SPH Engineering, a leading UAV software and integration services provider, has launched UgCS Open, a free version of its professional drone flight planning software. This move aims to make advanced drone flight planning accessible to a wider audience. UgCS Open provides many of the same 3D pathing, terrain-aware automation, and mission control capabilities as the paid version, UgCS Expert.
What is UgCS Open?
UgCS Open is a free version of UgCS Expert, a software trusted by professionals for over a decade. It offers 3D mission planning, terrain-aware flight automation, and drone control. UgCS Open is designed to remove the barriers to professional drone planning, giving everyone access to precise and reliable tools without upfront costs or time-limited trials.
Key Features and Benefits
UgCS Open includes several key features:
- Automated, precision flight planning.
- 3D terrain-following missions.
- Full offline functionality. Unlike cloud-based solutions, UgCS runs locally on PC/Mac.
- In-app tutorial.
Limitations
UgCS Open does have some limitations compared to the paid version:
- Two routes per day.
- Maximum distance of 250 meters per route.
- No DJI Cloud Connection.
Who Can Benefit from UgCS Open?
UgCS Open is beneficial for both new and experienced drone pilots.
- New drone pilots: It is the best way to start with drone mapping, inspections, or LiDAR surveying. You can use UgCS Open for real projects and refine your skills without spending money.
- Experienced pilots: It serves as a perfect testing ground for exploring UgCS or as a reliable, free tool for smaller jobs.
UgCS: A Leader in Drone Flight Planning
UgCS by SPH Engineering is a flight-planning software solution for drones, trusted by professionals in over 150 countries. It supports popular drone platforms, such as DJI M350, M300, Mavic 3 Enterprise, Matrice 4 Series, and M600. UgCS is designed to enable complex missions such as LiDAR, photogrammetry, and corridor mapping.
Getting Started with UgCS Open
UgCS Open includes an in-app onboarding tutorial to help you start planning missions quickly. UgCS Open is available for free download.
SPH Engineering’s Vision
Kristaps Brass, UgCS Product Owner, stated that UgCS Open removes the biggest barriers to professional drone planning and gives everyone access to precise and reliable tools without a time-limited trial or any upfront costs.
