UgCS
6.5/10UgCS is desktop drone flight-planning and control software from SPH Engineering. Survey, LiDAR, geophysics and inspection teams use it across DJI, ArduPilot, PX4 and other drone platforms.
Data last updated November 2026 · Our methodology
Overview
UgCS (Universal Ground Control Station) is desktop software from SPH Engineering, based in Riga, Latvia, for planning and flying professional drone missions. It runs locally on Windows or Mac and works fully offline using cached maps and imported elevation models. Missions are previewed in 3D with elevation profiles. It covers LiDAR survey, photogrammetry, magnetometry and other geophysics, corridor scans, vertical scanning and facade inspection. Terrain following can use built-in elevation data or your own DEM, DSM or DTM. Project areas larger than 2,000 hectares are split into flyable sub-areas, and missions are cut automatically at battery swaps and resumed afterwards. The software supports more than 100 platforms, including DJI enterprise and consumer drones, Freefly, Autel, Inspired Flight, and ArduPilot or PX4 aircraft. It also works with sensors from YellowScan, Riegl, DJI L-series and SPH's own SkyHub payloads. Related products extend it: UgCS Cloud syncs routes to field crews, UgCS Commander handles fleets, UgCS Mapper builds orthophotos, and DroneGIS and GeoHammer process data. Licensing is tiered. UgCS Open is free but limited to two routes a day of up to 250 meters each, with no DJI Cloud connection. Pro, Expert and Enterprise licenses are sold through the official shop and resellers, mostly as perpetual licenses, with some subscription options. UgCS suits drone service providers, surveyors, energy companies and research groups that fly complex missions with several airframes. Its main limitation is scope. It plans and controls flights but is not an asset management or maintenance system, and there are few public user reviews to judge it by.
Our Rating
Who UgCS is best for
Good fit
It is built for planning professional survey, LiDAR and inspection flights across many drone brands.
The vendor names energy companies as a target, and it supports corridor and inspection missions.
Surveyors and geophysicists can use terrain following, custom DEMs and geophysics mission types.
It runs fully offline, and UgCS Cloud can push routes to field crews.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Works with more than 100 drone platforms, including DJI, Autel, Freefly and ArduPilot or PX4, which avoids lock-in to one vendor.
- Runs fully offline with cached maps and imported elevation models, which helps on remote survey sites.
- Has dedicated LiDAR tools such as IMU calibration legs, loop turns and scan pattern control.
- Splits large areas automatically into flyable sub-areas and resumes missions after battery swaps.
- The free Open edition lets pilots test the full planning toolset at no cost.
Cons
- Paid license prices differ between the official shop and resellers, which makes budgeting harder.
- The free Open tier is capped at two routes a day of 250 m each.
- There are few independent user reviews on G2 and similar sites.
- It covers flight planning and control only. Asset records, work orders and maintenance tracking need other tools.
Key Features
UgCS Pricing
UgCS Open
- Two routes per day
- No DJI Cloud connection
- 250 m maximum route distance
- 3D flight planning and terrain-aware automation
UgCS Pro
- Perpetual or subscription license
- Perpetual license includes the first year of support and updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. UgCS Open is a free download with no time limit. It is limited to two routes a day of up to 250 m each and cannot connect to DJI Cloud.
It supports more than 100 platforms, including DJI Matrice, Mavic, Mini and Inspire models, Autel, Freefly, Inspired Flight, and ArduPilot or PX4 multicopters, helicopters and airplanes.
Yes. It runs locally on PC or Mac and can work fully offline with cached maps and imported elevation models.
Both are offered. Perpetual licenses are a one-time purchase, and the Pro perpetual license includes the first year of support and updates. Some tiers are also sold as monthly or annual subscriptions. Shop prices exclude VAT and differ between sellers.
Data processing is handled by companion products: UgCS Mapper builds orthophotos and elevation models, and GeoHammer processes multi-sensor data.
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