DJI has launched a public beta for a new geofencing system which aims to help its drone users stay out of restricted areas. Remember, if you own a drone it must be registered with the FAA by Feb. 19. DJI’s Geospatial Environment Online (GEO) app is an added protection that may help avoid extra fines from illegally entering no fly zones. The new app will replace DJI’s existing database that doesn’t provide real-time updates.
DJI leads the civilian drone industry. The Chinese company’s geofencing system is a flight planner that provides up-to-date guides on areas that are safe to fly. The app separates alerts into three categories: Restricted Zone (RED), Authorization Zone (Yellow), and Warning Zone (Green). The colors have the same meaning as traffic lights.
Warning Zones are always safe to fly, but DJI’s app will warn you to proceed with caution if there are risks involved. Authentication is required to access Authorization Zones, however DJI account holders can easily unlock these areas before flying. No fly zones or Restricted Zones, like Washington, D.C., cannot be unlocked and flight will be prevented.
The app will signal pilots on approach to temporarily restricted areas and airspaces like prisons, power plants, and stadiums. If there is a safety concern such as a forest fire, the app will provide warning.
“Our years of actual user experience have shown that in most instances, strict geofencing is the wrong approach for this technology, and instead we are helping operators make informed, accountable decisions,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI's Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs in a statement. "We believe this major upgrade to our geofencing system will do even more to help operators understand their local flight environment, and to make smart, educated decisions about when and where to fly their drones."
According to the press release, DJI will release a final version after a short test period. The public beta will work with the DJI Phantom 3 and Inspire 1 drones.
Android users can download the beta app as an APK here. iOS users must request download by sending an email to flysafe@dji.com .
