The Ultimate LiDAR Software for Professional Drone Surveys

Q: Which drones does UgCS support?

UgCS works with a wide range of drones, including DJI and US-made drones for LiDAR. Check the full list of the UgCS supported drones »»»

Land surveyors, civil engineers, and over 5,000 professional drone teams worldwide use UgCS to plan accurate LiDAR surveys with drones such as the DJI M350, M300 RTK, and others. UgCS includes the industry's only dedicated LiDAR toolset, with automated IMU calibration, terrain-following, and desktop mission planning for large-scale surveys. Compatible with all major LiDAR systems, including DJI Zenmuse L1, L2, Velodyne, and RIEGL.

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Why Specialized LiDAR Flight Planning Software

LiDAR surveying demands precision that generic, built-in flight apps can't deliver. Without specialized tools, you get IMU drift errors, inconsistent altitude over terrain, data gaps at turn points, and wasted time recalculating missions in the field.

UgCS solves this with purpose-built LiDAR tools

Automated IMU calibration (figure-eight and back-and-forth patterns)
DSM import for vegetation height tracking
Optimized turns (bank or loop) to eliminate corner artifacts
Terrain following to maintain constant AGL over complex terrain
Desktop planning for large-area corridor and area scans

Plan once. Fly accurately. Process clean data.

Why UgCS is the Industry Standard for LiDAR Flight Planning

The LiDAR Flight Planning Workflow
LiDAR surveys for construction sites, powerline corridors, forestry mapping, and infrastructure inspections require precise flight control to produce clean point clouds. Here's how UgCS guides you from mission design to data collection

Mission Design

Plan area or corridor surveys using dedicated LiDAR Area and LiDAR Corridor tools in UgCS EXPERT. Define your coverage boundaries, set required point density, and let UgCS calculate flight parameters automatically based on your sensor's FOV and specifications. Import site boundaries from KML or CSV files to match client requirements exactly.

Terrain Model Import

Import Digital Surface Models (DSM) or Digital Elevation Models (DEM) to account for ground elevation and vegetation. DSM import is critical for forestry and powerline work where you need to maintain altitude above tree canopy, not just terrain. UgCS adjusts flight altitude at each waypoint to maintain constant AGL across hills, valleys, and vegetation.

IMU Calibration Pattern

Generate automated IMU calibration patterns (figure-eight or back-and-forth) at mission start, end, or at intervals during long surveys. Proper IMU calibration eliminates the drift errors that cause misaligned point clouds. UgCS builds these patterns directly into your route so pilots execute them consistently every flight.

Turn Optimization

Select Bank Turn or Loop Turn modes for survey line endpoints. Bank turns keep the sensor moving smoothly through direction changes. Loop turns add calibration-quality maneuvers at each endpoint. Both eliminate the sharp corners that create IMU errors and data artifacts in standard waypoint missions.

Flight Parameter Review

Preview your mission in UgCS's 3D interface. Check the elevation profile to verify safe clearance over terrain and obstacles. Review total flight distance, estimated flight time, and battery requirements. Adjust line spacing or altitude if needed before heading to the field.

Mission Execution

Upload your route to the DJI M300 RTK, M350, or other compatible platforms. UgCS supports offline operation, so you can fly in remote locations without cellular coverage. For missions requiring multiple batteries, pause at any waypoint, swap batteries, and resume from the exact stopping point without coverage gaps.

Data Processing

LiDAR point clouds captured during the flight export directly to processing software like CloudCompare, LAStools, DJI Terra, or Pix4Dmatic. Because UgCS maintains consistent altitude and proper IMU calibration throughout the flight, your data requires minimal cleanup before generating final deliverables like DEMs, DSMs, or vegetation analysis.

UgCS LiDAR Software vs Manual Flight Planning

Many surveyors start with DJI Pilot 2 or basic flight apps. Here's why dedicated LiDAR flight planning software delivers better results


Feature	Manual Planning / Basic Apps	UgCS LiDAR Software
IMU Calibration	Manual patterns, inconsistent execution	Automated figure-eight and back-and-forth patterns built into route
Terrain Following	Generic DEM only, fixed altitude risks	Custom DSM import tracks vegetation height, maintains precise AGL
Mission Planning	Tablet screen, limited visibility on large areas	Desktop interface for 200+ km corridor scans with elevation profile
Corridor Width Calculation	Manual math for FOV and overlap	Automatic calculation based on sensor specs and altitude
Offline Operation	Requires internet for maps and elevation data	Map and elevation caching for remote site operations
Battery Management	Flight stops, manual restart, coverage gaps	Pause/resume from last point after battery swap
Multi-Sensor Support	Limited to manufacturer payloads	Custom camera profiles for any LiDAR system (Velodyne, RIEGL, etc.)

Result: UgCS cuts LiDAR mission planning time from hours to minutes and eliminates the data quality issues that force costly re-flights.

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How It Works - Industry’s Only Dedicated LiDAR Toolset

Simplify LiDAR Flights with Drone LiDAR Software

LiDAR is transforming industries like construction, road planning, forestry, and powerline inspections. With lidar mapping software, you can create detailed point clouds and build accurate digital terrain and surface models using rapid laser pulses during flights with drones like the DJI M300 or M350.

