Top 5 Online Drone Mapping Services in 2023 (US Guide)

Updated in 2023 by Paul Posea

In the world of geospatial data collection, drone mapping services have emerged as a game-changer. These services leverage the power of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to capture high-resolution aerial data.

This data is then processed to create detailed maps or 3D models of the area, providing valuable insights for various applications, including construction, agriculture, environmental research, and more.

This article aims to guide you through the world of drone mapping services, helping you understand their benefits, costs, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Top 5 Drone Mapping Services

*Service*	*Key Features*	*Pros*	*Cons*
FlyGuys	Data collection, consultation, drone rentals	Offers a significant amount of time and money savings	Services might be limited to the US
Measure	Comprehensive drone services, including mapping and aerial data collection	Offers a wide range of drone services	The cost might be high for small-scale projects
Terra Drone	Drone services for various industry sectors	Offers a wide range of drone services	The cost might be high for small-scale projects
PrecisionHawk	Drone and UAV remote sensing applications and data processing services	Offers a wide range of drone services	The cost might be high for small-scale projects
Aerotas	Drone data processing for surveyors	Specializes in drone data processing for surveyors	The service might be more suitable for professional surveyors rather than hobbyists

Now, let’s explore some of the top drone mapping services available online in the US, discussing their features, pros, cons, and costs.

Also if you want to know about how to start a drone mapping business successfully then you can check out my other article.

FlyGuys

FlyGuys offers drone services for surveying and mapping. Many licensed surveyors and mappers across the US are turning to FlyGuys to help with their drone services needs.

Pros:

Offers data collection, consultation, or drone rentals, saving a significant amount of time and money.

Cons:

Services might be limited to the US.

Measure

Measure is a leading drone data solution that provides comprehensive drone services, including mapping and aerial data collection.

Pros:

Offers a wide range of drone services, including mapping, inspections, and data analysis.

Cons:

The cost might be high for small-scale projects.

Terra Drone

Terra Drone is a global company that provides drone services for various industry sectors such as mining, construction, oil & gas, energy, and utilities.

Pros:

Offers a wide range of drone services, including mapping, inspections, and data analysis.

Cons:

The cost might be high for small-scale projects.

PrecisionHawk

PrecisionHawk provides drone and UAV remote sensing applications and data processing services in energy, solar, oil & gas, and telecom.

Pros:

Offers a wide range of drone services, including mapping, inspections, and data analysis.

Cons:

The cost might be high for small-scale projects.

Aerotas

Aerotas offers drone data processing for surveyors, providing clean topographic data and human-in-the-loop planimetric feature extraction.

Pros:

Specializes in drone data processing for surveyors, offering high accuracy and efficiency.

Cons:

The service might be more suitable for professional surveyors rather than hobbyists.

Cost: Aerotas creates quotes for each project based on that individual project's size, complexity, and the deliverables requested. For example, a commercial ALTA project covering 9 acres might cost around $1,001, while a suburban right-of-way project covering 13 acres might cost around $1,697.

What is Drone Mapping?

Drone mapping, at its core, involves using drones equipped with high-resolution cameras or sensors to capture aerial data. This data is then processed using specialized software to create detailed maps or 3D models of the area. The benefits of drone mapping are manifold:

Efficiency: Drones can cover large areas quickly, saving time and resources compared to traditional surveying methods.
Accuracy: Drone maps offer high-resolution imagery, providing detailed and accurate data.
Safety: Drones can access hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, reducing safety risks associated with manual data collection.

Exploring 3D Drone Mapping Services

3D drone mapping services offer a unique way to capture and visualize spatial data. They create detailed 3D models of the mapped area, which can be useful in various fields like construction, archaeology, and environmental research.

These services often require more advanced equipment and software, but they provide a level of detail and perspective that 2D maps can't match.

What are the Best Drone Mapping Services Near You (US)?

When looking for drone mapping services in the US, it's important to consider companies with a strong presence in your region. Here are some drone mapping companies that provide services in various regions across the US:

Northeast US

FlyGuys: FlyGuys offers drone services across the United States, including the Northeast. They provide data collection, consultation, and drone rentals.
Laguna Drones: Based in Connecticut, Laguna Drones provides drone mapping services for large and small projects across the US and beyond. They use high-grade drone equipment to generate images and high accuracy RTK GNSS receivers for precise data.

Southeast US

TerraMark: TerraMark provides UAV/UAS services throughout the southeastern United States. They use GPS enabled UAVs to map small areas, providing a cost-effective alternative to utilizing an aircraft with photogrammetry equipment.

Midwest US

Midwest Sky Labs: Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and supporting all 50-states and all 10 provinces in Canada, Midwest Sky Labs offers a wide range of ground-based and aerial imaging services.
Midwest Drone Service LLC: Midwest Drone Service LLC offers a range of drone services, including mapping and surveying.

West US

FlyGuys: FlyGuys provides remote sensing services, consultation, and rental services to clients nationwide, including the Western US. They use the best equipment such as the Riegl MiniVux LiDAR sensor, for precise data collection.

Remember, it's always a good idea to contact these companies directly to confirm whether they offer services in your specific location and to understand what specific features or advantages they might offer for your region.

How to Choose a Drone Mapping Service Near You

Choosing a drone mapping service near you involves considering several factors:

Reputation: Check the company's reputation. Look for customer reviews and ratings to get a sense of their reliability and quality of service.
Services: Ensure the company offers the specific mapping services you need. Some companies may specialize in certain types of mapping.
Cost: Compare the costs of different services. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Consider the value you're getting for the price.
Customer Support: Good customer support can be crucial, especially if you're new to drone mapping. Check if the company provides timely and helpful support.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we'll cover some of the most FAQs regarding Online Drone Mapping Services.

What is drone mapping?

Drone mapping involves using drones to capture aerial data, which is then processed to create detailed maps or 3D models.

How much do drone mapping services cost?

The cost of drone mapping services varies depending on the complexity of the project, the type of mapping required, and the company providing the service.

What are 3D drone mapping services?

3D drone mapping services create detailed 3D models of the mapped area using UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), providing a unique way to capture and visualize spatial data.

How do I choose a drone mapping service?

When choosing a drone mapping service, consider the company's reputation, the specific services they offer, costs, and customer support quality.