Global Drone Software Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Solution, By Architecture, By Deployment, By Drone Type, By End-use, By Vertical, By Application, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2023 - 2030

Analysis of Market Size & Trends

The Global Drone Software Market size is expected to reach $19.1 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 18% CAGR during the forecast period.

Drones with advanced sensors, cameras, and specialized software solutions are increasingly used for various industry surveillance and monitoring applications. Drones are used for border surveillance, providing real-time tracking and monitoring of border areas. Consequently, the surveillance & monitoring segment would generate approximately 15% share of the market by 2030. Drones are used for maritime surveillance, including tracking vessels, monitoring illegal fishing, and responding to oil spills. The software helps in tracking vessel movements and analyzing environmental data. Drone software is pivotal in collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data, providing actionable insights, and enhancing decision-making processes in surveillance and monitoring operations. Some of the factors affecting the market are growing technological advancements, increasing use of drones for commercial purposes, and limited drone battery life.

Advances in drone hardware and software, including improvements in sensors, cameras, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, enhance the capabilities and efficiency of drones, prompting the development of more sophisticated software solutions. High-resolution cameras, thermal imaging sensors, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), multispectral cameras, and hyperspectral sensors provide drones with advanced data capture capabilities. These sensors enable more detailed and accurate data collection for various applications. Furthermore, Precision agriculture relies on drones with specialized sensors and cameras for crop monitoring, pest control, and yield optimization. Drone software processes data to provide actionable insights for farmers, increasing productivity and reducing resource usage. In construction and real estate, drones are used for site inspections, progress monitoring, and 3D modelling. Drone software aids in project management, site analysis, and decision-making, streamlining construction operations. This trend is expected to drive further growth in the market.

However, Limited battery life restricts the amount of time a drone remains airborne. This can be a significant constraint for missions that require extended flight durations, such as long-distance surveying, search and rescue operations, or monitoring large agricultural fields. Drones with short battery life cover less ground or capture fewer data points during a single flight. This limits their efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in applications like aerial mapping or surveillance, where comprehensive coverage is essential. This is a safety concern, especially in urban or populated areas. Limited battery life is a significant challenge in the market.

Solution outlook

By solution, the market is categorized into system-based and application-based. In 2022, the application-based segment held the highest revenue share in the market. This is attributable to features such as comprehensive and integrated software platforms that accommodate a variety of drone-related functions, such as mission planning, flight management, and data analytics, among others. In addition, application-based solutions expedite workflows by integrating different aspects of drone operations into a single platform. Due to the increased operational effectiveness, which enables users to handle and analyze data more efficiently while decreasing manual labour and saving time, the segment is anticipated to rise throughout the forecast period.

Architecture outlook

Based on architecture, the market is bifurcated into open source and closed source. The closed source segment garnered a significant revenue share in the market in 2022. Certain businesses create closed-source drone software to safeguard their exclusive features and intellectual property. This exclusivity gives companies a competitive edge and encourages them to invest in R&D. As a result, novel and distinctive software solutions are produced, which are anticipated to drive segment expansion during the projected period.

Deployment outlook

On the basis of deployment, the market is divided into onboard and ground-based. In 2022, the onboard segment registered the maximum revenue share in the market. Real-time data processing and analysis are made possible by onboard deployment, which enables software programs to run directly on the embedded systems of the drone. This capability is essential for applications that require instantaneous decisions and responses, such as autonomous flight control and obstacle avoidance. These characteristics have contributed to the substantial share of the onboard segment during the projected period.

Drone outlook

On the basis of drone type, the market is divided into fixed wing, rotary blade, and hybrid. The hybrid segment garnered a significant revenue share in the market in 2022. Hybrid commercial drones incorporate characteristics of both fixed-wing and rotary-blade drones, making them more efficient and practicable. Combining the characteristics of batteries and fuel, hybrid commercial drones increase their effectiveness and power. Additionally, even in adverse weather, these drones can fly for extended periods with greater payloads, which is anticipated to fuel the hybrid segment's growth over the projected period.

