Remote Sensing and Data Analysis

Designed for professionals seeking to develop practical expertise in drone-based remote sensing and geospatial data analysis, this course equips participants with the knowledge and technical skills to collect, process and interpret complex spatial datasets for real-world applications. It combines remote sensing principles with hands-on data processing, Python programming and advanced analytical techniques to support informed decision-making across a range of engineering and environmental contexts.

Participants will explore the complete workflow of drone-based data acquisition, from image capture and photogrammetry through to data analysis, visualisation and machine learning. By the end of the course, they will be able to apply contemporary remote sensing techniques to solve practical challenges in areas such as environmental monitoring, infrastructure assessment and precision agriculture.

To view the module descriptor (COMP11131), please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors 

 

Who is this course for?

This course is particularly relevant for professionals involved in the collection, analysis and interpretation of spatial data using drone and remote sensing technologies, including:

• Engineers and technical professionals using geospatial data to support planning, inspection or asset management
• Environmental professionals involved in monitoring, surveying and environmental assessment
• Professionals working with drone-captured imagery and spatial datasets who want to strengthen their data analysis capabilities
• GIS and geospatial practitioners seeking to develop practical skills in remote sensing, photogrammetry and data visualisation
• Professionals responsible for processing, analysing or interpreting complex datasets to support evidence-based decision-making
• Individuals looking to develop Python programming skills for geospatial data processing and analysis
• Professionals wishing to explore how machine learning can enhance remote sensing workflows and improve the interpretation of spatial data

Whether you are new to remote sensing or looking to expand your technical capability, this course provides the practical knowledge and applied skills needed to work confidently with contemporary drone-based data acquisition and analysis techniques.

 

Why take this course?

Drone technologies, remote sensing and geospatial data are transforming how organisations monitor assets, manage infrastructure and understand environmental change. Across sectors including engineering, construction, environmental management and agriculture, there is growing demand for professionals who can collect, process and interpret high-quality spatial data to support informed decision-making.

This course develops the practical skills needed to move beyond data collection and unlock the value of drone-derived information. You will gain hands-on experience of photogrammetry, geospatial data processing, Python programming, data visualisation and machine learning techniques, enabling you to produce meaningful insights from complex datasets.

By combining technical knowledge with applied analytical skills, the course will help you develop the confidence to use contemporary remote sensing technologies to solve real-world challenges, improve operational decision-making and support innovation within your professional practice.

 

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the principles of remote sensing and evaluate the capabilities of drone-based data acquisition for different applications
• Plan and implement effective workflows for capturing, processing and managing remote sensing data
• Apply photogrammetry techniques to generate and interpret geospatial outputs, including orthomosaics, digital elevation models and point clouds
• Process and analyse spatial datasets using Python and appropriate geospatial data analysis techniques
• Visualise and interpret remote sensing data to support evidence-based decision-making
• Evaluate the suitability of different analytical methods, including machine learning approaches, for extracting meaningful information from geospatial datasets
• Critically assess the accuracy, quality and limitations of remote sensing data and analytical outputs
• Apply contemporary remote sensing and data analysis techniques to address practical engineering, environmental and infrastructure challenges

 

How you will learn

This course combines technical knowledge with practical application, enabling you to develop the skills required to collect, process and analyse drone-derived remote sensing data. Through a blend of guided learning, practical activities and independent study, you will gain experience of contemporary tools and techniques used across engineering, environmental and geospatial applications.

Depending on the mode of delivery, you will learn through a combination of:

• Tutor-led teaching sessions or structured online learning materials
• Practical demonstrations of drone-based remote sensing and photogrammetry workflows
• Guided exercises using industry-standard software and Python for geospatial data processing and analysis
• Case studies that explore the application of remote sensing to real-world engineering and environmental challenges
• Independent study supported by online learning resources and materials available through the University's virtual learning environment
• Tutor guidance and academic support appropriate to the delivery model

The course comprises approximately 200 hours of learning, including scheduled teaching or guided online learning, independent study and assessment. This flexible approach enables participants to balance postgraduate study with professional commitments while developing practical skills that can be applied directly within their own professional practice.

 

Course content

The course takes you through the complete remote sensing workflow, from data acquisition and processing to advanced analysis and interpretation. Throughout the course, you will develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to transform drone-captured data into meaningful insights that support professional decision-making.

• Remote Sensing Principles and Data Acquisition

Develop an understanding of remote sensing technologies, drone sensors and data capture techniques, learning how different approaches can be applied to a range of engineering and environmental challenges.

• Photogrammetry and Geospatial Data Processing

Explore how imagery is transformed into accurate geospatial datasets using photogrammetry, Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques and professional processing workflows.

• Python for Spatial Data Analysis

Build practical programming skills using Python to process, analyse and visualise remote sensing data, enabling you to automate workflows and extract meaningful information from complex datasets.

