South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) today hosted a training on drone technology and its applications in spatial mapping, development planning and natural resources management, bringing together staff and students to explore the growing potential of unmanned aerial systems in addressing contemporary development and environmental challenges.
The training was organised by the School of Agriculture, Environment, Water & Natural Resources in collaboration with Customized Aviation Solutions Limited to provide participants with an opportunity to gain insights into the rapidly evolving field of drone technology and its practical applications across different sectors. Discussions and demonstrations focused on how drones are increasingly being used to collect accurate and timely spatial data, support decision-making, improve efficiency and enhance the management of natural and physical resources.
Participants were introduced to the application of drone technology in agriculture, surveying and mapping, environmental monitoring, research, development planning and sustainable natural resource management. The technology offers significant opportunities for capturing high-resolution aerial imagery and spatial information that can support planning, monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes.
In agriculture, drones can support crop monitoring, assessment of crop health, mapping of agricultural land and identification of areas requiring intervention. In environmental management, drone-enabled aerial surveys can facilitate monitoring of vegetation, water resources, land degradation and other ecological changes. Similarly, in surveying and development planning, drone-generated spatial data can enhance land-use planning, infrastructure development and mapping of physical features.
The training also highlighted the growing role of drone technology in research and innovation, particularly in generating reliable spatial data for evidence-based decision-making. For students and researchers, exposure to such technologies provides an opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications while developing skills that are increasingly relevant in the modern workplace.
Beyond the technical applications, participants were also exposed to emerging career, entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities within the drone technology sector. As the use of drones continues to expand across industries, professionals with competencies in drone operations, data acquisition, geospatial analysis, remote sensing and related technologies are increasingly positioned to contribute to innovative solutions in both public and private sectors.
The training further demonstrates SEKU's commitment to promoting innovation, technology transfer and industry-relevant skills as part of its mandate in teaching, research, innovation and community engagement. By embracing emerging technologies such as drones and spatial intelligence, the University continues to provide an enabling environment for students and staff to develop solutions to real-world challenges facing communities and industries.
As drone technology continues to evolve, its integration into education, research and development planning presents new opportunities for SEKU to strengthen its contribution to sustainable development, environmental conservation and evidence-based planning in the regionand beyond.
