How to Be Drone Mapping Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 30, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increased demand for drone mapping technicians has created an influx of new job opportunities for those interested in the field. With the advancements in technology, drones are becoming more and more prevalent in the mapping industry, allowing for faster, more accurate data collection. As a result, drone mapping technicians are now in high demand to operate and maintain these sophisticated devices.

The job requires strong technical skills, knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS), and the ability to interpret data. drone mapping technicians must be familiar with regulations and safety protocols, as well as possess a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate. The demand for these professionals is expected to continue to grow, making it an attractive career path for those interested in the field.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. Many employers prefer applicants with a diploma or degree in an engineering-related field, such as aeronautical engineering, computer science, or robotics.
Pursue an undergraduate degree or certificate in a related field, such as mapping and surveying technology, computer science, or robotics. Many of these programs offer courses specific to drone mapping and surveying, which will help you gain the skills and knowledge needed for this profession.
Become certified as a drone pilot. This involves passing an exam from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and registering your drone with the FAA.
Gain experience with drones by volunteering or interning with companies that use drones for mapping and surveying purposes. This will help you become familiar with the different types of drones, software, and mapping techniques used in this profession.
Develop your skills in programming, data analysis, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). These are important skills for drone mapping technicians.
Apply for available positions as a drone mapping technician. Many employers are looking for experienced drone mapping technicians who have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job duties successfully.

Mapping technicians require a unique set of skills to be successful. The most important skill is knowledge of the latest mapping software and technology. Modern mapping software allows technicians to quickly and accurately capture data from drones, which can be used to create detailed maps and other visuals.

In addition to software knowledge, technicians need to have strong analytical skills to interpret the data and create meaningful visualizations. They must also be comfortable working with drones, as they will be responsible for ensuring that the drone flies accurately and captures data in the right way. With the right skills, a mapping technician can become skilled and efficient in their job, producing accurate and up-to-date maps in a timely manner.

You may want to check Drone UAV Inspector, Drone Research Analyst, and Drone Delivery Driver for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct aerial surveys and collect data using drones
Develop mapping and survey plans to ensure data accuracy
Utilize photogrammetry and other methods to generate 3D models from drone data
Analyze drone data to create reports and maps
Monitor drone operations and ensure safety protocols are followed
Troubleshoot technical issues with drones and related equipment
Prepare and present drone mapping analysis to clients
Maintain a thorough understanding of FAA regulations for drone operations
Provide customer service and technical support to clients
Research and stay up-to-date on the latest drone technology

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of drone mapping software and hardware.
Ability to operate and troubleshoot a variety of drones.
Proficient in aerial image and video editing software.
Understanding of mapping and surveying principles.
Ability to interpret aerial imagery, terrain data, and other maps.
Ability to plan, execute, and monitor mapping missions.
Understanding of applicable regulations and safety standards.
Knowledge of photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Being a Drone Mapping Technician requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. The most important skill to have is an understanding of geospatial technology and the ability to use it to capture accurate data. This includes having an understanding of geographic information systems (GIS), photogrammetry, remote sensing, and drone software.

technicians must be proficient in operating drones, including pre-flight planning, launch, navigation, data collection, and post-flight operations. Furthermore, they should also have the technical know-how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during operations. Having strong communication skills is also important for communicating with clients and other team members.

Finally, having an eye for detail and the ability to follow instructions precisely is essential to ensure accurate data collection. All of these skills combine to create a successful Drone Mapping Technician who can provide highly accurate data for various applications.

Drone Engineer, Drone Designer, and Drone Flight Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in drone mapping?
What software do you use for drone mapping?
How familiar are you with the rules and regulations related to drone mapping?
Describe a successful project you have completed in drone mapping.
What challenges have you faced while doing drone mapping?
What techniques do you use to ensure accurate data collection?
What strategies do you use to ensure safety while completing a drone mapping project?
How do you stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in drone mapping?
What do you believe sets you apart from other drone mapping technicians?
How would you handle a situation where an unexpected issue arises while completing a project?

Common Tools in Industry

Drone. A remotely-controlled aircraft which can be used to collect aerial data and imagery. (eg: DJI Phantom 4 Pro)
GIS Software. Geographic information system software used to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data. (eg: ESRI ArcGIS)
Photogrammetry Software. A computer-based application used to measure and produce digital 3D models of objects from 2D images. (eg: Pix4D Mapper)
Terrestrial Laser Scanner. An instrument used to measure distances and create three-dimensional data points for terrain mapping. (eg: FARO Focus 3D X 330)
Global Navigation Satellite System. A system of satellites and receivers used for positioning, navigation, and timing services. (eg: GPS)
Surveying Equipment. Tools used to measure distances, angles, and elevations. (eg: Total Station)
Data Processing Tools. Applications used to process data collected from drones, GIS software, photogrammetry software, laser scanners, GNSS systems and surveying equipment. (eg: Pix4D Cloud Processing)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Small UAV Coalition
Commercial Drone Alliance
Academy of Model Aeronautics
International Society of Air Safety Investigators
Association of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Drone User Group Network (DUGN)
Dronecode
The International Association of Drone Pilots (IADP)
International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS)

We also have Drone Flight Instructor, Drone Regulatory Specialist, and Drone Simulator Instructor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Drone. A small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be remotely controlled or autonomously operated.
GPS. Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system used for tracking the position of an object.
Photogrammetry. The science of measuring distances and angles between objects on photographs.
UAV. Unmanned aerial vehicle, an aircraft without a human pilot aboard.
GIS. Geographic Information System, a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing geographic data.
Remote Sensing. A technology used to capture data from a distance, such as aerial photography or satellite imagery.
CAD. Computer-Aided Design, a software tool used for creating digital designs and models.
LiDAR. Light Detection and Ranging, a system that uses lasers to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience is necessary to become a Drone Mapping Technician?

Most employers require applicants to have a minimum of 3 years' experience in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and/or remote sensing.

What qualifications are required to become a Drone Mapping Technician?

Drone Mapping Technicians should possess an Associate's Degree in a relevant field such as GIS, Remote Sensing, or Computer Science. Certification from the FAA is a plus.

What type of tasks does a Drone Mapping Technician perform?

Drone Mapping Technicians are responsible for collecting, analyzing and interpreting data captured by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and creating detailed 3-Dimensional maps.

What is the average salary of a Drone Mapping Technician?

According to PayScale, the average salary of a Drone Mapping Technician is $52,785 per year.

What job outlook is there for Drone Mapping Technicians?

The job outlook for Drone Mapping Technicians is expected to be strong over the next 10 years due to the increasing demand for more accurate data collection and analysis.

Web Resources

Drone Mapping | WTCS - wtcsystem.edu www.wtcsystem.edu
Drones for Mapping & Surveying - Santa Ana College sac.edu
Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) Systems Flight Technician - Certificate www.vpcc.edu