Over three days in November, MCSC and its partners New Media Manitoba and Critical Ops hosted an interactive, hands-on drone LiDAR session in Winnipeg that welcomed and trained 20 new drone operators from a variety of professional backgrounds.  

Day One set the stage with a deep dive into LiDAR—Light Detection and Ranging—technology.

Instructor Ethan Schreuder of Woolpert, an architecture, engineering, and geospatial firm, guided participants through the history, mechanics, and limitations of LiDAR. 

As Schreuder explained, LiDAR works by emitting laser pulses and calculating the return time to produce millions of precise data points. These points are used to generate highly accurate 3D models—digital environments where structures, terrain, and even objects can be reconstructed and analyzed. 

“It’s almost like digital Legos,” he noted. “You can rebuild scenes and structures and start analyzing them in a virtual environment.” 

Instructors clearly emphasized not just the “how” but the “when.” LiDAR is extremely powerful but not always the best tool. Understanding its strengths and limitations enables industries to deploy it effectively and safely. 

Day Two: Field Operations and Real-World Data Collection 

The second day brought the entire class into the field to collect an actual dataset using drones equipped with LiDAR sensors. Participants practiced flight planning, site scanning, and safe operations—valuable experience for those looking to integrate drone-based workflows into their organizations. 

For many, this hands-on element was a course highlight. Tylor Ross of Dominion Divers said he particularly enjoyed learning how different software tools process the data collected in the field. 

“Some tools work better for photogrammetry, some for LiDAR. Seeing how each software behaves with different datasets really piqued my interest,” he shared. 

Day Three: Extended Reality and Industry Use Cases 

With datasets collected, the final day moved into extended reality (XR) applications. Participants explored how programs such as Unreal Engine can transform LiDAR scans into immersive VR experiences—ideal for modeling, simulation, training, and design reviews. 

Schreuder guided conversations around drones and LiDAR in construction, disaster response, and emergency preparedness. By maintaining a high-level focus, the course ensured relevance to participants from multiple backgrounds. 

That diversity was a major strength, said Ashley Ezumah, a graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Administration and Project Management Program. She attended on the recommendation of MCSC’s Carol Paul. The class included individuals from the fire department, construction project management, underground oil and gas, and post-secondary institutions. 

“It was amazing to see how this technology could impact so many sectors,” Ezumah said. “We’re pioneers in this space—bringing these tools into our industries to make Manitoba wonderful.” 

She also emphasized the safety benefits: “People sometimes have to go to dangerous sites under tough conditions. Now we can leverage technology to advance the work—and do it safely.” 

A Turning Point for Industry Innovation in Manitoba 

For MCSC Executive Director, Carol Paul, the course revealed a clear technological shift underway. “I was surprised by how many companies are already using drones,” she said. “But they’re mostly using photogrammetry—not LiDAR. This course represents the next step in their evolution.” 

Paul noted the value of offering a program that supports beginners and advanced users alike. “No matter what skill level you came in at, you left with new knowledge and real ideas for applying it in your own work.” 

Participants echoed this sentiment, highlighting the instructors’ ability to break down complex concepts into practical, digestible lessons. 

Advancing Productivity, Safety, and Manitoba’s Tech Leadership 

Across all three days, one theme stood out: LiDAR, drones, and extended reality are no longer futuristic add-ons—they are essential tools that will transform the way industries map, model, plan, and build. 

From gaming to construction to emergency response, the technologies explored in this course open new doors for efficiency, accuracy, and worker safety. 

As Ezumah put it, “We can now see an easier way to do things—and bring that into our industries. That’s something I’m greatly looking forward to.” 

The success of this inaugural program makes one thing clear: Manitoba is ready to lead in the next generation of digital construction and geospatial innovation. 

To learn more about MCSC’s drone SkySkills training, including its next intake of training, visit, https://mbcsc.com/drones-in-construction/