Introduction
This report outlines the “Professional Drone Mapping and GIS Training” conducted for five staff
members of ETA-ZUMA Mining Company from February 5th to 16th, 2024. The training aimed to
equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize drone technology for data
collection and analysis within the mining context, integrating drone data with Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) for enhanced decision-making.
Instructors:
● Surv. Ani Etuk (Drone Pilot Instructor)
● Mr Olugbenga Ebenezer B. (GIS Expert)
Number of Participants: 5
Training Duration: 2 weeks (3 hours/day)
Training Content:
The training was divided into two modules:
Module 1: Professional Drone Piloting and Mapping (February 5th – 10th)
● Drone Introduction: Overview of drone technology, types of drones, applications in mining.
● Drone Reconnaissance Survey, Weather Forecast, Preflight Checklist, and Flight
Planning: Safe and efficient pre-flight preparations for data collection missions.
● Drone Operation and Flight Techniques: Mastering basic and advanced flight maneuvers
for accurate data capture.
● Drone Inspection and Surveying: Utilizing drones for visual inspections and data collection
over mining sites.
● Drone Data Processing and Real-Time Mapping: Understanding the workflow for
processing drone imagery and generating real-time maps.
● Mosaicking and Orthophoto Creation: Practical exercises using Pix4D Mapper to convert
raw drone imagery into orthophotos.
Module 2: ArcGIS Pro for Mining Applications (February 12th – 14th)
● Introduction to GIS Software: Understanding the fundamentals of GIS and its potential in
mining operations.
● Data Models, Georeferencing, Geocoding, and Geotagging: Managing and preparing
spatial data for analysis.
● Exporting Orthophotos to ArcGIS and Post-processing: Integrating drone-generated
orthophotos into GIS software for further analysis.
● Digitization and Feature Extraction: Extracting relevant features from orthophotos like roads,
buildings, and slopes.
● Measurement, Volumetric Analysis, and Spatial Analyst: Performing quantitative
measurements and spatial analyses of drone-derived data.
● Cartographic Mapping and Symbolization: Creating professional and informative maps for
various mining applications.
● Drone Data Processing and Reporting: Integrating and presenting drone data within relevant
reports and presentations.
Methodology:
The training adopted a hands-on approach, combining theoretical sessions with practical
exercises in the field and lab. Participants actively participated in:
● Field exercises: Learning drone operation, flight planning, and data collection procedures on
site.
● Software training: Mastering practical skills in data
processing, analysis, and visualization using Pix4D Mapper 4.9 and ArcGIS Pro 3.0.
● Project work: Applying learned skills to a simulated mining scenario, including data collection,
processing, and analysis.
Assessment and Certification:
On the final day, participants underwent a comprehensive assessment to evaluate their
understanding and practical skills. Upon successful completion, participants received certificates
recognizing their competence in drone mapping and GIS applications for mining.
Conclusion:
The “Professional Drone Mapping and GIS Training” successfully equipped ETA-ZUMA Mining
Company staff with valuable skills in drone data collection, analysis, and integration with GIS
software. This newfound expertise will enable them to:
● Conduct efficient and safe drone surveys for various mining applications.
● Extract valuable insights from drone data for informed decision-making.
● Generate informative and professional maps for planning, analysis, and communication.
● Integrate drone data seamlessly with existing GIS workflows.
Overall, the training program provided a valuable foundation for ETA-ZUMA Mining Company to
leverage drone technology and GIS for improved efficiency, productivity, and decision-making
across its mining operations.