Membership vs. Ownership

Choose the Path That Fits Your Business

Both paths provide access to the same survey-grade platform. The difference is how your team manages hardware, processing, support, and long-term operations.

Find the Right Fit

One Platform. Two Paths.

Compare the two paths and choose the operating model that best fits your team, workflows, and long-term goals.

Key Differences
Membership
Ownership
Upfront Cost
No large capital purchase
$64,999
Repairs & maintenance
Included
Out-of-pocket
Hardware upgrades
Included
Buy new equipment
Data processing
Handled by our expert team
Done internally or by 3rd party
Downtime protection
Replacement shipped fast
Added to repair queue
Software & updates
Included
Additional fees & licenses
Long-term flexibility
Scale as you scale
Locked into assets
Talk To Our Team
How Membership Works
Your Business. Your Approach.

Choose Your Path

Whether you want to own and manage the platform internally or take advantage of additional support and processing services, there’s a path designed to fit your business.

The industry's first drone membership built specifically for professional land surveyors.

Membership

Best For: Firms that are new to drone surveying or want to simplify adoption by reducing the burden of managing hardware, processing, and support.

Includes:

  • Magellan™ Drone
  • PulseCloud Access
  • CYAN In-Field Validation Tool
  • Expert Processing Services*
  • Preferential Paid Project Referrals
  • Next-Day Replacements
  • Online Training
  • Hardware Upgrade Opportunities
  • Priority Support
* Processing services are quoted separately on a per-project basis and are required for Membership projects.
Explore Membership
How It Works

Ownership

Best For: Firms with established drone programs and already have experience collecting and processing drone data internally.

Includes:

  • Magellan™ Drone
  • Pulse Data Processor
  • CYAN In-Field Validation Tool
  • Online Training
  • Support Options
  • SmartDrone Processing Credits
Explore Ownership
Financing Options

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about SmartDrone Membership and Ownership, including processing, support, flexibility, and choosing the right option for your survey firm.

What's the biggest difference between Membership and Ownership?

Both use the same Magellan platform. The primary difference is how your team manages hardware, processing, support, and long-term operations.

Which option is right for my survey firm?

Membership is ideal for firms wanting a managed operating model, while Ownership suits firms with established internal drone capabilities.

Can I switch from Membership to Ownership later?

Yes. Every new Member gets a 6-month paid trial period and after the trial period ends, Members have the option to either end their Membership or switch to Ownership.

Do both options use the same drone platform?

Yes. Both options use the SmartDrone Magellan™ platform.

Is data processing included with Membership?

Membership includes SmartDrone's processing workflow, with project processing quoted separately.

Can Membership customers process their own data?

No. Membership uses SmartDrone's integrated processing workflow.

Are the final deliverables different between Membership and Ownership?

No. Both options are designed to produce the same survey-grade deliverables.

What if my workload changes over time?

Our team can help determine which operating model best supports your changing business.

Ready to Find the Right Fit?

We’ll help you evaluate your workflows, processing capabilities, project volume, and long-term goals to determine which operating model makes the most sense.

Talk To Our TeamHow It Works