End-use outlook

By end-use, the market is segmented into commercial, consumer, and military. In 2022, the commercial segment dominated the market with maximum revenue share. The market is evolving due to the expanding enterprise use of drones across numerous industry verticals. Numerous drone producers consistently develop, test, and improve software and services for various markets. Additionally, improvements in drone technology have lowered the cost of payloads and software systems.

Vertical outlook

Based on vertical, the market is categorized into agriculture, construction & mining, defense & government, energy & utilities, media & entertainment, logistics & transportation, and others. The defense and government segment acquired a substantial revenue share in the market in 2022. Drones are extensively used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions by defense agencies. They provide military personnel with real-time video and image feeds, enhancing situational awareness. Drone software allows for controlling, monitoring, and analyzing the data collected during these missions. Drones with advanced sensors, cameras, and communication systems can collect valuable intelligence data.

Application outlook

By application, the market is fragmented into filming & photography, inspection & maintenance, mapping & Surveying, precision agriculture, surveillance & monitoring, search & rescue, and others. In 2022, the filming & photography segment led the market by generating highest revenue share. An increase in events, such as weddings, sports and race events, and educational ceremonies, generates a strong demand for capturing high-quality photographs and recordings, contributing to the segment's expansion. In addition, drones offer advantages for videography and photography due to their small size, portability, maneuvering, and extremely low operational cost, which is anticipated to fuel segment expansion during the anticipated period.

Drone Software Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Market size value in 2022	USD 5.2 Billion
Market size forecast in 2030	USD 19.1 Billion
Base Year	2022
Historical Period	2019 to 2021
Forecast Period	2023 to 2030
Revenue Growth Rate	CAGR of 18% from 2023 to 2030
Number of Pages	446
Number of Table	760
Report coverage	Market Trends, Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Segmentation Analysis, Regional and Country Breakdown, Competitive Landscape, Companies Strategic Developments, Company Profiling
Segments covered	Solution, Architecture, Deployment, Drone Type, End-use, Vertical, Application, Region
Country scope	US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Nigeria
Growth Drivers	Growing technological advancements Increasing use of drones for commercial purposes
Restraints	Limited drone battery life

Regional Outlook

Region-wise, the market is analysed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2022, the Asia Pacific region acquired a significant revenue share in the market. This rise is mostly ascribed to China's thriving market, Japan's developed consumer electronics sector, and the rising demand for drones in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asian economies. The demand has increased due to the rapid improvement of technology and the growing use of drone technology across numerous sectors. Diverse industries in the region, including agriculture, construction, infrastructure, and logistics, are recognizing the potential benefits of drones and the value they bring to their operations, which is anticipated to fuel the regional demand for market.

Free Valuable Insights: Global Drone Software Market size to reach USD 19.1 Billion by 2030

The market research report covers the analysis of key stakeholders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Kespry, Inc., SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. (iFlight Technology Company Limited), DroneDeploy, Inc., Esri, Inc., Pix4D SA, PrecisionHawk, Inc., AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc., Skydio, Inc., AirMap Inc. (DroneUp, LLC), DELAIR SAS.

