Mapping and 3D Modeling 101

Learn from the expert drone pilot team at Icarus Aerials how to use your drone to capture data that can be turned into maps and 3D models for your clients.

"Mapping and 3D Modeling 101 provides a comprehensive introduction to hardware, software and technique for this nascent industry. I sincerely appreciate the knowledge and real-world experience shared by Lewis and Trevor in this wonderful course, which delivers actionable insight into the tremendous market opportunity for UAS-based photogrammetry and orthomosaic photography."

Jim Brammer, Owner at Soaring Vistas Media

Join 270+ students from around the world

  • UAV pilots and businesses who want to expand their product offerings to more than just photography and videography.
  • Surveyors who want to be early adopters and integrate UAVs with their existing survey methods.
  • Existing experts in mapping and modeling who can benefit from using UAVs to capture data in a cost effective way.
  • Individuals and businesses who can benefit from receiving up-to-date actionable information at a relatively low cost.
  • Marketing and sales departments who can benefit from showing sites and buildings in a cutting edge way to prospective clients during pitches.

This online course will teach you

  • About the concepts behind mapping and modeling using your UAV.
  • Helpful tips, tricks, and considerations to consider while mapping on job sites.
  • Different software options used to automate flights for DJI and 3DR systems.
  • How to turn the data captured by your UAV into maps and 3D models.
  • How to capture data and process it for a wide variety of industries like construction or agriculture.

Icarus Aerials has already completed 23 WORKMODE-powered maps for clients ranging from golf courses to construction sites. In addition to providing clients with game-changing aerial data of their sites, their thoughtful feedback from the beginning as one of our Early Access Program pilots has helped shape some of the new features that we continue to ship every week.

Skycatch Expert Pilot Spotlight

Class Curriculum


  Preflight
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  Theory and Concepts
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  Software and Hardware
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
Do I need to own a specific drone to take this course?
While the course primarily uses DJI/3DR products as a point of reference, in theory any drone can be used, as long as it can take pictures (with some degree of quality). Some platforms like DJI and 3DR lend themselves better to this type of work. Having access to flight logs or geotagged photos is helpful but not required.
What if I have questions that aren't answered during the course?
Students can post questions directly for Trevor and Lewis on our private course forum.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Icarus Aerials is a professional aerial/drone service company based in Michigan that specializes in aerial mapping, data collection and 3D modeling, as well as aerial photography and videography. Icarus Aerials has been featured in Smart City Startups, MSNBC, CBS, Engineering News Record and the Wall Street Journal.

Lewis Butler and Trevor Duke are the owners of Icarus Aerials. Lewis and Trevor have flown everything from Phantoms and Solos to the X8 and S900. Collectively, they've flown hundreds of hours in a wide variety of locations and environments. Their droning resume includes residential and commercial real estate, boat shows, fishing tournaments, golf courses, train stations, landfills, construction job sites and quarries.

Get started now!