Overview
This guide explains how to capture and upload data to DroneDeploy using drone hardware that is not natively supported for flight by the DroneDeploy Ground App.
(Manually captured utilizing the DJI Fly app and the Mavic 3 Classic)
What is non-supported drone processing?
While DroneDeploy supports automated flight for many DJI and Anzu drones, you can still use DroneDeploy’s industry-leading processing engine for data captured with almost any other drone. If your drone records GPS coordinates in the image metadata (EXIF data), you can upload those images to create high-resolution maps and 3D models.
Availability: Who has access?
All trial & paid DroneDeploy subscriptions have access to upload and process data from non-supported drones.
The ability to view processed maps is available to all users with project access.
How to use a non-supported drone
To create a map using a non-supported drone, you must capture the imagery using the drone's native flight app or manual flight and then upload the files to the DroneDeploy web app.
1. Capture imagery
Capture your photos, ensuring they meet these requirements for successful processing:
Maintain a 60-80% frontal and side overlap.
Ensure all images contain GPS metadata.
Keep the camera at a consistent altitude, typically 150-250ft, for best results.
Format images as JPGs or TIFFs.
2. Create a new project
Log into your account at dronedeploy.com.
Click New Project in the top left corner.
Name your project and set the location by searching for an address or coordinates.
3. Upload your data
Navigate to the Upload tab within your project.
Select New Upload.
Drag and drop your images into the upload window or click Select Photos to browse your computer.
Once the upload finishes, click Start Upload.
Key Features/Details
Flexible Processing: Use high-end sensors or specialized hardware not supported by our flight app.
Metadata Integration: DroneDeploy automatically reads the location and altitude from your image files to stitch the map.
Custom Outputs: Even with non-supported hardware, you can generate PDF, TIFF and 3D exports.
When and why do we use this tool?
This workflow is ideal for:
Using specialized thermal or multispectral cameras.
Processing data from large fixed-wing drones used for vast acreage.
Creating maps from legacy hardware that does not support the latest Mobile SDKs.
Limitations
No Automated Flight: You must manage flight safety, overlap, and battery swaps manually or through a third-party application.
Manual Upload Only: Data must be uploaded via a computer; it cannot be synced directly from the drone to the cloud in the field.
Accuracy: Without integrated RTK or Ground Control Points (GCPs), the global accuracy of the map depends entirely on the drone’s onboard GPS.
FAQs
Q: Does DroneDeploy support any file extension for non-supported drones?
A: We support standard image formats. Please ensure you upload 10 JPGs or more.
Q: How many images can I upload?
A: This depends on your subscription level. Most accounts support uploads of 1,000 to 3,000 images per map.
Q: Can I use Ground Control Points?
A: Yes. You can upload a CSV file containing your GCPs to improve the spatial accuracy of your non-supported drone data.
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