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CourseDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems Applications open

Course in Ethics in Environmental Reconnaissance Drones

Online 300-hour course in ethics in environmental reconnaissance drones. 6 modules covering Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (UAS operations), Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity and Pix4D. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe the applications of drones in environmental reconnaissance.

02

Assess wildlife disturbance and establish minimum-impact protocols.

03

Apply UAS and protected area regulations.

04

Protect the privacy of communities in overflown areas.

05

Analyse the dual use of reconnaissance technologies.

06

Ensure the scientific integrity of the data obtained.

07

Develop a responsible environmental reconnaissance plan using drones.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Environmental monitoring technician looking to specialise in Ethics in Environmental Reconnaissance Drones.
  • UAS pilot looking to specialise in Ethics in Environmental Reconnaissance Drones.
  • Conservation biologist looking to specialise in Ethics in Environmental Reconnaissance Drones.
  • Remote sensing analyst looking to specialise in Ethics in Environmental Reconnaissance Drones.
  • Protected natural areas technician looking to specialise in Ethics in Environmental Reconnaissance Drones.
  • Environmental consultant looking to specialise in Ethics in Environmental Reconnaissance Drones.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter the environment and conservation sector.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (UAS operations)
  • Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity
  • Directive 2009/147/EC (birds)
  • Directive 92/43/EEC (habitats)
  • Royal Decree 517/2024 (legal framework for UAS)
  • Aarhus Convention (access to environmental information)
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Applications: biodiversity, wildfires, coasts and pollution
  2. 1.2Sensors: RGB, multispectral, thermal and LiDAR
  3. 1.3Photogrammetry and orthomosaics
  4. 1.4Wildlife censuses with drones
  5. 1.5Air and water quality monitoring
  6. 1.6Military origins of aerial reconnaissance
  7. 1.7Environmental ethics applied to remote sensing
  8. 1.8Benefits and risks for ecosystems
  9. 1.9Stakeholders: scientists, managers and communities
  10. 1.10Case study: seabird census with drones
  1. 2.1Wildlife responses to noise and presence
  2. 2.2Minimum distances and flight protocols
  3. 2.3Breeding season and sensitive periods
  4. 2.4Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC
  5. 2.5Birds Directive 2009/147/EC
  6. 2.6Natura 2000 and authorisations
  7. 2.7Animal welfare in research
  8. 2.8Impact assessment of campaigns
  9. 2.9International best practice
  10. 2.10Practical: flight protocol over a bird colony
  1. 3.1Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and operating categories
  2. 3.2SORA assessment in remote areas
  3. 3.3Protected natural areas and flight restrictions
  4. 3.4UAS geographical zones
  5. 3.5Beyond visual line of sight flights
  6. 3.6Safety of people on the ground
  7. 3.7Fire and battery risks
  8. 3.8Coordination with forestry agents
  9. 3.9Insurance and liability
  10. 3.10Case study: flight authorisation in a national park
  1. 4.1Incidental capture of people and dwellings
  2. 4.2GDPR and image data
  3. 4.3Indigenous communities and territories
  4. 4.4Free, prior and informed consent
  5. 4.5Data on endangered species and poaching
  6. 4.6Publication of sensitive location data
  7. 4.7Use for surveillance or border control
  8. 4.8Citizen science with drones
  9. 4.9Data sovereignty
  10. 4.10Workshop: data management plan for an environmental campaign
  1. 5.1Scientific quality and validation with field data
  2. 5.2Reproducibility and open data
  3. 5.3Military suppliers of drones and sensors
  4. 5.4Use of military drones in environmental surveillance
  5. 5.5Militarisation of conservation
  6. 5.6Anti-poaching and human rights
  7. 5.7Carbon footprint of campaigns
  8. 5.8Waste and lost drones
  9. 5.9Impact indicators
  10. 5.10Case study: drones against poaching in Africa
  1. 6.1Defining the scientific objective
  2. 6.2Platform and sensor selection
  3. 6.3Wildlife impact assessment
  4. 6.4Authorisation and safety plan
  5. 6.5Privacy and data plan
  6. 6.6Flight campaign design
  7. 6.7Data analysis and validation
  8. 6.8Communicating results
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, QGIS, DJI Terra, R, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures for wildlife censuses with drones, photogrammetry of natural areas and wildlife disturbance assessments. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor test bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-driven final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, IHL and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Defining the scientific objective

Describe the applications of drones in environmental reconnaissance.

Platform and sensor selection

Assess wildlife disturbance and establish minimum-impact protocols.

Wildlife impact assessment

Apply UAS and protected area regulations.

Authorisation and safety plan

Protect the privacy of communities in overflown areas.

Privacy and data plan

Analyse the dual use of reconnaissance technologies.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Environmental monitoring technicianUAS pilotConservation biologistRemote sensing analystProtected natural areas technicianEnvironmental consultant
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 total hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.

Work is done with Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, QGIS, DJI Terra, R. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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