Dock Automation
The simplest way to automate your dock
Plan, fly, capture, upload, process and analyze your site data in one click – all in the same fully automated, AI-powered platform.
Used on 3 million sites in 180 countries
Don’t get left behind.
See how Dock Automation is (actually) used in the field
- 10x flight frequency
- Eliminate site commutes
- Objective as-built records
- Automated site mapping
- Replace the manual checklist
"We initially planned for a local pilot once or twice a week. With the drone dock, we’re flying five to eight missions a day."
Brett Kostial
Senior VDC Manager, Global Critical Facilities
"Our data center site is five miles long. Launching a drone dock to capture logistics areas is a huge time saver over driving across the campus."
Brett Kostial
Senior VDC Manager, Global Critical Facilities
"Before the trench gets backfilled, that dock can go up and map the whole site. We know where that service has been installed to one-inch accuracy."
Arran Scallion
PSIO Coordinator / UAS Manager
"We are operating a DJI Dock with a BVLOS waiver on a 150-acre site, mapping on a bi-weekly basis to meet the needs of the field team."
Jacob Hijlkema
VDC Engineer
"The dock solves the problem of maps missing for five days because someone got busy and didn't upload. It removes those variables."
Jon Ferguson
Vice President of VDC
How it works
Automation meets simplicity (and security)
- Capture
Document your site in minutes with the DroneDeploy Flight app. Produce repeatable sub-inch maps easily with instant RTK and PPK. - High accuracy, by default
Built-in RTK delivers on-site GPS corrections so every flight and every map is accurate by default. - Preemptive security
DroneDeploy Firewall routes data directly from the dock to U.S.-based servers via a secure tunnel – the most secure way to capture drone data. - BVLOS not required
Train on-site staff as flight observers so your reality capture specialist can set up flights remotely.
Supported hardware
Our processing engine works with data from any camera source and supports automated flights, mission planning, and execution across drones, ground robots, docked systems, and 360 cameras.
Data on demand
Need the data but don't have pilots or hardware yet?
Use our services network to capture key corridors and facilities at the cadence you need, with processed maps, photos and models delivered straight into your DroneDeploy account.
Frequently asked questions
Is DroneDeploy the right fit for your operations?
Dock Automation is built for operations managers and program directors who need frequent, consistent aerial coverage without deploying a crew for every flight. It fits site teams running recurring capture schedules, digital operations leads integrating automated data into broader site monitoring programs, and IT and security teams managing hardware compliance for enterprise drone deployments in regulated environments.
How does automated dock operation actually work?
You plan the mission in DroneDeploy – define the area, altitude, and schedule. After that, the dock handles launch, flight, capture, and upload.
Can a docked drone operate without a pilot on site?
Dock Automation is designed for fully unattended operation, including BVLOS missions where permitted.
How accurate is docked drone data compared to a manually flown mission?
Docked missions deliver equivalent accuracy to manually flown flights. RTK support provides centimeter-level precision.
Is dock data safe?
DroneDeploy Firewall routes all dock data directly to DroneDeploy-controlled US servers through an encrypted tunnel.
How long does it take to get a dock up and running on a new site?
Physical installation varies by hardware. Once connected, DroneDeploy configuration typically takes less than a day.
Can we schedule flights around shift times or site activity?
Teams set the schedule and can adjust it any time through the platform. Missions can run before the morning shift, after close-out, overnight or at any interval that fits the program.
What happens if weather or airspace prevents a scheduled flight?
DroneDeploy monitors conditions and airspace in real-time. Missions that cannot proceed are held and rescheduled or flagged for review.
Do Safety AI and Progress AI work with docked missions?
Data from docked missions runs through Safety AI and Progress AI the same way manually flown data does.
What does the financial case look like for a dock program?
DroneDeploy reports significant financial benefits from using dock automation, including improved efficiency and reduced crew time on routine capture.