Software & Mobile Apps for drones and quadcopters - Electronics for You
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Software & Mobile Apps for drones and quadcopters

Software For drones and quadcopters

PX4
Visit: https://px4.io/#
Full version: Free

PX4 is a free, open-source software used for flight control while operating drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The framework offers a set of optimised application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) that allows developers to create scalable and tailored solutions for various related applications. When integrated with embedded computer vision, it becomes easier to work on localisation and obstacle detection algorithms. Besides several tests that are performed regularly to ensure the codebase’s safety and reliability, automated failsafe behaviour, support for different return modes, parachutes, and more are also included.

Global Mapper
Visit: https://bluemarblegeo.com
Full version: Paid

Global Mapper is a geographic information system (GIS) software package, consisting of a suite of data creation, editing, rendering, and analysis tools, especially useful for LiDAR enabled drones. It supports more than 300 geospatial data formats and provides access to common spatial databases. For terrain and 3D data processing, several functions including watershed delineation, view shed and line-of site modeling, volume measurement, and cut and fill optimisation, among others, are available. Options like geospatial PDF creation and direct Web publishing to MangoMap enable easy sharing of map data. The optional LiDAR module comes with a wide range of point cloud processing tools.


Propeller

Visit: www.propelleraero.com
Full version: Paid

Propeller is a cloud-based platform for accurate 3D site surveys via data visualisation and analytics. Data accuracy is ensured via options for filtering analysis, processing reports, and checkpoint verifications for datasets. Earthworks software simplifies design conformance checks, stockpile measurements, road-grade checks, and volumetrics. Other features include visual timeline slider for visual assessment of sites, terrain editing to remove inaccuracies in survey data, lidar support with easy point cloud upload, downloadable PDF, and CSV measurement reports for easy collaboration, among others.


Drone2Map For ArcGis

Visit: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home
Full version: Paid

Drone2Map’s professional photogrammetry suite for image processing, powered by Pix4D, allows users to turn their drone-captured collections into high-quality 2D and 3D imagery products quickly for analysis and visualisation. It streamlines surveying and mapping techniques, which enables delivery and sharing of orthomosaics, 3D meshes, and more. Other features include calculation of volumes and elevation, capturing of high-accuracy points to simplify ground control workflow, and so on. Also, it is user-friendly, which makes it easy to share data among team members through ArcGIS Online or portal, necessary for accurate, data-driven decisions.


Open Drone Map

Visit: https://www.opendronemap.org
Full version: Free

Open Drone Map (ODM) is a free and user-friendly drone mapping software that includes tools for processing, analysing and generating georeferenced maps, orthorectified imagery, point clouds, digital elevation models (DEMs) and textured 3D models from aerial data. For graphical user interface, WebODM comes with a 3D viewer, a map viewer, user logins, a plugin system, and the like. NodeODM API allows users to access ODM features over a computer network. The application can be run via a docker on macOS, Linux, or Windows (7 and above).

Mobile Apps For Drones and Quadcopters

Scan the QR codes to download the apps based on the operating system of your device

UAV Forecast
Updated: March 2020
OS: Android and iOS
Download: Full version (paid)

UAV Forecast allows drone pilots to check the suitable time for flying their drones through automatic colour-coded (green and red) analysis of the conditions. Hyperlocal weather data provided by Dark Sky includes wind and gust speeds at ground level and at any altitude. Other features include fully configurable thresholds, details of no-fly zones and flight restrictions, tablet support, GPS satellite data, location search and favourite locations, hourly forecasts up to seven days, and so on. The app is compatible with DJI Spark, Inspire, Yuneec, Mavic, 3DR, Parrot Bebop, and many other UAVs and radio-controlled aircraft.


Litchi

Updated: November 2019
OS: Android and iOS
Download: Full version (paid)

Litchi app allows users to work with drones like DJI Mavic 2 Zoom/Pro, Inspire 2, Spark, Mavic Air/Pro, Inspire 1 X3/Z3/Pro/RAW, and so on. Advanced waypoint editor enables setting up of classic missions as well as cable cams, selfies, panoramas, with real-time controls and unlimited distance. Other features include the ability to save and load waypoint missions and orbit flights, automatic sync for flight logs, dynamic homepoint, auto record, virtual reality (VR) mode compatible with most mobile VR goggles (such as Cardboard and Freefly VR), among others.


Drone Harmony Planner

Updated: May 2020
OS: Android
Download: Full version (paid)

Drone Harmony’s Mission Planner allows users to create cinematographic and professional flight plans for DJI drones. Camera parameters can be adjusted according to light conditions and other requirements. Also, mission sync and planning features enable smooth flights for data capture (videos, scenic orbits, and the like). The plan can be reviewed in 2D as well as 3D and adjusted with simple tools for accurate results. Obstacle avoidance algorithms help in computing optimal flight paths. Drone Harmony plus version provides support for drones such as Mavic 2 Enterprise, P4P RTK SDK, m200, m210, m600, Inspire 1&2, too.


DroneBase Pilot App

Updated: December 2019
OS: Android and iOS
Download: Full version (free)

DroneBase Pilot App helps anyone involved in commercial flying to build their business and improve their flying skills through trainings, wherever required. The pilots can accept and schedule client missions on-the-go for applications in residential real estate, commercial real estate, insurance, construction, and more. Flying available missions is simple due to the availability of detailed instructions and integration with DJI’s SDK. The app comes with full support for Inspire 1, Inspire 1 Pro & Inspire 1 RAW, Mavic Pro, Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom, Pro Platinum, Air, and many other drone models.


B4UFLY

Updated: August 2019
OS: Android and iOS
Download: Full version (paid)

B4UFLY app allows drone operators to check airspace to ensure safety before taking flight. The app has a simple and user-friendly interface. By tapping on the map or searching for a location, the pilot knows whether flight is possible and also if there is a need to use caution while flying. Once the destination for flying is selected, operators receive the current status and stay informed of advisories and restrictions in detail for the chosen airspace.