Software Applications
High School Drone Software Applications
Professional Software Platforms Used in Our Programs
A successful high school drone program requires more than aircraft and equipment.
Professional software is essential for flight planning, airspace compliance, mapping, analysis, and real-world workforce readiness.
DronePilotsForUS focuses on five application categories:
- DroneDeploy
- Aloft
- ArcGIS Online
- Esri Drone2Map
- Flight simulators
Why Software Matters in High School Drone Programs
Software platforms help schools operate drone programs that are:
- Safe (standard checklists and simulation practice)
- Compliant (airspace awareness, LAANC, flight documentation)
- Career aligned (mapping workflows, GIS analysis, deliverables)
- Instructionally consistent (repeatable steps teachers can manage)
DroneDeploy
Flight Planning, Mapping, and Cloud-Based Deliverables
DroneDeploy is used to plan missions, capture imagery, and process results into professional mapping products.
What students learn with DroneDeploy:
- Mission objectives and site planning
- Automated mapping missions (grid-style flights)
- Flight simulation before launch
- Data capture standards (altitude, overlap, coverage)
- Map analysis tools (crop, calibration, overlays)
- Exporting deliverables (maps and reports)
Common classroom outcomes:
- Orthomosaic maps
- Elevation and surface models
- Progress comparisons using overlays
- Shareable outputs for class projects and presentations
Aloft
Airspace Awareness, LAANC Requests, and Flight Logging
Aloft supports the operational side of legal and safe drone flight.
What teachers and students use Aloft for:
- Checking controlled airspace
- Submitting LAANC authorizations (when needed)
- Checking restrictions and planning safe operations
- Maintaining flight logs and compliance documentation
This supports safe instruction and strengthens FAA-aligned operational habits.
ArcGIS Online
GIS Publishing, Analysis, and Interactive Web Maps
ArcGIS Online enables students to publish and share mapping results in a professional GIS environment.
What students learn with ArcGIS Online:
- Creating and sharing interactive web maps
- Measuring distance and area
- Viewing and analyzing mapped layers
- Presenting mapping results to stakeholders
- Building map-based web applications
This is a strong fit for programs emphasizing geospatial careers.
Esri Drone2Map
Desktop Photogrammetry and High-Resolution Mapping
Drone2Map is used to process drone imagery into high-quality 2D mapping products and share results into the ArcGIS ecosystem.
What students learn with Drone2Map:
- Importing imagery from completed mapping missions
- Processing with 2D templates
- Creating orthomosaics and surface outputs
- Using map control points to improve accuracy
- Publishing layers to ArcGIS Online
- Creating interactive web apps for sharing results
This software builds deeper mapping workflow skills and accuracy awareness.
Flight Simulators
Safe Skill Development Before Live Flight
Simulators help students build confidence and competence before flying real missions.
How simulators support instruction:
- Practicing basic flight controls
- Learning mission flow and procedures
- Simulating mapping missions before launch
- Reinforcing preflight checklists and safety routines
- Practicing emergency responses in a safe environment
Simulators reduce risk, protect equipment, and improve student readiness.
Recommended Mapping Software Capabilities
For mapping success, software and workflow should support:
- GPS geotagged photos
- Automated grid missions
- Adjustable overlap (recommended 70–80% for most missions)
- Standard image exports (JPG or DNG)
- Compatibility with photogrammetry processing tools
For higher-quality mapping, prioritize:
- Stable gimbal-based imagery
- Consistent flight planning parameters
- Accuracy improvement methods (control points, RTK/PPK when applicable)
How These Tools Fit Across Curriculum Levels
Level 1: Introductory Flight & Safety
- Simulators for safe skill development
- DroneDeploy basic mission planning concepts
- Aloft for airspace awareness habits
Level 2: Certification Preparation (FAA Pathway)
- Airspace understanding and operational planning
- Compliance routines and flight documentation
- Risk management, safety procedures, and checklists
Level 3: Advanced Applications (Mapping & GIS)
- DroneDeploy mapping analysis and deliverables
- Drone2Map processing and accuracy improvement
- ArcGIS Online publishing and interactive web mapping
Need Help Implementing Drone Software in Your School?
DronePilotsForUS assists schools with:
- Selecting the right software for your program goals
- Teacher onboarding and training support
- Mapping workflow design for classrooms
- Student account planning and safe-use procedures
- Building a complete software-to-career pathway
Contact us to plan your drone software integration.