Drone Discovery · Build & Measure Curated. Reviewed content maintained by Hamptonian — not a live feed

GIS

Geographic Information Systems turn drone data into layers you can analyze with other map data to answer questions about places.

Interactive

Example missions

Lawnmower grid

Change detection

Repeat the same mapping mission months apart and compare layers in GIS.

Why this pattern? Parallel, overlapping lines let mapping software match features between photos. More overlap = better models, but more photos and flight time.

What drones do here

Supply fresh, high-resolution imagery layers
Collect data for asset inventories
Feed change-detection analysis over time
Create story maps that communicate findings

Real-world examples

City asset inventory
Cities combine drone imagery with GIS layers to track trees, sidewalks, drainage and more.
Student story maps
Students publish drone-based StoryMaps in Esri's school competition.
Source(opens in a new tab)

Drone types

Any mapping-capable drone

Sensors & payloads

RGB
Multispectral
Thermal
LiDAR

Related STEM

Coordinate systems and projections
Statistics
Databases
Programming (Python)

Skills required

QGIS / ArcGIS
Spatial analysis
Data management
Cartographic design and storytelling

Careers

GIS technician
GIS analyst
Geospatial developer
Planner

Education & training

GIS certificates (online or community college)
Geography/GIS degrees

Certifications

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Esri technical certifications
GISP (GIS Professional) later in career

Practice with Hamptonian apps

Pathways into this industry

Hamptonian

DroneWorks

Crack the Code. Read the Sky.