DroneDeploy is a comprehensive mapping tool. Indeed, the slogan on its website proudly states that it is the leading drone software platform with unlimited flying, mapping and sharing.

DroneDeploy helps you to create accurate and high-resolution maps, reports and models

At a glance, there are numerous advantages of using DroneDeploy. These are:

One of the coolest features of DroneDeploy is the thermal live map. This allows you to see the unseeable, by visualising temperature range variability and generating thermal maps over large areas.

Another major benefit is that you can extend DroneDeploy with an ecosystem of industry-leading tools and services tailored to fit your needs. This allows you to install apps for construction, inspection, compliance, agriculture and more.

DroneDeploy is suitable for a range of industries

Speaking of industry verticals, DroneDeploy can be utilised by a cross-section of enterprise clients. These include:

To go into a bit more detail, DroneDeploy can benefit your drone operations in a number of ways. In construction, you can create 3D models and photos, while in agriculture you can capture field images, scout large areas and detect crop variability.

"Great drone mapping app! After trying many, this one is the best. Simple, fast and easy to use," - Lesliemb, via App Store

DroneDeploy is compatible with a range of DJI drones. These are:

So how much will DroneDeploy cost? Well there are numerous price plans available.

Another great tool for enterprise customers is Pix4Dcapture - a free drone flight planning app for optimal 3D mapping and 3D modelling data.

Generate high-quality 2D and 3D data through the use of aerial imagery

Pix4D has been designed to allow professionals to generate high-quality 2D and 3D data through the use of aerial imagery.

The photogrammetry aspect of the software uses the images captured by UAVs to generate results ranging from point clouds to digital surface and terrain models, orthomosaics to textured models.

Among the features, you can select the perfect flight plan for your project and monitor the image acquisition in real-time.

This professional drone-mapping tool is useful for a range of industry verticals, including surveying and construction.

One of the bonuses of Pix4D is that there are add-ons to take your drone missions further. These additions are:

Another advantage of Pix4D is that it is compatible with a wide range of drones - DJI and otherwise. These are:

PwC UK did a stock count audit with drones and Pix4Dmapper - and completed the job 85% faster

Pix4Dcapture can be downloaded for free from Google Play and the App Store.

DJI Ground Station Pro (DJI GS Pro) is an iPad app which allows you to conduct automated flight missions, manage flight data on the cloud and collaborate across projects to efficiently run your drone programme. DJI's slogan for GS Pro is mission-critical flight simplified.

GS Pro is ideal for a range of industrial applications, including architecture, precision agriculture, electrical inspections, aerial imaging, safety control and search and rescue.

GS Pro automatically generates efficient flight paths. The captured image data can be used to generate 3D maps

So, what sort of things does GS Pro allow you to do?

First off, when it comes to 3D mapping, there is plenty you can do. GS Pro automatically generates efficient flight paths after you have set up your required flight zone and camera parameters. The aircraft will then follow this route throughout its mission. The captured image data can be used to generate 3D maps.

Other features include:

DJI GS Pro is free, but there are additional paid features, such as 3D Map POI, which allows you to generate maps of tall structures

As GS Pro is a DJI app, it is compatible with numerous DJI drones and payloads.

The full list is:

DJI GS Pro is free to download and users can immediately access features including Virtual Fence, 3D Map Area and Waypoint Route.

Additional paid-for features are available through in-app purchase, including 3D Map POI, which allows you to generate maps of tall structures.

'An end-to-end solution to track, map, and measure your worksite'. This is how Propeller Aero describes itself.

"Propeller helped us recognise issues with the work our subcontractors were doing and correct them before they became expensive,” - Hamzah Shanbari, Manager, Technology & Innovation, at Haskell

Propeller Aero users benefit from cloud-based visualisation and analytics solutions, giving worksites the power to measure and manage themselves.

Thanks to Propeller, you can create browser-based 3D surveys to map and measure your worksite. Visualising your site helps you to check progress and any mistakes, while you can gain useful insights by performing quick volume calculations.

Propeller Aero helps you to create browser-based 3D surveys to map and measure your worksite

Another string to the Propeller Aero bow is Propeller PPK, which combines DJI’s Phantom 4 RTK with Propeller's AeroPoints for a comprehensive end-to-end PPK surveying workflow.

AeroPoints is the world’s first smart Ground Control Point system, specifically designed for drone surveying.

Propeller says that this method gives 3cm accuracy. The gallery below shows the three steps that are required to capture and analyse this data.

In terms of cost, your package will differ depending on the style and demands of your operation - whether that be single or multiple worksites and how regularly you plan to fly.

Map Pilot for DJI helps you create and fly the optimal flight path to create great maps using the Maps Made Easy map processing service.

Features include line of sight indicator, live map view and 3D grid mission planning

The processing system works with images taken from any aerial platform and users are able to make real measurements using scaled models and maps. Thanks to cloud-processing, you can create georeferenced orthophotos, 3D models and digital surface models.

Features include line of sight indicator, natural landing assistance, live map view, 3D grid mission planning and multi-flight coordination, among other things.

There are various price plans available for Map Pilot

Take a look at the level of detail of these aerial images - focusing on the construction of a skate/bike park. This view from above is beneficial for so many reasons, including progress reports and helping you to understand your site.

This app is compatible with iOS 10, iOS 11 and iOS 12. Two options are available.

Map Pilot for DJI is $9.99. To take your missions further, a number of in-app purchases are available. These are:

The second option is Map Pilot for DJI - Business, which costs $39.99. It is the same app as Map Pilot for DJI except it includes all of the in-app purchase options at a discounted price.

On top of this, a point-based system is available for your map to be processed. This depends on the approximate coverage and ranges from $7.99 for 120 acres through to $669.99 for 30,000 acres.

In terms of compatibility, the app works with the following aircraft and external cameras:

Another mapping tool comes from Raptor Maps.

This one is a little more targeted, in the sense that it is geared towards solar asset inspection, monitoring and management.

Thanks to Raptor, you can process thermal and colour imagery generated from aerial solar site inspections with drones and/or manned aircraft. Every image is analysed with a state-of-the-art machine learning algorithm, and anomalies are detected, classified and localised.

"We did extensive due diligence on potential partners for our drone services offering and Raptor Maps was clearly the leading provider for data processing and reporting," - Rich Brindisi, Bonsai Energy Group

Raptor Maps digitises your PV system, incorporating structural, electrical and other critical asset data - helping solar companies reduce costs and increase energy production.

Raptor Maps does not currently have publicly available pricing.