• Machine Learning and Advanced Analytics

Examine how machine learning, object detection and data fusion techniques can enhance the analysis, classification and interpretation of remote sensing data.

• Data Visualisation and Decision Support

Learn how to present and communicate analytical findings effectively through high-quality visualisations and geospatial outputs that support evidence-based decision-making.

• Applying Remote Sensing to Real-World Challenges

Bring together the knowledge, tools and techniques developed throughout the course to address practical challenges in areas such as environmental monitoring, infrastructure assessment, construction and precision agriculture through project-based learning.

 

Assessment

Assessment is designed to help you apply remote sensing and data analysis techniques to realistic technical challenges, demonstrating your ability to collect, process and interpret complex geospatial data. Through a combination of individual and collaborative project work, you will develop both the technical expertise and practical problem-solving skills required to deliver professional remote sensing solutions.

You will complete two complementary assessments:

• An individual project with a portfolio of laboratory reports, demonstrating your ability to capture, process and analyse remote sensing data using professional software, photogrammetry techniques and Python programming. Throughout the course, you will build a portfolio that evidences the development of your technical skills and analytical capability.
• A group data integration and analysis project, where you will work collaboratively to integrate datasets, develop analytical tools or models, and present practical solutions to a real-world remote sensing challenge through a final report and presentation.

Together, these assessments enable you to apply the complete remote sensing workflow, strengthen your technical and collaborative skills, and demonstrate your ability to deliver evidence-based solutions to complex engineering and environmental problems.

 

Applying your learning

Throughout the course, you will:

• Apply remote sensing principles and data analysis techniques to realistic engineering and environmental scenarios
• Develop practical experience of drone-based data acquisition, photogrammetry and geospatial data processing workflows
• Use Python and specialist software tools to process, analyse and visualise complex spatial datasets
• Evaluate analytical approaches, interpreting data to support evidence-based decision-making and problem-solving
• Collaborate with peers on applied projects that reflect real-world remote sensing challenges
• Build confidence in selecting and applying appropriate techniques to address technical and operational requirements

You will leave with:

• A practical understanding of the complete drone-based remote sensing workflow, from data capture through to analysis and interpretation
• Greater confidence in using Python and professional software to process, visualise and analyse geospatial data
• The ability to apply photogrammetry, machine learning and data integration techniques to support professional practice
• Enhanced analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing complex engineering, environmental and infrastructure challenges
• Experience of developing evidence-based solutions using contemporary remote sensing technologies and presenting technical findings effectively
• Transferable technical capabilities that support innovation and informed decision-making across a range of geospatial and engineering applications

 

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

The course is suitable for professionals who wish to develop their knowledge of drone-based remote sensing, geospatial data analysis and spatial data processing. It may particularly benefit those working in engineering, environmental management, surveying, infrastructure, construction or related disciplines, as well as individuals seeking to strengthen their technical and analytical capabilities through postgraduate study.

Participants should be prepared to engage with study at SCQF Level 11, including practical data analysis, independent learning and project-based activities. No prior programming experience is required, as the course introduces the fundamentals of Python programming before progressing to more advanced data processing and analytical techniques.

 

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits at SCQF Level 11.

These credits may contribute towards further postgraduate study at the University of the West of Scotland, where appropriate and in accordance with University regulations.

 

Funding 

A limited number of fully funded places are available, supported by the Digital Dairy Chain – a regional initiative focused on driving innovation, sustainability and skills development across the dairy sector. 

These funded places aim to support participants from the dairy supply chain to build capability in remote sensing and data analysis. 

Applicants must be resident in or employed in East, North, South Ayrshire; North, South Lanarkshire; Renfrewshire; East Renfrewshire; Glasgow City; Inverclyde; Dumfries and Galloway.

If you have any questions, please contact us at cpd@uws.ac.uk.

 

Sector and workforce relevance

Remote sensing and geospatial data analysis are becoming increasingly important across sectors including engineering, environmental management, construction, infrastructure and precision agriculture. Organisations are investing in drone technologies and advanced data analytics to improve decision-making, monitor assets, assess environmental change and increase operational efficiency. This course reflects these evolving workforce needs by developing the practical skills required to capture, process and interpret complex spatial data using contemporary remote sensing techniques.

Participants will gain experience of professional workflows, specialist software and Python programming, alongside emerging approaches such as machine learning and data fusion. Through project-based learning and real-world applications, the course develops the technical capability and analytical thinking needed to apply remote sensing effectively across a wide range of professional contexts.

The emphasis on practical data acquisition, analysis and visualisation ensures participants develop skills that are directly transferable to the workplace, supporting organisations seeking to harness geospatial technologies for innovation, infrastructure management and environmental decision-making.

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.