SmartDrone offers the Magellan drone platform, an American‑made, cost‑effective aerial mapping solution that lets surveyors and civil engineers capture topographic data without needing a certified drone pilot.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Surveyors and civil engineers often rely on slow, ground‑based methods to capture topographic data, leading to lengthy fieldwork, higher labor costs, and delayed project timelines. Inconsistent data quality and the need for multiple site visits further increase expenses and risk missing critical information.
Solution
SmartDrone’s Magellan platform provides an American‑made, value‑priced drone mapping solution that enables fast aerial surveys without requiring a drone expert. The integrated Pulse software processes raw LiDAR and imagery into CAD‑ready deliverables such as spot elevations, orthomosaics, and accuracy reports that import directly into Civil 3D®, Trimble Business Center®, Pix4D® and similar tools. The CYAN in‑field check tool validates data quality on site before crews leave, identifying coverage gaps or sensor issues to prevent costly re‑flights. Together, the hardware and software streamline the entire survey workflow from data capture to final deliverable, reducing field time, labor costs, and project risk.
Target Audience
Primary customers are surveying firms, civil engineering consultancies, and construction companies that require rapid, high‑accuracy topographic data for design, planning, and monitoring projects.
Features
- Magellan drone system designed for survey-specific flight planning and autonomous operation, eliminating the need for a certified drone pilot
- Pulse processing suite that converts LiDAR and photogrammetric data into CAD‑ready formats with spot elevations, orthomosaics, and detailed accuracy reports
- Seamless integration with industry‑standard software (Civil 3D®, Trimble Business Center®, Pix4D®) via native import tools
- CYAN in‑field quality assurance application that reviews full mission data on site, flags coverage gaps, base‑station issues, and payload performance problems
- US‑based manufacturing and support, ensuring compliance with local regulations and rapid parts availability
- Modular pricing with refundable pre‑order deposits, allowing customers to secure hardware before production