Ensure top-quality LiDAR data with UgCS’s Advanced Features for LiDAR. Here’s how:

Calibrate

Calibrate the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit)
‍Calibration reduces errors during lidar flights for reliable results.

Correct

Maintain Proper Flight Height and Spacing
‍Achieve full coverage and optimal point density for lidar surveys.

Minimize

Minimize Drone Shaking and Turn Errors
‍Keep data accurate with smooth maneuvers.

UgCS Simplifies LiDAR Missions with Specialized Tools

Automated IMU Calibration Patterns

Use figure-eight or back-and-forth patterns to ensure consistent data with this lidar software for drones.

Dedicated LiDAR Toolset

UgCS EXPERT includes LiDAR Area and LiDAR Corridor tools for efficient lidar flight planning.

Optimized Turns

Choose Bank or Loop turns to smooth out data collection and cut IMU errors. Perfect for drone lidar software workflows.

Digital Surface Model Import

Go beyond DEM (Digital Elevation Model) with DSM imports to measure vegetation height accurately and avoid crashes during lidar surveys.

Desktop Flight Planner

UgCS, a desktop-based lidar flight planning software, makes planning large-scale LiDAR technology missions easy and efficient.

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LiDAR Applications: Industry-Specific Flight Planning Solutions

UgCS LiDAR flight planning software supports professionals who need precise LiDAR data across industrial drone applications, including automated terrain following, exact altitude control, and specialized mission tools.

Powerline Vegetation Management

Map long-distance corridors with consistent altitude control. UgCS imports centerlines from CSV or KML files, generates automated flight paths with terrain following, and handles battery changes mid-mission. Typical deliverables include classified point clouds, vegetation encroachment analysis, and clearance measurements.

Typical equipment: Most utility contractors use DJI M300 or M350 with Zenmuse L1 or L2 because they're reliable and parts are available. Higher-budget operations or those needing better point density run YellowScan or Rock Robotic sensors. Long corridors sometimes justify fixed-wing, but most stick with multirotors for flexibility.

Corridor Inspections

Plan road surveys, fiber optic routes, and rail inspections with narrow corridor coverage. UgCS corridor tool provides 3D mission preview, obstacle warnings, and adjustable altitude per segment. Deliverables include digital terrain models, cross-sections, and change detection reports.

Typical equipment: Same M300/M350 platforms that most teams already own. Add survey-grade GNSS if clients require high accuracy deliverables. Laser altimeters help on routes with sharp elevation changes, but aren't always worth the added cost for flat terrain.

Construction Site Monitoring & Volumetrics

Regular site surveys with consistent ground sampling for volume calculations and progress tracking. UgCS terrain following maintains constant altitude over changing site conditions. Deliverables include cut-fill analysis, stockpile volumes, and 3D site models.

Typical equipment: DJI platforms with Zenmuse L1 or L2 cover most construction work. Smaller sites can use photogrammetry, but LiDAR handles vegetation and shadow problems better when sites have partial clearing or mixed conditions.

Forestry

Measure forest density, canopy height, and terrain beneath dense vegetation. UgCS terrain following with custom DEM data maintains consistent point density across varying topography. Deliverables include canopy height models, biomass estimates, and ground terrain classification.

Typical equipment: Forestry work needs higher pulse rates for canopy penetration. YellowScan or similar systems designed for vegetation work. Standard Zenmuse sensors struggle in dense canopy, so budget matters here if you're doing serious forestry contracts.

Ready to try the UgCS LiDAR tools?

Experience the powerful LiDAR toolset of UgCS Open - the free flight planning version!

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Case Studies

Real-World Success with UgCS LiDAR Flight Planning Software

High-Resolution Drone-Based Aeromagnetic Mapping Over Complex Terrain with UgCS Terrain Following

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American-Made Drones for Powerline Inspections and Topographical Surveys

See how US-made drones with UgCS tackle powerline and topo surveys.

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Drone-Based LiDAR Survey at Martinique

Explore successful LiDAR technology missions powered by UgCS LiDAR planning software.

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UgCS used for LiDAR surveys in the jungles of the Philippines

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions About LiDAR Software Answered

Which drones does UgCS support?

UgCS works with all major drone platforms, including DJI and US-made drones for LiDAR.

Check the full list of the UgCS supported drones »»»

Which LiDAR models does UgCS support?

UgCS is compatible with all major airborne LiDAR systems, like DJI L1, L2, Velodyne, and RIEGL. It’s a flexible lidar mapper for any UAV setup.

How does UgCS improve LiDAR data accuracy?

With tools for IMU calibration and precise flight planning, UgCS ensures accurate height, spacing, and turns—boosting the quality of lidar surveys and lidar data software outputs.

Can I use UgCS for missions in challenging terrains?

Yes! UgCS excels in tough landscapes with terrain elevation management and custom DEM imports, making it ideal lidar planning software for mountains or uneven areas.

How do I set up IMU calibration with UgCS?

UgCS automates IMU calibration with patterns like Eight-figure or U-figure. Learn more in guide Drone LiDAR survey planning with UgCS »»»

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