DroneDeploy

Create Aerial Maps and 3D Models

DroneDeploy

Drone Surveying and 3D Mapping App

What is DroneDeploy?

DroneDeploy is an intuitive solution used to create aerial maps and 3D models.

Using the mobile app - which is available on both Android and iOS - it’s possible to transform a range of DJI drones into reliable and powerful mapping tools. 

The DroneDeploy app facilitates automated flights from take-off and right through to landing while automatically capturing images that can be uploaded for processing.

These stills can be used to create a range of visualised data from 2D maps to 3D models.

Why use DroneDeploy?

  • An intuitive, simple-to-use solution
  • Affordably priced and feature rich
  • Potential for a greater ROI when compared to its competitors
  • Rapid processing and accurate results
  • Works with a range of DJI drones
  • An all-in-one drone surveying and mapping solution

DroneDeploy Features

Learn more about what DroneDeploy can do for your drone operations.

Orthomosaics

Collate accurate georeferenced, orthorectified maps.

Terrain Models

Create highly accurate topographic modelling, with DSMs.

NDVI Analysis

Collect simple crop health visualisations with five algorithms.

3D Models

Construct detailed, accurate 3D models and point clouds.

The DroneDeploy App

DroneDeploy’s mobile app allows users access to automated mapping services which are suitable for both beginners and professionals. 

Giving you complete control out in the field, this solution is a must-have for those looking to conduct aerial mapping services.

The app makes it simple to create flight plans on any device allowing you to launch a mission with automated take-off, flight, image capture and landing.

You can keep on top of your flight through a live first person view and are free to take back control of the drone at any time.

  • Intuitive user experience packed with functionality
  • Instantly measure both area and volume
  • Access your orthomosaic, NDVI, interactive maps and 3D models
  • Collaboration is made easy via shared maps and comment functionality
  • Help is always at hand thanks to DroneDeploy’s in-app support
  • Seamless compatibility with a wide range of DJI drones

These features make it simple to put together a range of data visualisations from orthomosaic, NDVI and digital elevation interactive maps to 3D models.

DroneDeploy's full functionality suite is available for use through seamless integration with a highly intuitive app, making your aerial mapping projects as easy as the results are accurate.

DroneDeploy Licences

Learn more about the different subscription options for Drone Deploy

DroneDeploy Pro

 

For one person to complete  basic mapping with a drone

 

Live Map HD: Real-Time Mapping

Up to 1,000 images/map

Email Support

  • Unlimited flight
  • JPG, Geotiff, OBJ
  • Volume Measurement
  • 70+ Apps in the Marketplace

DroneDeploy Business

 

Create more accurate maps, access  advanced tools, for one person

 

All Pro features, plus:

3,000 images/map

Email & Chat Support

  • Panoramas & Videos
  • Stockpile Reporting
  • Point Clouds and DTMs
  • LAS, XYZ, Shapefiles, DXF
  • Local Projection Systems
  • Ground Control Points

DroneDeploy Enterprise

 

For any size organisation to  manage projects and people with  advanced security and workflow

 

All Business features, plus:

Unlimited GCP Maps

Email, Chat, & Phone Support

  • User Roles & Permissions
  • API & SDK Access
  • Single Sign On
  • Activity Audit View
  • Thermal Processing
  • Automated Object Detection

DroneDeploy Compatible Drones

Supported Drones

Drone

Status

Inspire 1

Supported

Inspire 2

Supported

Mavic Air

Supported

Mavic Pro

Supported

Mavic Pro Platinum

Supported

Mavic 2 Pro (regular & zoom)

Supported

Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual

Supported (non radiometric)

Matrice 100

Supported

Matrice 200

Supported

Matrice 210

Supported

Matrice 210 RTK

Supported

Matrice 210 RTK V2

Supported (no RTK)

Matrice 600 Pro

Supported

Phantom 3 Professional

Supported

Phantom 4

Supported

Phantom 4 Advanced

Supported

Phantom 4 Pro (inc obsidian)

Supported

Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

Supported

Skydio 2

Supported (iOS only)

DroneDeploy Compatible Cameras & Lenses

Supported Cameras & Lenses

Drone

Cameras

Lenses

Inspire 1

X3
X5
XT1

X5 Lenses:
- DJI MFT 15mm F1.7 ASPH

Inspire 2

X4S
X5S
X7

X5S Lenses:
- DJI MFT 15mm F1.7 ASPH
- OLYMPUS M.12mm F2.0
- OLYMPUS M.45mm F1.8

X7 Lenses (FW 01.01.0200 only):
- DJI DL-S 16mm F2.8 ND ASPH
- DJI DL 24mm F2.8 LS ASPH
- DJI DL 35mm F2.8 LS ASPH
- DJI DL 50mm F2.8 LS ASPH

Matrice 100

X3
X5

X5 Lenses:
- DJI MFT 15mm F1.7 ASPH

Matrice 200/210/210 RTK

X4S
X5S
XT
XT1
XT2*

X5S Lenses:
- DJI MFT 15mm F1.7 ASPH
- OLYMPUS M.12mm F2.0
- OLYMPUS M.45mm F1.8

The X7 exhibits behavior when used on the M200/210 line that prevents normal operation so it is not supported for this line.

