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Drone & Spatial Imaging Program

Aerial Imaging | 3D Capture | Digital Twins | Cinematic Production

The Mt. SAC Photography Drone & Imaging Program, launched in 2018, trains students in aerial imaging, 3D spatial capture, and advanced autonomous technology. Students gain hands-on skills in drone operations, cinematography, photogrammetry, LiDAR, digital twin creation, and immersive imaging—preparing them for careers in film, VFX, game design, construction, agriculture, inspection, and environmental work.

Five classic cars drive down a windy road at sunset. A cinema drone is visible in the frame, capturing the drive from above.
About Our Program

We combine drones, spatial data, still photography, video, and 3D imaging because it allows students to tell deeper, more meaningful stories about the places they document—both technically and culturally. It connects technology with cultural awareness. 

Advanced imaging isn’t just about maps and models. Students learn to document a place with respect for its history, community significance, and cultural context. This turns every scan or drone flight into a storytelling opportunity, not just a technical exercise.

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Closeup view of a drone imaging sensor.
Tools and Technology

The Photography Drone Program has a variety of drone systems to train students in different knowledge applications and niche fields. Our fleet is comprised of more than 50 drones, including DJI, Autel, Skydio, and Freefly systems.

Aerial Drone Systems: DJI, Skydio, Freefly, Autel

Terrestrial Laser Scanners: Leica BLK, Matterport Pro

Ground Cameras and Stabilization: Professional DSLR/Mirrorless systems, Gimbals and motion production rigs

Advanced Imaging & Mapping Software: Reality Capture, Metashape, Pix4d Suite, Esri, Real Flight Evolution Simulators

Sensors and Payloads: Lidar, Thermal, Multispectral

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Drone pilot flying an inspection mission at a construction site. Drone is visible.
Degree and Certificates

The Drone & Spatial Imaging Program currently offers a Drone Camera Operator AS Degree. 

Upcoming certificates and a new degree include the following:

• Drone Photography & Video Production Certificate

• Drone Inspection and Mapping Certificate

• 3D Spatial Capture & Immersive Media Certificate

• Drone Agriculture & Crop Imaging Certificate

•  AS Spatial Imaging & Drone Technologies Degree

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Drone Industry Areas of Employment Growth

      • Commercial Entertainment

        Drones have revolutionized image making and entertainment. They provide supplemental camera perspectives, projection maps, light shows, real-time streaming of aerial footage and more. While drones can still be used for capturing aerial still images, they are most often used in live-streaming content or capturing high quality and cinema video from above.

        Applications: sports competitions, concerts, festivals, film and television, live news coverage, social media content creation

      • Inspection and Mapping

        Using high resolution cameras, thermal sensors, and Lidar payloads to capture visual and spatial data for assessing structures, sites, and infrastructure. Uses scans to create ortho-mosaic maps, 3D models, and condition reports.

        Applications: Electrical and power (SoCal Edison), bridges, wifi and cell towers, wind turbines, roadway and motorway (such as CalTrans), monitor site progress,  quality control assessments

      • Historical Preservation and Conservation

        Drones can be used to scan and map ancient buildings under threat. This allows the preservation of these sites for future generations, for rebuilding, and to insure against potential accidents. The scans can be used to create VR tours and enable global public access to restricted and secure sites. 

        Recent Example: scans completed on the Notre Dame Cathedral just before the destructive fire broke out meant that all specifications were captured for rebuilding

      • Agriculture and Mining

        Drones provide aerial data to support farm and mine management, supporting safety goals, and cutting costs. Drones support greater efficiency, sustainability, and reduce human risk. Multispectral sensors  are used to track crop growth by analyzing the color of the plants, then tracking the growth and health through color changes.

        Applications: Crop management, mapping growth patterns, automated pesticide spray, livestock tracking, acreage mapping, crop tonnage estimates, hazard detection

      • Law Enforcement and Security

        Drones are used in law enforcement and public safety for rapid situational awareness, tactical support, and aerial coverage of high risk situations. Drones used in public safety require transparency to the public to manage legal and ethical concerns.

        Applications: search and rescue, missing person recovery, crime scene documentation, thermal imaging, accident reconstruction, emergency pre-planning

      • Real Estate and Property Management

        Drones can be used to capture stills, video, and high quality scans of buildings and properties with a small human footprint. 

        Applications: large property reviews and inspections, content creation for sales campaign, building fly-throughs, thermal inspections of older properties

Drone Program Media
Drone Photography at Mt SAC
Student Demo Reel Photo 50 Drone Camera Operator Basic