Rohde & Schwarz Unveils Next-Generation Multi-Band Jammer for Counter-Drone Missions

– Rohde & Schwarz has announced the market launch of ARDRONIS Effect, a major upgrade providing defense and security customers the ability to protect personnel, platforms and infrastructure against even the most innovative of drone threats today and in the future. In response to rapidly evolving drone threats observed in conflicts around the world, ARDRONIS […]

GA-ASI Expands Targeting Capability for MQ-9B SeaGuardian

– General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has demonstrated software that will provide in-flight target updates that will enable the MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to close gaps on maritime targets. In a recent ground test, GA-ASI demonstrated the ability to send sensor data to the missile via Link 16 messaging. The software, part of […]

Ukrainian Military Deploys Drones with 20-Km Fibre Optics

Unmanned systems with a 20-kilometer range are already operating at the front in Ukraine, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on April 5. The Ukrainian military continues to expand its use of fiber-optic drones, increasing both their numbers and capabilities, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi. In March, Ukrainian drones destroyed […]

UVision Acquires Trim Robotics, Expanding its Loitering Munition Capabilities

– UVision USA, a manufacturer of loitering munition systems, announced the acquisition of Trim Robotics, a cutting-edge developer of next-generation rotary-wing high maneuver loitering munitions. This strategic acquisition strengthens UVision’s operational portfolio by integrating the HERO series with Trim’s innovative Quadikaze missile, creating a more versatile and synergized loitering munition portfolio. Trim Robotics’ QuadiKaze missile […]

Indian Tech Found in Russian Drones

Russia is increasingly relying on non-Western components in its weapons, with new Iranian-designed Shahed drones now featuring far fewer American parts and, for the first time, a component manufactured in India, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on April 7. HUR published data on nearly 200 new components and parts used across six types of […]

Nearthlab’s Autonomous Interceptor Drone Wins Edison Award for Innovation in Security

KAiDEN, a 150 mph AI-Powered Drone for Real-Time Threat Neutralization, Takes Silver in Autonomous Security Solutions at the 2025 Edison Awards by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb Korean drone AI company Nearthlab, a leading drone AI company, has been awarded Silver at the 2025 Edison Awards in the category of Autonomous Security Solutions, under […]

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Verizon Frontline Supports New Orleans Police with Drones During Mardi Gras

UAS Operations Enhance Safety and Situational Awareness for One of the Nation’s Largest Public Events During the busiest week of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team supported the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) by providing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) services to help keep attendees and officers safe. The NOPD requested […]

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China Adds 11 U.S. Drone Companies to Unreliable Entity List Amid Rising Tensions

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) recently announced the addition of 11 U.S. drone-related companies to its “Unreliable Entity List” (UEL). The move, disclosed on April 4, 2025, has escalated trade tensions between the two nations and could have significant implications for the affected firms and the broader drone industry. The Companies Added to the List […]

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Drone mapping course discount: $1,000 off for a limited time (so you can land a high-paying drone job)

If you’ve been flying drones for a while but want to take your skills to the next level — and actually land higher-paying clients in surveying, construction, or engineering — listen up. There’s a new, advanced drone mapping course. And though it’s generally pretty pricey, I’ve negotiated a drone mapping course discount for Drone Girl readers.

The brand-new Advanced Drone Mapping and Modeling Program from Drone Launch Academy just dropped. It’s easily one of the most comprehensive training series I’ve seen for drone pros who are serious about producing survey-grade, industry-standard deliverables.

It’s normally $2,296, but for a very limited time, you can save up to $1,000 off the full program by using coupon code DRONEGIRL. The catch? This is a super limited-time offer that expires on Friday, April 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Here’s the link to sign up for the Advanced Drone Mapping and Modeling Program from Drone Launch Academy with the $1,000 drone mapping course discount automatically applied.

Why this advanced drone mapping course discount will be worth your time

According to DroneDeploy’s 2024 State of Reality Capture Report, 60% of enterprise firms in construction, engineering and energy are already using drone-based mapping, photogrammetry and other reality capture tools. More than half of those firms plan to increase their investment this year.

