Quick start
Drone Collab combines survey positioning and drone-image processing in a cloud workflow. Open the application, choose or create a project, prepare your images and optional GNSS/PPK files, review the processing quote in points, confirm the job, and monitor the cloud-processing stages.
Free trial
Drone Collab includes a trial so new users can validate the workflow with their own drone imagery before choosing a paid subscription.
| Trial limit | Included |
|---|---|
| Images per trial processing job | Up to 100 images |
| Number of trial processing jobs | 3 processing jobs |
| Paid subscription required to start | No |
Subscriptions
After the free trial, subscriptions determine included storage and the point balance available for processing. Yearly billing is the public default, with Standard at US$800/year positioned as the recommended professional plan.
Yearly plans
| Plan | Price | Storage | Included points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $300/year | 250 GB | 5,000 | — |
| Standard | $800/year | 1 TB | 15,000 | Best Value |
| Advanced | $2,000/year | 2 TB | 35,000 | — |
| Enterprise | $5,000/year | 5 TB | 100,000 | — |
Monthly plans
| Plan | Price | Storage | Included points / cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $45/month | 250 GB | 400 |
| Standard | $120/month | 1 TB | 1,250 |
| Advanced | $300/month | 2 TB | 3,000 |
| Enterprise | $750/month | 5 TB | 8,000 |
Processing points
The standard conversion is 1,000 points = US$10, or 100 points = US$1. Drone Collab shows the estimated point requirement and equivalent USD value before a job is confirmed.
When points are reserved
- Preflight checks image count, file size, megapixels, metadata, processing profile and selected outputs.
- The application calculates a job quote.
- The user reviews the point charge before full upload.
- The required points are reserved when the job is confirmed.
- System-related failures may be reviewed for eligible point release or refund.
Public processing estimate
The public estimator is a preliminary standard-profile estimate based on image count. The final application quote uses the real dataset and selected outputs.
| Image count | Estimated points | Equivalent USD range |
|---|---|---|
| 10–500 | 1,000–3,500 | US$10–35 |
| 501–1,000 | 3,500–8,000 | US$35–80 |
| 1,001–2,000 | 8,000–19,000 | US$80–190 |
| 2,001–5,000 | 19,000–50,000 | US$190–500 |
| 5,001–10,000 | 50,000–100,000 | US$500–1,000 |
Projects above 2,000 images require final capacity, memory, storage and delivery validation. Higher megapixel imagery, High Detail mode, multispectral processing, DTM, textured 3D models and priority processing may increase the final point quote.
GNSS processing
GNSS workflows are intended for compatible survey observations, reference data and positioning-quality checks. Input requirements depend on the selected workflow and the available observation files.
Where both static and PPK workflows are used, the positioning result can be used to improve the spatial quality of the drone project before or alongside photogrammetry processing.
PPK correction
PPK correction requires compatible rover observations, base-station or CORS data, accurate time information and a reliable relationship between camera events and images. Available logs are validated before correction begins.
Photogrammetric processing
Standard processing can include image alignment, dense point-cloud reconstruction, orthomosaic generation, DSM generation and a processing report. Optional workflows can add DTM, contour generation, textured 3D models, High Detail, multispectral outputs or priority processing.
Recommended dataset preparation
- Use images with sufficient forward and side overlap.
- Avoid blurred or heavily under/overexposed images.
- Keep useful EXIF and camera metadata intact.
- Use consistent image dimensions and camera settings when possible.
- Provide accurate GNSS/PPK logs when positioning correction is required.
Outputs
| Output | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Orthomosaic | Georeferenced imagery for mapping, measurement and visual interpretation. |
| Dense point cloud | 3D point representation for inspection, analysis and export. |
| DSM | Surface elevation including terrain and above-ground objects. |
| DTM | Terrain-focused elevation model when the selected workflow supports it. |
| Textured 3D model | Visual 3D reconstruction for inspection and presentation. |
| Processing report | Project processing status and quality information. |
Storage policy
Raw input images are stored temporarily for 15 days as part of the processing price. Temporary processing files do not consume the customer's permanent project-storage quota. Final selected outputs use the storage included in the subscription.
Longer raw-image retention can be offered using additional points where available. The previous public policy listed 30-day, 90-day and one-year retention extensions priced by raw-data size.
Drones and cameras
Drone Collab is designed for common geotagged JPEG/TIFF imagery from leading drone and camera systems. Typical compatible ecosystems include DJI, Autel, Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Phase One and custom UAV payloads. Multispectral and thermal processing depends on sensor model, metadata and calibration information.
Processing job lifecycle
- Select dataset: choose imagery and optional positioning inputs.
- Preflight: validate count, dimensions, metadata and obvious dataset issues.
- Quote: calculate points and equivalent USD value.
- Confirm: reserve points and begin the upload/processing workflow.
- Process: run cloud photogrammetry and monitor stages.
- Deliver: view, download or save selected outputs.
Application: https://app.dronecollab.com