Course Overview
The BIP covers both the conceptual and methodological foundations of UAV mission planning, data acquisition, and data processing. Students will be introduced to the capabilities and limitations of key UAV sensor systems, including RGB photogrammetry, multispectral sensors, and airborne LiDAR, and will learn how UAV data can be applied across a range of use cases. Students will work with software for mission planning and UAV data processing, such as Pix4D. In addition, the course will explore several open-source solutions for UAV data processing, and provide hands-on experience working with UAV data.
The BIP combines an online preparatory phase with an intensive teaching week in Bergen, including lectures, computer labs, fieldwork and group project work with students from partner universities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the students will be able to:
- Explain the conceptual and methodological principles of UAV mission planning, data acquisition, and data processing within geoscience and environmental applications.
- Identify and evaluate the capabilities, limitations, and appropriate use cases of key UAV sensor systems, including RGB photogrammetry, multispectral sensors, and airborne LiDAR.
- Design UAV missions that comply with technical, environmental, and regulatory constraints for specific applications such as glacier monitoring, forest analysis, and precision agriculture.
- Acquire UAV-based datasets following best practices for data quality, accuracy, and safety.
- Process and analyse UAV data using both commercial and open-source tools, producing geospatial outputs such as orthomosaics, point clouds, and digital elevation models.
- Interpret and assess UAV-derived products for environmental monitoring and sustainable development applications.
- Critically evaluate data quality, uncertainty, and limitations in UAV-based analyses.
- Collaborate effectively in international and interdisciplinary teams to solve real-world UAV data challenges.
- Communicate UAV workflows, results, and interpretations clearly in written, visual, and oral formats.
- Work effectively in international, interdisciplinary project teams.
Course Format & Schedule
Virtual Phase (online + local)
- Introductory lecture(s) on UAV mission planning and data acquisition & the BIP theme.
- Short pre-recorded video inputs and reading material on UAV data processing for the selected applications.
- Hands-on UAV data processing.
- Virtual lectures and coordination meetings across UiB, UHH and PLUS.
- Physical in-class activities at the respective home universities.
- Online meetings to prepare group projects and fieldwork.
Physical Week in Bergen
- Field trip in the Bergen region focusing on mountain and coastal environments.
- Guided UAV project work and data collection.
- Flight campaign (weather-dependent) and sensor demonstrations.
- Daily lecture and hands-on & lab blocks (e.g., 9:00–16:00).
- Final project presentations and feedback session.
A detailed day-by-day schedule will be provided to selected participants before the start of the course.
Target Group & Requirements
The BIP is open to students who:
- Are enrolled in a relevant Bachelor or Master programme (e.g., Geography, Earth/Environmental Sciences, Data Science, Geoinformatics, related fields).
- For the UHH studetns Preferably are in the first semester of their Master’s studies (priority in selection).
- Have a basic understanding of GIS and/or remote sensing (introductory level).
- Are motivated to work in an international team and communicate in English.
Required level: B2 English (recommended).
ECTS, Workload & Assessment
The recommended workload corresponds to approximately 6 ECTS, including:
- Preparation and online activities during the virtual phase.
- Physical in-class activities at the respective universities.
- Full-time participation during the intensive week in Bergen.
- Compulsory follow-up field phase in September 2026.
- Final group project and short written or oral reflection (depending on home university regulations).
Recognition of ECTS and grading is handled by each student's home institution in line with Erasmus+ regulations and inter-institutional agreements.
How to Apply
Students from partner universities should apply via their local Erasmus/International Office and the course coordinators.
Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) – Participation & Funding
This course is organised as an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). It combines a mandatory virtual phase with a short, 5-day physical mobility in early September 2026 in Bergen, followed by a compulsory after field phase in Hamburg for UHH students.
40 students in total — 20 from the University of Bergen (UiB), 10 from the University of Hamburg (UHH) and 10 from Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS) (plus a small waiting list of substitutes).
What is a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)?
- Combination of a short physical mobility (5–30 days) and a virtual phase.
- At least three partner universities from different Erasmus+ programme countries cooperate.
- Participants receive recognised credits (minimum workload equivalent to 3 ECTS).
- Virtual phase is mandatory, but only the physical mobility is funded.
Eligibility (UHH students)
- Please Check STINE for further information.
Student funding (Erasmus+)
Funding for the physical mobility is provided through Erasmus+. Detailed and legally binding information (daily rates, green travel options, top-ups, required documents) is published on the Erasmus pages of the participating universities. Please refer to:
- University of Bergen – Erasmus+ / international mobility https://www.uib.no/en/foremployees/148639/erasmus-mobility-teaching
- University of Hamburg – Erasmus+ information for outgoing students https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/internationales/studierende/outgoing/austausch-gaststudium/erasmus/kurzzeitmobilitaeten-bip.html
- Paris Lodron University of Salzburg – Erasmus+ information https://www.plus.ac.at/abteilung-fuer-internationale-beziehungen/buero-fuer-internationale-beziehungen/service-fuer-studierende/ins-ausland/bip/
Local Erasmus / International Offices will guide students through the application and documentation process (Learning Agreement, Grant Agreement, Confirmation of Stay, etc.).
Lecturers & Partner Institutions
University of Bergen (Host)
- Prof (ass.). Benjamin Aubrey Robson
Partner Universities
- University of Hamburg (UHH) – Hamburg
- Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS)– Austria
Additional guest lecturers and experts from partner institutions will contribute to selected sessions.
Practical Information
- Physical locations: University of Bergen (Norway) for the BIP field week; Partner universities for the follow-up field phase.
- Accommodation: Information and suggestions will be provided to selected participants.
- Travel funding: Participants should contact their local Erasmus/International Office regarding Erasmus+ support.
- Digital platforms: Online phase via [Zoom/Teams], learning materials via [Moodle/other].
Field Impressions & Course Atmosphere
The physical component of the BIP includes field-based demonstrations of drone-based remote sensing and data collection in mountainous and agricultural environments. Below are some example impressions from previous or similar field activities.
Contact
For UHH questions about the course content, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Olena Dubovyk
Chair of Terrestrial Remote Sensing, Institute of Geography
University of Hamburg
Email: olena.dubovyk@uni-hamburg.de
- Dr. Nima Ahmadian – nima.ahmadian@uni-hamburg.de
Local BIP contacts for applications and organisational questions:
- University of Bergen: Prof (ass.). Benjamin Robson – Benjamin.Robson@uib.no
- Paris Lodron University of Salzburg: Zahra Dabiri – zahra.dabiri@plus.ac.at
For general questions on Erasmus+ mobility and recognition of credits, please contact your home university's Erasmus/International Office.