DroneFTP processes customer-supplied drone imagery into geospatial data products through fast and cost-effective cloud processing.  Receive outputs provided in formats compatible with common GIS and CAD workflows. 

Each project includes the following deliverables:

• Orthophoto
  High-resolution, orthorectified imagery that provides imagery generated from customer-supplied aerial photographs. 
• 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 to represent the estimated ground surface after removal of classified vegetation and structures. 
• Digital Surface Model (DSM)
  A surface model that includes buildings, vegetation, and other above-ground features. 
• Contour Lines (DXF)
  Contour Lines (DXF) - Elevation contour data provided in DXF format for visualization and compatible CAD/GIS workflows.  
• LAZ Point Cloud
  A compressed, classified point cloud dataset supporting both DTM (bare earth) and DSM (surface) workflows. 

Elevation deliverables are provided in feet and meters and may incorporate geoid-based vertical datum conversions. Output accuracy depends on the customer-supplied imagery, positioning data, collection method, and processing conditions.

Deliverables are suitable for:

• Visualization
• Preliminary terrain evaluation
• General mapping
• Data review

DroneFTP simplifies drone data processing by eliminating the need for expensive software and high-performance hardware. The platform generates commonly used geospatial outputs in the cloud, helping users reduce local processing demands and 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

Photogrammetry:

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

Photogrammetry:

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

Photogrammetry performs best with:

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

Photogrammetry:

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

Photogrammetry struggles with:

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

Photogrammetry:

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

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)
  DEM - Elevation surfaces generated from customer-supplied imagery for visualization and general mapping. 
• Digital Terrain Models (DTM)
  Bare-earth models generated through point classification
• Digital Surface Models (DSM)
  Surface models including vegetation and structures
• Contour lines (DXF)
  Contours - Elevation contour data in DXF format for use in compatible CAD and GIS software. 
• LAZ point cloud files
  Classified point clouds supporting both DTM and DSM workflows

DroneFTP handles the processing, allowing pilots to deliver commonly used geospatial data formats without specialized software or hardware. This enables higher-value services, increased revenue per project, and a more competitive offering in the market.

 Learn more about our drone photogrammetry processing service. 

SIGN UP HERE to start processing