DroneDeploy allows you to export your processed data from the cloud to your desktop for integration with third-party software. This guide lists the available data exports and file formats.
Locating Available Exports
To locate the exports available for your project, navigate to Export in the bottom-left corner of the Explore page.
Available Export File Formats
The table below details the available file formats, their purpose, and subscription availability.
| File Format | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| JPG (RGB Image) | Available for all 2D layers: 2D Map, Elevation, Digital Terrain Model, and Plant Health. Includes a .KML file and a .TWF file with georeferenced metadata. Easy to share through any standard image software or for use in presentations. | Lite, Individual, and Enterprise subscriptions |
| GeoTIFF (RGB Image) | Available for all 2D layers: 2D Map, Elevation, Digital Terrain Model, and Plant Health. Includes a .TWF file with georeferenced metadata. The file format is suited for 2D analysis in GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS. Includes a .KML file when using the Web Mercator Projection. | Lite, Individual, and Enterprise subscriptions |
| GeoTIFF (5-Band Multispectral) | Available for Multispectral exports. This is a 5-band GeoTIFF file with embedded multispectral band values. Includes a .TWF file with georeferenced metadata and a .KML file when using the Web Mercator Projection. The file format is suited for 2D analysis in GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS. | Individual and Enterprise subscriptions |
| GeoTIFF (Raw Elevation Values - DEM) |
Available for Elevation and Digital Terrain Model exports. DEM stands for Digital Elevation Model10. This is a one-band GeoTIFF file with embedded elevation values. The file format is suited for 2D analysis in GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS. |
Individual and Enterprise subscriptions |
| DXF/SHP (Contour files) | Available for Elevation and Digital Terrain Model exports. These are georeferenced lines of equal elevation according to the chosen interval (see Contours.). For use in AutoDesk suite and Mining/Construction software. | Individual and Enterprise subscriptions |
| Shapefile | Available for Plant Health exports. Plant health data is stored as a set of shapes (polygons) with a default resolution of approximately 10m x 10m (size depends on latitude). | Individual and Enterprise subscriptions |
| OBJ (3D Model) | Digital Model. This is an .obj surface with .jpg texture files. It is not georeferenced, and resolution is fixed in a model-local coordinate system. The export includes three file types: .obj (3D geometry), .mtl (material information), and .jpg (texture/color information). | Lite, Individual, and Enterprise subscriptions |
| LAS (Point Cloud) | This is a .las point cloud file. You can use it in AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Global Mapper, Applied Imagery, or similar software. | Individual and Enterprise subscriptions |
| XYZ (Point Cloud) | This is an .xyz point cloud that contains RGB information (XYZRGB). Resolution is specifiable. This is a common file format accepted across Construction/Mining software. | Individual and Enterprise subscriptions |
| PDF Export | Available natively in the application. You can export a PDF of 2D, Elevation, Digital Terrain Model, and Plant Health layers. | All paid subscriptions |
| RCP File Export | AutoCAD-specific file. | Enterprise subscribers only |
| Source Imagery (ZIP) | A Zip file containing the processed map’s source imagery. This can be combined with auto exports and supported integrations. | Enterprise only |
RGB GeoTIFF Export Band Order
The band order for RGB GeoTIFF exports is:
Band 1: Red
Band 2: Green
Band 3: Blue
Band 4: Alpha
Mavic 3 Multispectral 5 Band Export
Band 1: Red
Band 2: Green
Band 3: NIR (duplicated)
Band 4: Red Edge
Band 5: NIR
Subscription Upgrades and Reprocessing
If you have upgraded your DroneDeploy subscription, your existing maps may not automatically have the export formats available for your new subscription tier. Please reach out to support@dronedeploy.com for reprocessing any maps that require upgraded export file formats.
Export Map Projections
By default, most exports use the Web Mercator projection (EPSG: 3857), which is optimized for importing into web mapping systems such as Google Earth or Mapbox.
DroneDeploy also makes exports available in the most common global spherical coordinate system: WGS84 (EPSG: 4326). This coordinate system is commonly used for more traditional desktop mapping tools.
If you require a custom EPSG code, such as State Plane Coordinate System or Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), contact our support team at support@dronedeploy.com 12 to inquire about our Individual and Enterprise accounts with custom EPSG support
Choosing Between WGS84 and Web Mercator
Web Mercator (WGS84 EPSG: 3857): Choose this option if you want to view your files on your website, Google Earth, or similar web viewing platforms.
WGS84 (EPSG: 4326): Choose this option if you are using the files in desktop GIS software, such as ArcGIS.
Exporting Contours in Correct Intervals
When exporting contours, use the appropriate EPSG code associated with the units you want your data in. For example:
If the EPSG code's vertical units are in meters, you should export in meters.
If the EPSG code's units are in feet, you should export contours in feet.
Not doing so may result in exports with the incorrect contour units. To change the units to meters or feet, navigate to Preferences on your account.
You can visit https://spatialreference.org/ref/epsg/ or http://epsg.io/ to find out the correct unit type for your EPSG code.