Matrice 600

X3
X5


X5 Lenses:
- DJI MFT 15mm F1.7 ASPH

Notes

All "Officially Supported” cameras and Lenses are tested with DroneDeploy rigorously. Your results with cameras others than those listed above may vary.

RTK data is not recorded to photo metadata, so the map accuracy increase you'll see out of the 210RTK may not be substantial when compared to the regular models.

* When using XT2, both RGB and Thermal imagery is saved to the SD cards.

Drone Photogrammetry Software Consultation

Talk to us about your drone operations and help us find the best solution for you

Talk to an expert

Speak to our in-house geospatial team to discuss the best drone photogrammetry software for you.

Ensure compatibility with your drone and camera, and discuss alternative solutions where your hardware may not be supported.

DroneDeploy FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about DroneDeploy

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you carry out a multi-battery flight in DroneDeploy?

Yes. It’s simple to swap batteries and continue your mission. Bring the drone back to its home point when the battery is low on power, swap in the new battery and restart your plan from the exact point where you left off.

Does DroneDeploy work with both Apple and Android devices?

While Android and iOS work well with DroneDeploy, Apple products offer a smoother experience than because of how Android handles a USB connection.

What happens when you fly autonomously with DroneDeploy and you lose your lightbridge controller and/or video signal?

If you lose connection, press and hold the Return to Home button on the controller to call back the drone. Once it returns, begin the mission again after power cycling the drone and restart your mobile device.

If you want to take control of the drone during the autonomous flights can you switch back to the DJI Go app and bring it back to the home point?

Yes. You can also press the Home button on the RC or in the DroneDeploy app. Alternatively, you flip the mode switch to disengage autonomous flight.

Does DroneDeploy support automated flight planning for mapping areas with large vertical topography like mountains, buildings, and towers?

The DroneDeploy mobile app allows you to capture oblique photos of objects using the Orbit at End of Mission tool. For best results, we do still recommend conducting some manual flying with your drone and then processing those images with DroneDeploy’s software.

Does the mobile app control my drone's camera angle?

Yes, the DroneDeploy mobile app automatically controls the camera to tilt down in a base position after reaching your preferred altitude. For areas where you need to tilt the angle of your camera, such as when conducting 3D models, you will need to fly manually.

To avoid burnt images due to the sunlight, what kinds of camera settings do you recommend?

If you're flying on a bright day, the images may be washed out unless the white balance is adjusted to "Sunny" in the DJI Go app. For these settings to apply, you must turn off Automatic Camera Settings in the DroneDeploy app in the advanced section of the flight plan.

What is the recommended front and side overlap?

We recommend that all images should have significant overlap (at least 70% side and front). The greater the image overlap, the easier it is for the software to process your image. Higher overlap gives you greater map detail.

Can I create 3D maps in DroneDeploy?

Yes, you can generate 3D models by using your drone for 3D mapping. Upload your geo-tagged drone imagery to DroneDeploy, and the software will take care of the rest. One of the big differences between DroneDeploy and other alternatives is that they carry out the processing for you in the cloud, so it doesn’t require a lot of desktop processing power.

Is it possible to upload additional images to a map after it has been processed?

Yes, you can upload additional images to a processed map.

Do you need LIDAR drones to create elevation maps?

No. Elevation maps are created using standard geo-referenced cameras on drones. DroneDeploy does some advanced maths to figure out elevations by looking at differences in perspective between two overlapping images.

Do you need any filters on the cameras?

No, but the camera settings should compensate if you choose to attach one. Filters can be useful for taking some of the glare and reflection out of imagery which can help improve the final product.

Can you process thermal imagery in DroneDeploy?

Currently, the software stitches geo-tagged thermal imagery in the colourized JPG format. There are plans to support radiometric JPG and TIFF files moving forward.

What type of SD Card is recommended for mapping large areas?

A high-speed SD Card with at least 16GB storage is recommended for the best result.

What software could my customers use to view and manipulate the data exported from DroneDeploy?

DroneDeploy supports exporting in many file formats. Each data export format is different and you can use them in a wide variety of software.

How accurate is volume measurement using DroneDeploy?

Extensive testing has found volume measurements to be accurate to within 1-2% when compared to traditional ground-based laser measurements.

How would I use Ground Control Points to increase accuracy in volume measurement?

Ground Control Points (GCP) are an effective way to increase accuracy on a global level. However, the data you are getting from a standard drone flight without GCPs will produce highly accurate volume measurements as those measurements are at the local level. These measurements are typically 98-99% accurate so GCPs are not necessarily needed. Learn more about accuracy here.