Project-based learning in the subject Professional Practice – Geodesy, focused on the topic Determining the Height of an Object, is aimed at connecting traditional geodetic methods with modern technologies, particularly the use of drones and satellite positioning systems such as GPS. The project reflects current trends in geodetic practice and enables students to work with technologies commonly used in terrain mapping, construction monitoring and object documentation.

The aim of the project-based learning activity is to develop students’ ability to independently plan, carry out and evaluate the measurement of an object’s height using the difference in GPS coordinates obtained from measurements monitored by a drone. Students become familiar with the principle of determining the height of an object through traditional measurement and trigonometric calculations based on values measured with a theodolite. These results are then compared with height data, specifically Z-coordinates, recorded during a drone flight over the terrain and above the top of the object. By comparing these data, students are able to determine the height of the object with appropriate accuracy and evaluate the impact of the technologies used on the final measurement result.

Project-based learning places emphasis on:

• the use of modern measurement technologies – working with a drone, GPS module, flight route planning and collection of spatial data,
• professional geodetic competences – understanding the principle of the coordinate system, differences in height data and their processing,
• analytical and technical thinking – processing measured data, evaluating the accuracy of GPS measurements and comparing the results with traditional geodetic methods,
• practical skills – maintaining measurement documentation, processing data in software, creating outputs in the form of tables, graphical representations and evaluation of measurement results obtained by the traditional method, using a theodolite and height calculations, as well as by the modern method, using drone monitoring, photogrammetry and GPS coordinates,
• responsibility and work safety – following the rules for drone operation, safety regulations and protection of people and property in the field.

During the project, students go through all stages of geodetic work: from measurement preparation, including the selection of the object, drone flight planning and definition of the methodology, through field measurement using a drone and GPS, to the processing and evaluation of the results. The final output of the project is a comprehensive protocol on determining the height of an object, which includes a description of the technology used, the measurement procedure, calculations based on coordinate differences and an assessment of measurement accuracy.

Project-based learning supports active learning, increases students’ motivation and prepares them for real-life work situations in modern geodetic practice, where unmanned aerial systems and digital data are becoming increasingly important.