The Drone Operation Training, held from August 12-16, 2024, at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT), was a five-day program aimed at enhancing the capacity of field and functional office staff in drone operations. Organized by the Forest Monitoring & Information Division (FMID) and UWIFoRT, the training provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to efficiently operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in forest environments. The program covered a wide range of topics, from the basics of UAV technology to advanced flight modes and mission planning.
The first day introduced participants to UAV technology, its evolution, and its applications in forest monitoring. Participants learned about the various components of a drone, such as the aircraft, control systems, and payload. The importance of safety in drone operations was emphasized, with sessions on pre-flight checks, hazard identification, and emergency procedures. Participants also gained hands-on experience through drone simulation exercises, familiarizing themselves with basic flight operations.
On subsequent days, participants were trained on configuring and calibrating drones, setting up camera settings, and practicing basic flight manoeuvres. They also learned about advanced drone operations, such as using intelligent flight modes and planning missions. Real-time guidance from resource persons helped participants build confidence in handling drones and executing mapping missions. The training also focused on post-processing techniques, including image stitching and creating 3D maps using software like Pix4Dmapper and Agisoft Metashape Professional.
The final day of the training concluded with assessments, both practical and theoretical, to evaluate participants’ drone operation skills and understanding of key concepts. By the end of the program, participants had gained valuable skills in using drones for forest monitoring, mission planning, and data processing, ensuring they were well-prepared to apply these techniques in real-world scenarios. The training successfully built the capacity of the participants in UAV operations, equipping them with the necessary tools to enhance forest management and monitoring.
A total of 32 forestry personnel (26 males and 6 females) attended the training provided by FMID and UWIFoRT with funding support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and WWF Bhutan.
