DJI adds real-time updates to drone geofencing system

DJI, one of the largest drone manufacturers worldwide, is equipping its drones with a new geofencing system that prevents the UAVs from entering no-fly zones. The system automatically provides the pilot with the latest information about flight restrictions.

DJI’s system is called Geospatial Environment Online and uses AirMap flight information. This company provides information about no-fly zones around airports, for example, but also about temporary restrictions for areas such as fire and events. In addition, this concerns data about places where flying is not advised, such as prisons and power plants. AirMap provides its data not only to DJI, but also to the competing manufacturer 3DR.

Geospatial Environment Online will come to users in the US and Europe in December, who will be able to install the system through a firmware update and updating the DJI Go app. Users in other regions can also expect an update, with information about airports. However, they will continue to use DJI’s existing no-fly zone system for the time being. The manufacturer introduced that geofencing system in 2013, but it is less advanced than Geospatial Environment Online.

With GEO it is possible to temporarily lift some flight restrictions. This concerns flying in places with a negative advice for safety reasons, but not a direct ban. Users with a verified account can request such a waiver. Accounts are verified by credit card, debit card or phone number and can be used to trace the pilot in flight investigations.