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When discussing "UAV software," many people immediately associate it with "UAV flight control," meaning the software that manages a drone's flight. While this is correct, modern UAV software goes beyond just controlling flight. It includes tools for planning routes, managing drone movement, and enabling automatic flight and photography. Today, we're focusing on the software used to process data collected during these flights—specifically, aerial survey software.
Aerial survey software is a broad category, but in this context, we'll focus on drone-based aerial mapping and modeling tools. These programs handle data acquisition, processing, and analysis, offering powerful capabilities for professionals in fields like construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
Pix4D is one of the most well-known names in this space. Originally launched from the Computer Vision Laboratory at EPFL in Switzerland, Pix4D has since expanded globally, establishing offices in France, the U.S., and China. The company offers a full suite of tools, including Pix4Dcapture, Pix4D Desktop, and Pix4D Cloud. These tools allow users to plan flights, capture images, and then process them into detailed outputs such as 3D models, digital surface models, orthomosaics, and more.
Pix4Dcapture is a free mobile app designed for route planning and data collection. Once the drone is connected, users can define areas and set flight parameters, allowing the drone to fly autonomously. Pix4D Desktop, on the other hand, is a more advanced tool for offline data processing. It's available for Windows and macOS, with a beta version for Apple users. Pix4D Cloud offers cloud-based storage and processing, making it ideal for users with limited local computing power.
In addition to its software, Pix4D provides technical support and community forums. The professional edition of Pix4Dmapper is priced around $3,500 annually, though pricing may vary depending on region and resellers.
Altizure, developed by Everest Technology (a Hong Kong University of Science and Technology incubator), is another strong player in the aerial survey space. Its platform converts drone-captured images into real-world 3D models. Altizure offers three main tools: the Altizure app for route planning, the web interface for uploading and processing images, and the desktop application for offline viewing and analysis.
The Altizure web platform allows users to upload up to 1,000 images at once, with free projects receiving 3 gigapixels of credit. This means users can upload around 250 high-resolution photos before needing to purchase additional credits. Professional users can also buy Alticoin to unlock more features.
Skycatch, based in San Francisco, focuses on data acquisition and has raised $22 million in funding. Initially, it provided high-definition aerial imagery, but it later expanded into its own software suite for route planning and data management. Skycatch’s services are popular in industries like construction, mining, and agriculture, where real-time data analysis is critical.
DroneDeploy, another San Francisco-based startup, has raised $20 million in Series B funding. It offers a cloud-based platform with tools for route planning, data processing, and even an app market where users can access specialized modules. DroneDeploy supports features like NDVI analysis for agricultural use and integrates with third-party apps for enhanced functionality. However, its Chinese localization remains a challenge due to slow internet speeds and outdated map data.
Datumate, an Israeli company, partnered with DJI to launch a comprehensive mapping solution. Their Professional Mapping Kit is known for high-precision mapping and is widely used in construction, engineering, and infrastructure inspection. Tools like DatuFly, DatuSurvey, and DatuSite help users plan flights, process images, and generate 3D models and reports.
Site Scan, formerly part of 3D Robotics, now offers enterprise-grade solutions for automated data collection and analysis. It integrates with Autodesk’s cloud for advanced data processing and supports drones like the DJI M300.
Mesh is a collaborative workflow-focused platform that enables real-time data sharing between drones and ground teams. It supports tasks like 2D/3D modeling, power grid inspections, and construction site monitoring. Mesh offers both mobile and desktop applications, allowing for flexible and efficient operations.
In summary, modern UAV aerial survey software typically combines mobile apps for flight planning with web and desktop tools for image processing. While route planning is standard, the key differentiator lies in the quality of data processing. The best software uses advanced algorithms to produce accurate and detailed maps and models. The seven platforms discussed here represent some of the top choices in the industry, each offering unique features and capabilities tailored to specific use cases. Whether you're a professional or a hobbyist, there's likely a tool that fits your needs.