Everyone’s favorite drone manufacturer, DJI, has updated their GeoFencing software in response to concern from aviation regulators.

Before some people get concerned about DJI limiting their ability to fly their drone just trust me and read on, this is a good thing.

DJI has updated the software which is already used in their current models to prevent drones from flying around airports and other sensitive areas such as Washington D.C. area where drones are all but banned. This update adds wildfires to the list along with prisons, power plants and other densely packed crowds of people.

Some at this point will say that if they are already using this software in their drones then why is this still a problem? This is a two part issue. First not all drones are DJI drones and thus do not have this software. This is because there is no standard for manufacture but even after there is you will not be able to stop the inventive DIY crowd.

Second DJI does not intrude as much as some are lead to believe and this is a good thing. DJI shows that they have faith in their users that they are not malicious and simply ill informed at the time. To resolve this they have tied the GeoFencing software into AirMap to receive updates. This will allow DJI to send real time updates to the user to update events like wildfires.

DJI has made clear that the GeoFencing software can be turned off after verifying their account with a credit card or phone number. This is expected to be used by the likes of fire fighters and other city officials. DJI’s VP of Policy and Legal Affairs Brendan Schulman was saying that there will still be some areas users will not be able to turn off the GeoFencing software such as around prisons due to issues with contraband smuggling.

In response to this 3DR has announced that they will also be updating their maps with AirMap updates but will NOT be implementing any sort of GeoFencing technology on their new drones.

We are very interested in hearing what others think about this software update.
Do you prefer 3DR’s approach to this problem?
Would 3DR’s approach to this effect your purchasing decisions?

Please leave a comment below.