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.
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.
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
The Drone & Spatial Imaging Program currently offers a Drone Camera Operator AS Degree.
Upcoming certificatese 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
Drone Industry Areas of Focus
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Commercial EntertainmentStill photography, videography, film and television location scouting, lighting diagram capture, scene scans for LED walls
Inspection and MappingSoCal Edison. Wind turbine scanning. Bridge inspection.
- Historical Preservation and Conservation
Scanning and mapping ancient buildings under threat. Preservation for future generations, for rebuilding, for insurance against potential accidents
- Delivery
Package Delivery
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- Agriculture and Mining
Crop management, mapping growth patterns, pesticide spray, livestock tracking, acreage mapping, crop tonnage estimates
- Safety and Crowd Management
Crowd tracking, parking estimates, search and rescue
- Law Enforcement and Security
Missing person recovery, thermal imaging of locations
- Real Estate and Property Management
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