The school will take place at the foothills of Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. With its frequent central and lateral eruptions, as well as surface deformation events, Etna represents a natural laboratory for studying volcanic hazards.
This five-day program focuses on the use of drones and immersive virtual reality as innovative tools for scientific research, monitoring, and studying active volcanic areas. Participants will learn to plan and execute drone surveys, using both entry-level and enterprise UAVs, to generate 2.5D and 3D models. These models will be utilized for GIS analysis and immersive virtual reality techniques, enhancing data interpretation and visualization.
Additionally, the school will provide training on how to produce and georeference models using high-precision GPS, ensuring accurate spatial positioning for scientific applications.
The program is structured into:
– Theoretical classroom sessions to introduce key concepts and methodologies
– Field activities focused on drone-based data acquisition and surveying techniques
– Laboratory sessions for data processing, model generation, and virtual reality integration
Logistics:
Arrival: 28 September 2025
School dates: 29 September – 3 October 2025
Departure: 4 October 2025