DroneFTP processes drone imagery into accurate, ready-to-use geospatial deliverables through fast and cost-effective cloud processing. Upload your data and receive outputs that integrate directly into GIS, CAD, and engineering workflows.

Each project includes the following deliverables:

• Orthophoto
  High-resolution, orthorectified imagery that provides an accurate, distortion-free representation of the ground surface. 
• Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
  A continuous elevation surface representing terrain and features, suitable for analysis, visualization, and planning. 
• Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
  A bare-earth elevation model generated through point classification, removing vegetation and structures for accurate ground analysis. 
• Digital Surface Model (DSM)
  A surface model that includes buildings, vegetation, and other above-ground features. 
• Contour Lines (DXF)
  Design-ready contour lines representing consistent elevations, ideal for terrain interpretation and use in CAD software. 
• LAZ Point Cloud
  A compressed, classified point cloud dataset supporting both DTM (bare earth) and DSM (surface) workflows. 

All elevation deliverables are provided in feet and meters, referenced to geoid-based vertical datums for consistent and reliable results.

Deliverables are suitable for:

• Volume calculations 
• Site planning and design 
• Terrain analysis 
• Mapping and visualization 

DroneFTP simplifies drone data processing by eliminating the need for expensive software and high-performance hardware. The platform delivers professional-grade outputs quickly, allowing you to generate mapping products and provide results to clients with minimal turnaround time.

DroneFTP processes high-quality aerial imagery to generate these deliverables. Proper flight planning and image quality (including overlap and consistency) ensure optimal results.

Photogrammetry requires multiple overlapping images to reconstruct terrain accurately.

Recommended overlap:

• Front overlap: 75–85%
• Side overlap: 70–80%

Higher overlap is especially important for:

• Dense vegetation
• Water-adjacent areas
• Tall structures
• Low-texture surfaces (sand, gravel, pavement)

Fly at a consistent height to ensure uniform scale and accuracy.

• Typical mapping altitude: 200–400 ft AGL
• Adjust based on required resolution

For LiDAR missions, consistent altitude also improves point density and uniform coverage.

Photogrammetry:

• Capture nadir (straight-down) images (0° tilt)
• Best for orthomosaics, DEMs, and contours

LiDAR:

• Maintain stable flight with sensor properly calibrated
• Ensure IMU/GPS alignment is functioning correctly

Photogrammetry:

• Use grid or double-grid flight patterns for full coverage

LiDAR:

• Use parallel flight lines with adequate sidelap
• Ensure consistent spacing to avoid data gaps

Photogrammetry performs best with:

• Midday lighting
• Minimal shadows
• Clear or lightly cloudy skies

LiDAR considerations:

• Can operate in lower light conditions
• Avoid heavy rain, fog, or atmospheric interference

Photogrammetry:

• Fly slower (10–15 mph)
• Use fast shutter speeds
• Avoid motion blur

LiDAR:

• Ensure proper calibration before flight
• Maintain steady flight speed
• Avoid excessive vibration or abrupt movements

Photogrammetry struggles with:

• Reflective surfaces (water, metal roofs)
• Uniform textures (grass, sand)

LiDAR advantages:

• Penetrates vegetation to capture ground (DTM)
• Performs better in low-texture environments

Photogrammetry:

• 75–85% front overlap
• 70–80% side overlap
• Consistent altitude
• Nadir imagery
• Grid flight pattern
• Sharp, clear images

LiDAR:

• Consistent altitude and flight lines
• Proper sensor calibration
• Stable flight conditions
• Adequate coverage and density

After signing up and logging in:

1. Upload your data (do not refresh or close the browser)
2. Status will update to In-queue
3. After processing begins, status changes to Processing
4. Once complete, status shows Completed
5. If issues occur, status will show Failed

With DroneFTP, pilots can produce:

• Orthomosaic maps
  High-resolution stitched imagery for planning and reporting
• Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
  Accurate elevation surfaces for analysis and design
• Digital Terrain Models (DTM)
  Bare-earth models generated through point classification
• Digital Surface Models (DSM)
  Surface models including vegetation and structures
• Contour lines (DXF)
  Design-ready elevation lines for CAD and engineering use
• LAZ point cloud files
  Classified point clouds supporting both DTM and DSM workflows

DroneFTP handles the processing, allowing pilots to deliver professional-grade mapping products without specialized software or hardware. This enables higher-value services, increased revenue per project, and a more competitive offering in the market.

SIGN UP HERE to start processing