Strategies deployed in the Market

• Sep-2023: Pix4D SA came into partnership with IoTechWorld Avigation, a company specializing in aviation and navigation technologies. Through this partnership, a comprehensive solution will be offered by both companies, benefiting government research institutes, crop insurance, and other specialized tasks.
• Sep-2023: AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc. came into partnership with DeltaQuad, a company specializing in fixed-wing drone technology and solutions. Through this partnership, both companies would provide a sustainable, accurate, and efficient option for tracking environmental changes across different periods.
• Nov-2022: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. announced an enhancement to its Mavic 3 Series with the launch of Mavic 3 Classic, an affordable package that works with DJI RC controllers, allowing drone enthusiasts to access top-notch camera performance. Through this launch, DJI is expanding its efforts to provide a broader audience of creators with the exceptional photography capabilities and operational reliability that define the Mavic 3 Series.
• Oct-2022: DroneDeploy, Inc. signed an agreement to acquire StructionSite, a company specializing in real-world data capture services for the construction sector. Through this acquisition, both companies would be able to merge the two top solutions for aerial and ground data capture into a single comprehensive platform, allowing customers in construction, energy, and other sectors to effortlessly utilize aerial drones, ground robots, and handheld 360-degree cameras for site documentation.
• Sep-2022: Skydio, Inc. came into partnership with Qii.AI, a company specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions. Through this partnership, Skydio enables their 3D Scan software users to leverage Qii.AI's computer-assisted detection and quantification of corrosion-related issues, enhancing the efficiency of inspecting large structures and reducing inspector workload in defect identification and classification.
• Oct-2021: AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc. acquired senseFly, a company known for its expertise in fixed-wing drone technology and professional drone solutions. Through this acquisition, senseFly would enhance AgEagle's position, aligning with its growth strategy, offering drone solutions across sectors, engineering talent, and intellectual property assets.
• Aug-2021: DroneDeploy, Inc. took over Rocos, a company that specializes in providing robotic management and automation solutions. Through this acquisition, droneDeploy would be able to empower their users in construction, energy, agriculture, and related sectors to efficiently manage both aerial and ground robots on their work sites, enabling physical workflow automation for enhanced workplace efficiency and safety.
• Jul-2021: Pix4D SA partnered with Skymap Technology, a high-tech company in mainland China that combines software sales, service, research, development, and project integration. Through this partnership, would be able to enhance its ability to efficiently serve customers in China by leveraging the Beijing Skymap Technology team and their expertise.
• Sep-2020: Esri, Inc. acquired nFrames, a technology firm that creates SURETM, a top-tier software for reconstructing 3D surfaces from imagery and lidar data. Through this acquisition, Esri would be provided with a powerful production engine, enabling automated, high-resolution 3D mapping for government, urban planning, and AEC users, offering greater speed and precision.
• Aug-2020: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. came into Partnership with Shell, a multinational company that provides energy solutions to multiple industries. Through this partnership, DJI would gain valuable firsthand experience in deploying drone technology in a top-tier refinery, and together, both companies would develop innovative product features like AI Spot-Check, enabling Shell and other forward-thinking energy firms to safely and efficiently perform essential inspections of vital infrastructure.
• Sep-2019: AirMap Inc. took over Hangar Technology, a company specializing in providing autonomous drone solutions for capturing and managing visual data for various industries. Through this acquisition, AirMap would be able to onboard Hangar Technology's engineering expertise to ensure the accessibility of this technology for our entire developer community.

Scope of the Study

Market Segments Covered in the Report:

By Solution

• Application-based
• System-based

By Architecture

• Open Source
• Closed

By Deployment

• Onboard
• Ground-based

By Drone Type

• Rotary Blade
• Fixed Wing
• Hybrid

By End use

• Commercial
• Consumer
• Military

By Vertical

• Media & Entertainment
• Defense & Government
• Agriculture
• Construction & Mining
• Logistics & Transportation
• Energy & Utilities
• Others

By Application

• Filming & Photography
• Inspection & Maintenance
• Mapping & Surveying
• Precision Agriculture
• Surveillance & Monitoring
• Search & Rescue
• Others

By Geography

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Rest of North America
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Russia
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Malaysia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• LAMEA
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Nigeria
  • Rest of LAMEA

Key Market Players

List of Companies Profiled in the Report:

• Kespry, Inc.
• SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. (iFlight Technology Company Limited)
• DroneDeploy, Inc.
• Esri, Inc.
• Pix4D SA
• PrecisionHawk, Inc.
• AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc.
• Skydio, Inc.
• AirMap Inc. (DroneUp, LLC)
• DELAIR SAS