The Mountwest Community & Technical College GST – Drone Technology Concentration program was one of the schools selected to participate in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI). – FAA News
Official Release – Geospatial Science & Technology Program selected for FAA Training Program
Applied Technology
This program is currently under redesign, please check back in 2023.
The Drone Technology Concentration prepares individuals for careers as Remote Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Pilots.
Geographic Information Science A.A.S.
Associate of Applied Science
60 Credit Hours
The use of sUAS, or Small Unmanned Systems, commonly referred to as drones, is an industry that has seen exponential growth in recent years. With the FAA regulation change in August 2016 it became possible for individuals to see careers as certified sUAS pilots. Passing the knowledge exam is only one component to the commercial use of Drone Technology. Knowledge of physical manipulation of the drone equipment is not a requirement of the certificate.
Due to this fact the Drone Technology Program seeks to prepare individuals for the safe and effective use of drones in the National Air Space. Much like other aviation fields, students need to gain in-air hours to become marketable to potential employers. Certified commercial sUAS pilots must have knowledge of best practices when it comes to flight and operation of the remote sensing equipment. Drone Technology is rapidly being implemented in many different areas such as public safety, surveying, and inspection. There is a definite need to provide training to various entities in the local area as they begin to expand their drone capabilities
Geospatial Science and Technology encompass the areas of Remote Sensing, Global Positioning System, and Geographic Information Systems.
Students in the Geospatial Science & Technology concentration develop technical skills related to Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and Global Positioning Systems. Students learn how to create, analyze, and produce meaningful GIS maps through the application of GPS and Remote Sensing technologies. The Geospatial Science and Technology Program at MCTC is the only 2-year Geospatial Program in the West Virginia Community & Technical College System. Mountwest is the only Community College in West Virginia that offers students the opportunity to earn an AAS in GIS through course work focused on the understanding and use of Esri software.
Why is GIS Useful?
Check out the Esri website to learn more about GIS and Geospatial Science.
Remote Sensing is the use of data acquired through either satellite or drone technology to analyze and study the earth and its features.
Global Positioning System is a fairly common technology today. It is used for aiding in navigation, accessing location information, and the creation of geospatial data.
Geographic Information System is a computer software used to produce maps and analyze data for visualization in a geographical context.
UAS Engineering
An AUVSI economic report finds UAS engineering salaries start around $55,000 per year, with the potential to increase to $100,000 annually or more. UAS operators’ annual salaries typically start between $45,000 and $65,000, Mirot says, and can be considerably higher if stationed overseas.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, also known as AUVSI, is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the unmanned systems and robotics industry through communication, education and leadership
Why is GIS useful?
Check out our GIS story map! It covers the Geospatial Science & Technology Program Geographic Information Science (GIS) Concentration and Drone Technology Concentration
The Geospatial Science and Technology Program is divided into two tracks. The Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, track focuses on the application of Esri ArcGIS software to visualize statistical data. Students will master the use of Esri software through courses focused on ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, and Esri Story Maps. Through the GIS courses students learn how to create meaningful maps, how to use and create geospatial data, as well as the analysis and sharing of the results. Esri is the industry leader in Geographic Information Systems and their software has uses across all areas of government, business, and technology.
For additional information on the Geospatial Science and Technology Program as well as information on the GIS Track, Drone Technology Track, Dual Credit Courses, High School Early Entry, Summer Drone Camps, and West Virginia Invests Grant Program for free Community College Tuition please click on GST Story Map link.
The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.
Employment of surveying and mapping technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Increased demand for mapping technology is expected to require additional technicians to gather and prepare the data.
In May 2018, the median annual wages for surveying and mapping technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
A State Community & Technical College of West Virginia Equal Opportunity/An Affirmative Action Employer
One Mountwest Way
Huntington, WV 25701
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