UgCS Expert: Professional Drone Flight Planning for LiDAR and Geophysical Surveys
The desktop flight planning software trusted by 5,000+ drone teams worldwide. Plan complex LiDAR, magnetometry, and photogrammetry missions with precision terrain following, 3D preview, and full offline capability. Sold and supported in Australia by Geo Drone Solutions.
What's New in UgCS 6.0
Released June 2026, UgCS 6.0 is a major update built for large-scale geophysical and mining survey operations. It eliminates the need for third-party software to manage complex survey grids.
​Built for the Missions Other Planners Can't Handle
UgCS Expert goes well beyond basic waypoint planning. It's the only desktop flight planning software with dedicated toolsets for LiDAR surveys, magnetometry, and large-area geophysical operations.
LiDAR Survey Planning
UgCS Expert includes purpose-built tools for drone LiDAR operations. Plan scan patterns based on your sensor's field of view, with automated IMU calibration legs and smooth cornering to eliminate data noise at line endings.
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LiDAR Area and LiDAR Corridor flight planning tools
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FOV-based flight line spacing for consistent point density
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Figure-eight IMU calibration route patterns
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IMU calibration actions at turns (figure-eight, U-turn, J-hook)
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Adjustable corner radius for smooth data collection
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Loop turns for additional IMU calibration during flight
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Adjustable buffer zones around survey areas
Precision Terrain Following and Custom DEM Import
Maintain exact altitude above ground, even across rapidly changing terrain. Import your own high-resolution DEM and DSM data in GeoTIFF format for survey-grade accuracy that standard elevation databases can't provide.
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Smart AGL 2.0 checks safe distance below, ahead, and to the sides
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Import custom DEM/DSM data from .TIF files
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Fly as low as 8m AGL using your own elevation models
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Preview flights against terrain elevation profiles before launch
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Full offline maps and mission planning (no internet required)
Magnetometry and Geophysical Surveys
Magnetometers are sensitive to flight behaviour. Abrupt heading changes at line endings, inconsistent altitude over rough terrain, and speed variations through turns all introduce noise into your data. UgCS Expert addresses this at the planning stage with trajectory smoothing and Smart AGL for consistent, clean flights.
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Trajectory smoothing for cleaner turn-around data
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Large-area survey planning with automatic sub-area splitting
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Tie lines for built-in QA/QC validation
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Shift Right parameter to match historical survey grids
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Compatible with Geometrics, SENSYS, and QuSpin magnetometers
Desktop 3D Mission Planning
Unlike controller-based flight apps, UgCS runs on your desktop with a full 3D mission preview. Spot overlap gaps, altitude drift, and missed strips before you fly, not after you process. Import client coordinates from KML/CSV and generate terrain-following routes with automatic battery swap points.
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Full 3D flight planning interface with terrain preview
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Route import from KML and CSV data
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Automatic battery resume at swap points
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Automatic telemetry recording
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Geo-referenced image import and map overlays
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Custom no-fly zones and ADS-B receiver support
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Compatible with UgCS Mapper for processing and overlays
Complete Feature Overview
UgCS Expert includes all UgCS Pro features plus the full LiDAR and geophysical survey toolset.
Applications
UgCS Expert is the go-to flight planner for professional teams working across survey, mining, research, and infrastructure.
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LiDAR Mapping and Surveying
Corridor mapping, area surveys, and volumetric calculations with purpose-built scan pattern tools and IMU calibration.
Research and Academia
Repeatable mission templates, hyperspectral sensor support, and peer-reviewed methodology for longitudinal studies.
​Mining and Mineral Exploration
Large-area magnetic surveys with sub-area splitting, tie lines, and historical grid matching for ongoing geological monitoring.
Oil, Gas, and Pipelines
Pipeline corridor inspections, methane detection flights, and remote site operations with no connectivity required.
Construction and Engineering
3D mapping, stockpile volumetrics, and site-wide surveys with custom DEM import and full offline capability.
UXO Detection
Unexploded ordnance surveys with magnetometer integration, precise grid control, and trajectory smoothing for clean data.
Supported Drones and Sensors
UgCS Expert works with DJI, Inspired Flight, Freefly, Autel, and MAVLink-compatible platforms. One software for your entire fleet.
UgCS Expert is not restricted to any specific LiDAR sensor. Most sensors work as long as they are carried by a supported drone platform. Contact us if you need to confirm compatibility with your specific hardware setup.
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