In short, that means demand for drone pros who can deliver accurate, industry-ready results is skyrocketing. But here’s the truth: owning a high-end drone isn’t enough. To get in on the big contracts, you need to understand geodesy, GNSS corrections, survey control and how to integrate your drone data into real-world engineering workflows.

That’s where this drone mapping course specific to advanced drone mapping and modeling comes into play.

What’s in the Advanced Drone Mapping and Modeling Program from Drone Launch Academy

The Advanced Drone Mapping and Modeling Program from Drone Launch Academy is stacked with real-world instruction taught by actual experts. That includes people who’ve worked in national geodetic systems, on major construction sites and in high-level survey operations.

The program is broken out into four individual courses, which are:

  • Geodesy for Drone Surveying
  • GNSS Positioning and Survey Control for Drone Mapping
  • Advanced Drone Mapping for Construction and Engineering
  • Advanced Drone Mapping for Land Survey

You can purchase each course individually (and I’ve negotiated similar, limited-time discounts for individual courses, too!). Otherwise, the full package gives you a bulk discount for buying them all (plus, use coupon code DRONEGIRL for that additional $1,000 off.

Here’s a quick overview of each course:

1. Geodesy for Drone Surveying

It’s taught by Dave Doyle, former Chief Geodetic Surveyor for the National Geodetic Survey (aka the guy behind NAD 83 and NAVD 88). In this course, you’ll learn the science behind coordinates, projections, and datums so you can confidently communicate with surveyors and ensure accurate mapping deliverables.

The course is normally $299, but you can save $100 (bringing it down to $199) with discount code DRONEGIRL.

2. GNSS Positioning and Survey Control for Drone Mapping

Taught by Chris Breedlove, a GNSS wizard who’s helped integrate drone tech into survey and construction workflows across the U.S., this course helps you Master RTK vs. PPK. You’ll learn how to set control points like a pro and understand how satellite positioning tech ensures your data is trusted on high-stakes projects.

The course is normally $399, but you can save $100 (bringing it down to $299) with discount code DRONEGIRL.

3. Advanced Drone Mapping for Construction and Engineering

Learn site planning, accurate mapping workflows, and how to integrate drone data into existing engineering models. Think: contouring, stockpile analysis, and slope profiling. It’s taught by Nate Howard, Survey Manager at Kiewit, one of the biggest construction firms in North America.

The course is pricier, coming in at $799. But, use that same DRONEGIRL discount code and you can save $300 (bringing it down to $499).

4. Advanced Drone Mapping for Land Survey

This one comes from Rut Patel, founder of Voyager Industries and a hands-on drone systems expert.
This course is loaded with real-world workflows using software like Pix4D and Virtual Surveyor to help you achieve survey-grade outputs that professionals demand.

This one also comes in at $799. But, again, the DRONEGIRL discount code can save $300 (bringing it down to $499).

5. Coming Soon: Advanced 3D Modeling and Digital Twins

Then there’s a fifth course, coming soon. Called Advanced 3D Modeling and Digital Twins, the next module in the program is still in the works. But, if you’re building a drone services business in digital twins or 3D reconstruction, this one should prove useful.

It’s expected to become available in May or June.

Who these drone mapping courses are best for

Whether you’re an independent drone pilot looking to upskill and boost your rates, or part of an enterprise team wanting to keep drone mapping in-house, this program could help boost your skills. Most pilots who specialize in fields like mapping report landing higher-value clients. Those already with clients typically acquire skills like making more accurate or efficient work flows.

The courses could be good for both experienced drone pilots looking to get a job in drones. Or, it would also be well-suited for surveyors, engineers, and construction teams ready to integrate drone tech.

If you’re serious about drone mapping as a career, this course is your way in — all without having to go for a pricey college degree. In fact, when you complete each course, you get a certificate through Certifier.io which you can display on websites such as LinkedIn. It looks like this:

These certifications are all publicly listed and searchable/verifiable.

And right now, you can save $1,000 on the entire program with code DRONEGIRL., or get the individual courses with their own discounts.

Just move fast if you’re interested. These offers expire Friday, April 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

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