Can DroneDeploy be used without cellular or WIFI signal?

Yes, you can pre-plan your flight in an area with internet first, either on your desktop or your mobile device, then you’ll need to save this flight template as one of 10 saved on the device for ‘offline flying’. This is ideal for customers that are running flights and maps in remote locations or areas that doesn’t have mobile or WIFI signal.

A step-by-step guide: 

Here are the steps specifically tailored for DroneDeploy:

1. Open up DroneDeploy app and create your map
2. Go into Advanced settings toggle ‘Make Available Offline’" to initiate the process of downloading the basemap for offline use.
3. Monitor the progress of the basemap download. Wait until the application indicates that the basemap is fully downloaded and marked as "Available Offline." This confirms that the template is saved among the maximum limit of 10 templates for offline use on your device.
4. You can safely quit the DroneDeploy application 
5. Before deleting or making changes to a flight template, ensure the offline map associated with the template is properly deleted from your cached limit of 10 offline maps and that you allow the device to sync with DroneDeploy's servers for at least 10 minutes. This ensures that any changes you've made, such as downloading or deleting offline maps, are properly reflected on DroneDeploy.

Following these steps will help you effectively manage and use offline templates for flying within DroneDeploy.

You can also use KML and SHP files to pre-plan your flights for areas without internet access. In addition, our app will cache some background maps tiles so they are available when you review flight plans offline.

Steps: 

1. Get Your KML or Shapefile:
   • If you don't have one, create it in Google Earth or using a converter.
   • Keep it simple; complex shapes may not load properly.
2. Create Your KML or Shapefile:
   • In Google Earth, mark your area of interest, name the polygon, and save it as a KML file.
   • Optionally, convert it to a shapefile using an online converter.
3. Install KML and SHP Import App:
   • Go to DroneDeploy's App Market and install the KML and SHP Import App.
4. Plan Your Flight:
   • Open your project dashboard on DroneDeploy.
   • Navigate to the Fly tab and click on File under the Import KML or SHP app.
   • Select your file and ensure it loads correctly.
   • Proceed with planning your flight.

Note: You can edit shapefiles within the app, but narrow, corridor or complex shapes may have limitations. Ensure your shapefile has the correct extension and projection for proper functioning.