
- QGIS
6 modules
1.1Geodetic networks and reference stations1.2ETRS89 system and UTM projection1.3EGM08-REDNAP geoid model1.4Coordinates, ellipsoidal and orthometric heights1.5Systematic and random errors1.6Tolerances in topographic surveys1.7Classic instruments: total station and GNSS1.8Map representation scales1.9Comparison of aerial and terrestrial methods1.10Practical exercise: coordinate transformation with PROJ
2.1Code and carrier phase measurement2.2RTK techniques and NTRIP networks2.3PPK post-processing2.4PPP positioning2.5Multipath and cycle slips2.6Antennas and receivers on UAVs2.7GNSS base stations in the field2.8RGAP network and regional services2.9Estimation of positional accuracy2.10Lab: PPK post-processing with RTKLIB
3.1Design of the ground control network3.2Optimal target distribution3.3Choosing between photogrammetry and LiDAR3.4Flights at constant height above ground3.5Terrain following with a digital model3.6Surveying linear corridors3.7Capture in areas of dense vegetation3.8Data logging and field diary3.9Handling incidents in the field3.10Workshop: ground control design for a 50-hectare survey
4.1Digital terrain model with breaklines4.2TIN triangulation4.3Contour lines with an appropriate interval4.4Restitution of planimetric features4.5Longitudinal and cross profiles4.6Earthwork volume calculation4.7Drawings in CAD format4.8Multi-temporal comparisons4.9Tolerances according to drawing scale4.10Lab: generating topographic drawings in Civil 3D
5.1Road and railway projects5.2Setting out and construction control5.3Urban developments and land subdivisions5.4Dams and canals5.5Boundary surveys and cadastre5.6Landfills and fill control5.7Open-pit mining5.8Slope monitoring5.9BIM models of infrastructure5.10Case study: earthworks control on a motorway
6.1Definition of the assignment and tolerances6.2Design of the ground control network6.3Flight planning6.4Acquisition and positioning6.5Processing and terrain model6.6Generation of drawings6.7Quality and accuracy control6.8Topographic report6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The working software is Autodesk Civil 3D, RTKLIB, Pix4Dmatic, Global Mapper and QGIS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for surveys with GNSS ground control in the field, PPK trajectory post-processing and volume control on construction sites. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: Royal Decree 1071/2007 (official geodetic reference system), ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data, ISO 17123-8, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, ISO 19111, Directive 2007/2/EC (INSPIRE), Royal Decree 517/2024.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Autodesk Civil 3D, RTKLIB, Pix4Dmatic, Global Mapper and QGIS, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required: you need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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