Cheaper alternatives to DroneDeploy and PIX4D (YDQA EP 29)

Welcome back to another episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered"! In today's episode, we answer the question "How can someone get into mapping when DroneDeploy is expensive per month?" To shed light on this, John brings in David Young, the founder of Drone Launch Academy, who shares some insights and alternatives for affordable mapping software.
David starts by addressing the rising costs of DroneDeploy and PIX4D and points out that DroneDeploy is now even pricier than before, with an annual subscription costing $6,000 or $600 per month. He suggests that there are alternatives, which might not be as well-known but are more budget-friendly.
First, David mentions Maps Made Easy, a California-based company that offers a pay-as-you-go system. You can start small, and as you need more capabilities, purchase credits for processing. Maps Made Easy is a great option for beginners who don't want to break the bank.
Next, David introduces Birdi, an Australian company with a similar pay-as-you-go model. Birdie offers affordability and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for those starting out in mapping or looking to save money.
David also touches on other alternatives like Reality Capture, primarily for 3D visualizations, and free software tools like Google Earth Pro and QGIS for basic analysis.
For students, David highlights the fantastic student pricing offered by PIX4D, making their powerful software much more accessible. Students can get PIX4D Mapper for just $100 per year, a significant discount compared to the regular price.
In conclusion, if you're looking for affordable mapping software options, there are alternatives to the pricey DroneDeploy and PIX4D. David's insights provide a roadmap for drone enthusiasts and professionals to find the right solution for their needs.
Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode if you found it helpful. If you have your own burning drone questions, submit them at YDQA.io or through the Drone Launch Connect private community. We're here to help you navigate the skies of knowledge!
Stay tuned for more insightful episodes, and we'll see you in the sky!

[@droneviewgis6699]

WebODM has improved so much over the past 5 years and it's Free. Like you said, GIS software knowledge is required to view, convert, and analyze the data.

[@user-he2qp6md6v]

Great episode. Please continue the output. Cheers.

[@gracedbygod2854]

Great information! I'll go with the Pix4D. I currently teach at a local college!

[@aboveandbeyondimagery]

WebODM is another good one.

[@DroneLaunchAcademy]

Yes! Very true. Forgot to mention that one

[@sjonmcgookin]

How does Dronelink stack up with these platforms mentioned? I’m interested in flight planning with processing for orthomosaics.

[@chriswillis5019]

Wanting to take drone photos and overlay blueprints for construction site. What would you recommend

[@notsure6182]

what is with this subscription model that you people are going with. I have zero interst in subbing for software

[@DroneEyesInTheSkies]

Guys great video - but one thing that no one’s talking about is once you’ve processed the map - is how do you share your map online say with an embed code? We just got a license for pix4d mapper - but cannot figure how to share our maps! So difficult to find information!

[@DroneLaunchAcademy]

What is your export? A geotiff? What are you trying to show? Just a demo? Or does client have specific things they want to see?

[@DroneEyesInTheSkies]

@@DroneLaunchAcademythank you for the reply! I don’t know much about different file types but yes right now I’m looking at a Geotiff. However, whatever the format, all I’m trying to do is upload a map (geotiff, kmz, whatever format works) to an online app that gives me an embed code that I can add on my site for clients to see the map relative against say like an esri or Google map and can do basic very basic measurements on the ortho.

[@sUASNews]

Umm, there is much more to consider than the cost of the software. Photogrammetry is dying out, clients want LiDAR now and not only are the sensors expensive but licences are nuts per anum.

[@DroneLaunchAcademy]

Many people we talk to are just wanting to get some practice under their belt. Thus cost is a primary concern when starting out. Vidar is definitely getting more popular. But it just depends on the client.

[@Wetdogdrone]

Pix4dmapper student 75 bucks

[@drobin8121]

I am paying 500

[@rfen56]

What about Skyebrowse?

[@arnoldpatopaten2156]

Like any Every American products always overprice

[@Mike_hocksbig69]

Steve @ River City Drones is no longer is business just 7 MONTHS after asking this question. He should have went with a tried and true drone mapping software. If he was a skilled pilot, he would be making $1000+ per map.. That would have paid for the subscription 10x over

[@sky360aerialmedia]

Clients don't pay for models, they pay for actionable data to make decisions on. While cheaper options allow you to 'make' a map or model, you can't build an income stream off of that. Being able to draw a straight line measurement is not strong actionable data. Conversations like this are frustrating because you are discussing commercial solutions without any discusion about professionals actually use them. Its drone fodder for brand newbies, but not professionals. A more advanced conversation would much more helpful.

[@DroneLaunchAcademy]

Of course. Agree with everything you said. This is for people who are just getting their feet wet and figuring things out. Once you know what you’re doing and how stuff works, use the software you need for the application you’re doing.

[@delta1200]

What about DJI programs?