Curtin Malaysia brings drone mapping innovation into the classroom through industry-led guest lecture

Miri, Sarawak – 22 May 2026 – Students at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) gained first-hand exposure to cutting-edge drone and geospatial technologies during a recent guest lecture highlighting how Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are transforming the civil engineering industry.

Organised by the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, the lecture titled ‘Applications of UAV (Drone) Mapping in Civil Engineering’ introduced the students to the growing role of drone-based surveying, mapping, and digital geospatial solutions in modern infrastructure and construction projects.

The session, coordinated by Dr. Hamzh Alarifi and Dr. Tina Ting as part of the Civil Engineering Drawing and Surveying unit, reflects Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge and future-ready technical skills.

The featured speaker, Christopher Ting from Tekgra Sdn Bhd, shared practical insights from the field, drawing on his experience in UAV mapping and geospatial engineering applications. His presentation explored how drone technologies are increasingly being used to improve accuracy, efficiency, and safety in civil engineering projects.

Students and staff members attending the lecture were introduced to a range of emerging technologies and workflows, including drone surveying and aerial mapping, Geographic Information System (GIS) integration, Global Positioning System (GPS) applications, and real-world project implementation strategies.

Adding an interactive element to the programme, a drone surveying game session supported by Curtin Malaysia’s Office of Learning and Teaching was held after the lecture, giving students a more engaging and hands-on learning experience.

Through industry case studies and practical demonstrations, the participants gained valuable insights into how UAV and geospatial technologies are reshaping engineering and surveying practices worldwide.

According to the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, initiatives such as this play an important role in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice while strengthening collaborations with industry professionals.

The department also expressed appreciation to Ting for delivering an informative and engaging session, and reaffirmed its commitment to organising more industry-focused learning opportunities in support of Curtin Malaysia’s mission to produce highly skilled graduates ready to meet the evolving demands of the engineering sector.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Christopher Ting sharing insights on UAV mapping applications with students and lecturers.

Dr Tina Ting (right) presenting a souvenir to Christopher Ting while Dr Hamzh Alarifi looks on.

Students and staff members in a group photo with the guest speaker after the session.