Training and CPD

We aim to provide opportunities for all. From those who are just starting out to experienced professionals. Much of our cutting edge development can be found on our CPD events page and as part of the work our Thematic Research Groups undertake.

Below you will find access to all the latest training and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) events that we provide and those that we are aware of. These opportunities are specifically aimed at those involved in the work of remote sensing and photogrammetry across the world.

We are currently in discussion with a number of training providers who deliver accredited Drone training.

If you are an training provider and wish your event to be included and announced to our members, contact our events team by completing the form below.

Interested in taking part in courses being hosted by the EO College?

Click here for more information

Drone Training

Helliguy – Drone Training

Three operational categories:

  • Open (geared to hobbyists/some commercial users);

  • Specific (mainly enterprise drone pilots);

  • Certified (very high-risk operations)

  • Open Category divided into subcategories: A1 (fly over people); A2 (fly close to people); A3 (fly far from people). Certain drones can fly under the rules of certain subcategories.

  • An A2 CofC – which can be completed with Heliguy – is required to operate drones weighing up to 2kg in the A2 subcategory or drones weighing between 250g and 500g in the A1 subcategory

  • Operations which can’t be performed in the Open Category can be performed in the Specific Category. An Operational Authorisation is needed from the CAA

  • A General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) – which can be obtained with heliguy™ – is needed to apply for an Operational Authorisation

  • There is now no differentiation between ‘leisure’ and ‘commercial’ drone flights

  • Drone class marking system being released from 1st January 2026 – please refer to most recent blog – https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/drone-class-marking-coming-to-uk/

  • For PDRA applications (GVC certificate) the initial charge will increase to the CAA will increase to £500 – please refer to this blog here – https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/uk-caa-scheme-of-charges-25-26-for-drone-operators/

  • From April 23rd 2025, the UK SORA policy will come into play replacing the current OSC

For any advice or support with regards to Drone Training or Drone Regulations please feel free to reach out to Heliguy

  • Heliguy provides A2CoC and GVC qualifications, as well as OSC consultancy

  • Based in Newcastle they also provide on site training

  • A2CofC is online and available for £149.50

  • GVC training is available online with a practical flight assessment,  or as a closed course delivered in person (£699 +VAT) – please get in touch with Heliguy for Closed Course GVC costs

  • Closed Course GVC training can be delivered at different venues across the UK – providing it meets the requirements for a flight assessment field

  • Heliguy works with UK government organisations, universities and private sector organisations

  • Survey Training, Accredited and Drone Assistive Programmes are also available

Contact heliguy here: https://www.heliguy.com/

Professional Drone Training Ltd

  • PDT Ltd  provides A2 C of C and GVC qualifications, as well as bespoke training.

  • Based in Aberdeen and Glasgow they also provide on site training across the UK.

  • GVC training is available in person (£499) at either location or they will come to you for bespoke courses.

  • PDT provides both individual and group training 

  • PDT works with UK government organisations, universities and private sector organisations.

They have already trained many hundreds of drone operators.

Contact PDT here: http://pdtltd.co.uk/

Coptrz

Coptrz delivers industry-leading training programs, including the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2CofC) and the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC). Having trained over 10,000 individuals, we also provide bespoke training solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of group GVC courses, along with specialised survey support.

As pioneers in drone education, Coptrz was the first to develop both Level 4 and Level 5 TQUK-accredited qualifications specifically for the drone industry, setting the standard for excellence.

With our headquarters in Leeds, Coptrz operates training centres in Edinburgh, Rugby, Darlington, Cardiff, Hampshire, and Kent, and we provide on-site training nationwide to ensure accessibility wherever you are.

Coptrz offers the A2 CofC online for just £97 + VAT. GVC training is available both online (£599 + VAT) and in person (£999 + VAT), providing flexible options to suit your schedule and needs. Whether you’re an individual or part of a group of up to 12 participants, we have the perfect training solution for you.

Trusted by a wide range of clients including UK government bodies, the military, universities, and private sector organisations, Coptrz is committed to delivering top-tier drone training that empowers your success.

Contact Coptz here: https://www.coptrz.com/

Other Training Opportunities

Introduction to Machine Learning for Earth Observation

Online course: FREE

This course covers Machine Learning (ML) as applied to Earth Observation (EO). It explores the current landscape of ML for EO, shedding light on the latest advancements and addressing pertinent ethical considerations.

This course targets scientists possessing backgrounds in computer science, to entice them to explore EO as a compelling field for applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions.

To find out more: CLICK HERE

Mastering Geospatial Analysis with QGIS

Online: 18 hours

This course employs a multi-disciplinary approach, covering essential aspects of geospatial analysis and QGIS software through nine structured modules.

The modules cover: An introduction to QGIS, practical data handling (covering shapefiles, vector and raster data styling, and attribute management using calculators and selection tools), cartographic techniques and data integration tools like basemaps, GPS data handling, and measurement tools, georeferencing and digitization methods for toposheets and online sources, advanced spatial analysis techniques like buffer and overlay analysis, and satellite data handling, terrain analysis, and advanced mapping and application development using QGIS and tools like Qfield and BIM integration.

To find out more: CLICK HERE

Explore techniques to apply SAR to the monitoring of hazards and the Earth’s ecosystems.

Professional Certificate inSynthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Applications University of Alaska – 3 months online: $618

What you will learn:

  • Gain an intuitive understanding of SAR image and phase information.
  • The role of wavelength and signal polarization on SAR image content.
  • Use of interferometric SAR techniques to measure cm-scale surface deformation.
  • Analyze ecosystem parameters using polarimetric information.
  • Pick the optimal sensor wavelength and polarization for your application.
  • Use of SAR images and time series analysis to map hazards such as flooding and deforestation

To find out more: CLICK HERE

Training at NASA

ARSET (Applied Remote Sensing Training Programme)

The Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET) started in 2009 as an offshoot of the Health and Air Quality division of Applied Sciences. Initially, all the trainings were in-person with other agencies or at conferences. In 2013, ARSET moved online, which greatly increased the reach of the program. As of 2021, the program has reached over 65,000 participants from 176 countries and more than 11,000 organizations worldwide.

To find out more: CLICK HERE

From Beginner to Advanced

Corsera operate a number of courses that provide content for beginners, right through to advanced courses.

For example:

GIS, Spatial Analysis and Satellite Imagery in GIS (Beginner 1-3 months delivered online by the University of Toronto)

Geospatial Techniques for Engineers (Advanced 3-6 months delivered online by L&G EduTech)

To find out more: CLICK HERE

Geospatial Techniques for Engineers Specialization

One month online: 10 hours a week

The Geospatial Technologies for Engineers specialization is meticulously designed to equip learners with an in-depth understanding of geospatial tools and their application in engineering projects, leveraging L&T’s extensive industry expertise. Participants will delve into foundational concepts such as surveying, GNSS navigation, and advanced sensing systems like LiDAR, gaining hands-on experience in optimizing site management and enhancing project oversight through cutting-edge geospatial solutions.

To find out more: CLICK HERE

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