Noncredit Geography
4 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
N GEOG 900 Introduction to Drone Safety and Applications in Geomatics
- Hours
- 18.00 hours lecture
This course will introduce students to small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) operations and their applications in mapping and land surveying. Basic geomatic concepts in land surveying and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be covered.
N GEOG 901 Careers in the Drone and Geomatic Industries
- Hours
- 18.00 hours lecture
Students in this class will hear from professionals who are currently working with unmanned aircraft systems (i.e. drones) and geomatic tools (e.g. geographic information systems, global navigation satellite systems, remote sensing, total stations, and more). Specifically, students will learn how these tools are used to perform land surveys, inspect construction projects, monitor the environment, and improve operational efficiency and public safety.
N GEOG 902 Preparation for the Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilots (BPERP) Certification
- Hours
- 18.00 hours lecture
This is a hand-on course that will prepare students for different aspects of the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA)’s Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilots (BPERP) certification exam. We will specifically emphasize safety, capabilities, and operation competency in order to prepare students to attain the industry-recognized BPERP certification.
N GEOG 910 Introduction to Land Surveying
- Hours
- 36.00 hours lecture, 54.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MATH 115
Theory and principles of plane surveying. Topics include distances, angles, and directions; differential leveling; traversing; property/boundary surveys; topographic surveys/mapping; volume/earthwork; horizontal and vertical curves; land description techniques; and GPS. Field work using tapes, levels, transits, theodolites, total stations, and GPS (Global Positioning Systems).