Drone Training for Archaeology

Drone Training for Archaeology 

Drones are an essential tool in contemporary archaeological practice, both in academic research and Cultural Resource Management (aka CRM). Drones help to save funds allocated for surveys and to provide excellent spatial information for site detection and regional study. Flying a drone is relatively simple when you know how to do it. In fact, you can learn how to do that in just a few hours. In this one-week bootcamp style program, you will gain hands-on experience learning basic and advanced flight maneuvers, collecting accurate and relevant data and understanding advantages and limitations of different types of drones and sensors. You will gain the skills to become a certified and professional drone pilot. During the program, you will be introduced to at least three drone types (RGB, multispectral, thermal, etc.) and different sensors (RGB, Multispectral, and more). You will learn how to collect data.

Upon completion, you will have the tools you need to take the FAA Part 107 certification exam. You will be able to conduct safe and responsible sUAV fieldwork and become a professional archaeological drone operator.

In this intensive field school, you will master the technical and regulatory fundamentals, understanding drone advantages and limitations according to FAA Part 107 regulations. You will learn how to carry out a non-destructive UAV survey for specific archaeological applications. The course will take place in Northern Arizona, a little over an hour from the Grand Canyon. Participants will participate in pre-field bootcamp-style learning activities before moving into the field to test their hands-on skills. Participants will work in aerial survey crews of two or three people, rotating among various types of equipment and applying different aerial survey techniques. 

Prerequisites: None. This is a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research under the direction of a range of specialists in the field. Field work involves physical work and exposure to the elements and thus requires a measure of understanding that this will not be the typical university learning environment. You will have to work outdoors in physically demanding environments, and students must plan ahead for both cold and hot weather conditions. Students are required to come equipped with sufficient excitement and an adequate understanding that fieldwork requires real, hard work, in the sun and wind and perhaps even snowy conditions. The work requires patience, discipline, and attention to detail.

Course Instructor: Dr. Kayeleigh Sharp

Dr. Kayeleigh Sharp is an Assistant Research Professor at the Department of Anthropology, Northern Arizona University. She is also a Registered Professional Archaeologist and Affiliate Faculty of the Radiant Center for Remote Sensing, Northern Arizona University

Course Modality: In person, on location

Students and staff will stay at the historic Hat Ranch at Williams AZ. This program provides for housing only. Students are responsible for their own food. The Hat Ranch has a full kitchen, and students will be able to purchase food supplies at Williams.  Students who do not own cars will be driven by project vehicles to Williams twice during the program – once on Sunday (arrival day) and a second time on Friday (last day of the program).

Course Dates & Times: August 16-21, 2026 / 8:00 am - 5:00 pm daily

For more information, contact continuinged@nau.edu

Video Links for More Information

US AZ Drone & Photomrammetry

Introduction to Anthropocene Research Center

Accessibility

Professional disability specialists are available at Disability Resources to facilitate a range of academic support services and accommodations for students with disabilities. If you have a documented disability, you can request assistance by contacting Disability Resources at 928-523-8773 (voice), 928-523-8747 (fax), or dr@nau.edu (e-mail).

Refunds

Students may withdraw from a course with a full refund up to one week prior to the course start date. There is a 50% administration fee for withdrawals from one week prior to the course start date until the day the course begins. After the course start date, refunds are no longer available.