Using the latest in multispectral sensor and drone technology, students learn about conducting research and collecting aerial data. They will learn the basics of Geographic Information Systems, meta data, and the science behind remote sensing. They will also learn about the safety, communications and regulations that apply to conducting drone operations in Canada or the United States (and other select regions).

Students will learn how to pilot drones indoors and outdoors, and will take part in engineering and entrepreneurship-based activities, because Volatus views STEAM (science, technology, arts, engineering and mathematics)

Data is then analyzed in a computer lab setting, and students will learn how to train machine learning algorithms to detect objects of interest within image data sets. Students will work with both visible (RGB) and multispectral data sets using open-source neural network machine learning tools.

At the end of the program, students will complete their Basic RPAS Pilot Certification Exam through Transport Canada, or The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) in the United States and will have the opportunity to continue their training following the program with access to Advanced RPAS Ground School or the Part 107 Training Guide.

*NOTE: Age requirements to attempt the Basic RPAS Pilot Certification Exam or The Recreational UAS Safety Test are a minimum of 14 years of age, therefore the minimum age for participation in the SEAR Program is 14.

There are 5 project options available, depending on where the program is offered:

The Dutch Elm Disease Project

Detecting Dutch Elm Disease in urban tree canopies for early detection disease prevention. Students also learn about tree identification, visible symptom detection for ground truthing.

Restricted to communities with known cases of Dutch Elm Disease.

*NOTE: This project is run in partnership with the University of Winnipeg who are managing the academic research.

The Crop Disease Project

Analyzing visible spectrum and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) aerial data, as well and ground-based agronomy activities for ground truthing, to detect potential diseases, effects of crop inputs, differences in growth stages, yield, or other factors.

Restricted to communities within or near crop-based agriculture environments

The Litter Project

Analyzing multispectral reflectance data to identify location and classify various types of litter on coastlines, parks and urban spaces.

This project was recently presented at the International Symposium on Plastics in the Arctic and Subarctic, and can run anywhere.

*NOTE: This project is run in partnership with the University of Manitoba who are managing the academic research.

The Invasive Species Project

Analyzing aerial data various ecosystems to identify and locate visible/identifiable terrestrial or aquatic invasive plant species.

The Custom Project

We can customize projects for you! Reach out and let us know if you would like to explore opportunities with the SEAR Program in your region!

This program thrives on partnerships. We work with many different agencies, institutions and organizations, including government, universities, schools, non-profits, and other industry partners.

Volatus has research partnerships with the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba, and are seeking further research opportunities with several other major institutions in the United States, Canada and abroad!

SEAR In The News!

Check out these news articles about the SEAR Program:

Global News - Program teaching students about drones, aerial research and sustainability to expand

CTV News - Aerospace company working to protect tree canopy using drone technology

Winnipeg Free Press - Drones power crop protection

NASDAQ - Volatus Aerospace Gets Funding by Research Manitoba and the Government of Manitoba to Expand Its Science Experiential Aerial Research (SEAR) Program

Yahoo Finance - Volatus Expands SEAR Program into the U.S.