Harper College

GIS and Drone Technology Courses

Harper College's Geographic Information Systems and Drone Technology courses are designed to give students hands-on experience with the latest GIS and drone technologies, utilizing cutting-edge techniques and best practices. Students pursuing drone certificates and courses are provided with drones and industry-standard software to use in the classroom, such as Pix4DMapper, ArcGIS Pro, Zephyr Drone Simulator, and Office 365. Our drones include systems from DJI, Autel Robotics, and senseFly. GIS course offerings cover topics such as Geospatial Spatial Technologies, Analysis, and Remote Sensing. Drone course offerings focus on mastering drone piloting skills and developing methods for drone data acquisition and analysis.

Geographic Information Systems Course Descriptions

2 lecture, 2 lab, 4 total contact hours  
Provides an introduction to geospatial technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Remote Sensing through hands-on computer based exercises. The essential principles of map use and design, and spatial analysis are also included in this course. Fundamental desktop computer skills assumed. IAI S4 905

2 lecture, 2 lab, 4 total contact hours  
Introduces the concepts and problem solving capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Spatial data sourcing and management will be learned using information acquired in the field or from other sources. Spatial analysis concepts will be introduced through hands-on exercises using GIS software. Prerequisite: GIS 100 with a grade of C or better.

2 lecture, 2 lab, 4 total contact hours  
Continues GIS 101. Emphasizes the practical application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to solve problems and answer questions. Increases level of proficiency using GIS and performing spatial analysis of data. Introduces GIS operational and management issues. Prerequisite: GIS 101 with a grade of C or better.

2 lecture, 2 lab, 4 total contact hours  
Consolidates the concepts and techniques acquired through prior coursework within the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate. Students will analyze case studies, understand geospatial technology as a professional field, and apply geospatial technology methods and workflows in classroom projects. Prerequisite: GIS 102 with a grade of C or better.

.5 - 1 lecture, 2.5 - 10 lab, 3 - 11 total contact hours  
Provides a structured work experience in a supervised setting using GIS or other geospatial technologies. Students are exposed to the technical and managerial issues faced by a geospatial technician or analyst. Students prepare a written report at the end of the assignment. Prerequisite: GIS 100 with a grade of C or better, and consent of program coordinator.

2 lecture, 2 lab, 4 total contact hours  
Provides an introduction to remote sensing of the Earth. Topics include the physical principles upon which remote sensing is based; history and future directions; sensors and their characteristics; image data sources; image classification, interpretation and analysis techniques; and the integration of workflow outputs into GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Prerequisite: GIS 100 with a grade of C or better.

Drone Technology Course Descriptions

1 lecture, 1 total contact hours  
Provides knowledge about the regulations and procedures governing the legal operation of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) in the United States of America. Course content aligns with knowledge areas in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Part 107 airman knowledge test for a Remote Pilot Certificate with a sUAS rating.

2 lecture, 2 lab, 4 total contact hours  
Introduces the fundamentals of flying drones (or Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, sUAS) with a focus on flight proficiency skills, safety procedures, mission planning best practices, and image acquisition procedures. Fundamental desktop computer skills assumed.

2 lecture, 2 lab, 4 total contact hours  
Introduces students to the methods used to capture, process, analyze, and present drone (or Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, sUAS) data. Includes drone data applications, image and sensor characteristics, mission planning, data acquisition, post processing, and data analysis fundamentals. Fundamental desktop computer skills assumed. Prerequisite: DRO 101 with a grade of C or better.

Last Updated: 9/16/25