Take our FREE online course - Introduction to Drone Journalism
(In partnership with Code For Africa)
Learn skills related to GIS / Storymaps
(in partnership with the UN SDGs and ESRI)
Learn aspects of Drone Journalism Story Production
(in partnership with Unequal Scenes)
FOR PILOTS
FOR JOURNALISTS
video lessons
We have compiled a partial list of training materials, online courses, and best practices here which will help you gain knowledge and become a safer, better, and more effective pilot.
While this material is not a substitute for your country's specific licencing requirements, it will go a long way towards getting you familiar with terminology and practices which will help you pass any test you decide to take.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide.
This is the official US FAA study guide to pass your Part 107 (drone) licensing test. It contains drone-specific information on a variety of topics which are applicable internationally. It contains a variety of embedded links to further study materials.
The US FAA has multiple online courses for free that you can enroll in, even as a non-US citizen. First, click on the link above and create an account with the FAA Safety website. Then login, and click on "Catalog of Available Courses", and then click on "WINGS Courses". You will then see a large variety of online training courses - the one that is most applicable is called "Part 107 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), which has a code of ALC-451. This course has a mix of video and text lessons. You are even able to print an official certificate of completion once done.
Downloadable flight logs for your operation.
The africanDRONE Academy aims to help drone journalists, pilots and photographers make the most of their work, and learn innovative ways to use drones to tell compelling stories.
A one-page statement of ethics for drone journalists to abide by. Created by academics and professionals and adapted to the African market by africanDRONE.
Drone Journalism Operating Manual.
A straightforward operating manual for drone journalists. Includes step by step instructions for safe flight. Created by academics and professionals and adapted to the African market by africanDRONE.
Some things to think about?
How do we define “drone journalism”?
Is drone journalism different than regular journalism?
What sets drone visuals apart from normal visuals?
Should “drone journalism” be an integral part of a newsroom?
Case Study: Smith Island
Working with 3D Models
Using Pix4D, Elevation models, GIF in Photoshop
Download the slide deck here
Case Study: Johannesburg CBD
Creating 3D Models from Screenshots
Using Google Earth, Pix4D Mapper, Adobe Lightroom & Sketchfab.com.
Download the slide deck here
Case Study: The Infrastructure of Exclusion
Multimedia Storytelling
Download the slide deck here
Case Study: Detroit
Using Google Earth and Juxtapose to create historical and current comparison images