2026 Intensive Drone & Photogrammetry Training for Archaeologists in Northern Arizona (Summer)

Location: Flagstaff, AZ, USA

Season: May 18, 2026 to May 29, 2026

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2026-us-az-drones/

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Northern Arizona University & Anthropocene Research Center

Project Director:
Dr. Kayeleigh Sharp, RPA

Project Description:

Drones are an essential tool in contemporary archaeological practice, both in academic research and Cultural Resource Management (aka CRM). Drones help to save funds allocated for surveys and to provide excellent spatial information for site detection and regional study. Flying a drone is relatively simple when you know how to do it. In fact, you can learn how to do that in just a few hours. This field school is about all the additional skills, different sensors, drone type, analytics and data interpretation needed to effectively use drones for archaeological investigations.

Period(s) of Occupation: Pre and Post Contact periods

Notes:
Tuition is $2,631; Earn 4 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: None. This is a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research under the direction of a range of specialists in the field. Field work involves physical work and exposure to the elements and thus requires a measure of understanding that this will not be the typical university learning environment. You will have to work outdoors in physically demanding environments, and students must plan ahead for both cold and hot weather conditions. Students are required to come equipped with sufficient excitement and an adequate understanding that fieldwork requires real, hard work, in the sun and wind and perhaps even snowy conditions. The work requires patience, discipline, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
This program does not provide room or board. Flagstaff is a major tourist destination with a wide variety of restaurants and grocery stores catering for every taste and budget. There are many accommodations options – from short term room sharing rentals (Airbnb, etc) to boutique hotels – in a wide range of prices.

Academic Credit:
4 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College