What is drone mission planning software?

Drone mission planning software lets commercial drone operators design automated flight paths before takeoff. You define survey areas, set altitude and camera parameters, and the software generates optimized waypoint routes. Dronelytics adds real-time FAA airspace data so you can plan compliant missions with LAANC zones, TFRs, and restricted areas visible on the map.

Yes. Dronelytics is free during open beta with no credit card required. All mission types, airspace layers, and features including terrain follow are included at no cost. Founding members will receive locked-in pricing when paid plans launch.

What airspace data does Dronelytics show?

Dronelytics displays 7 FAA airspace data layers: LAANC authorization ceilings, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), Special Use Airspace (SUAs), military operation areas, stadium flight restrictions, FRIA boundaries for recreational flyers, and National Security UAS Flight Restriction areas (NSUFR).

What drones are compatible with Dronelytics?

Dronelytics supports DJI, Autel Robotics, PX4 Autopilot, and ArduPilot platforms. Mission plans can be exported for use with these drone systems.

What is terrain follow in drone mission planning?

Terrain follow (also called AGL or above-ground-level mode) automatically adjusts waypoint altitudes to maintain a constant height above the ground across hilly or uneven terrain. Without terrain follow, a drone flying at a fixed altitude gets closer to the ground on upslopes and farther away on downslopes, degrading photo quality and risking collision. Dronelytics includes terrain follow for free — competitors like Dronelink charge $18/month extra for this feature.

What mission types can I plan with Dronelytics?

Dronelytics supports rectangle grid, polygon grid, and circle grid surveys for area mapping; orbit, spiral, and panorama missions for point-of-interest inspection; and corridor and waypoint paths for linear features like roads and pipelines. Pre-built templates are available for real estate aerial photography, roof inspection, construction progress, agricultural surveys, property boundaries, tower inspection, stockpile volume measurement, and linear corridor mapping.

Can I Fly My Drone Here?/Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Can I Fly a Drone at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

No. Drones are banned.

Drones are banned throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the US. This covers the entire park on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides.

NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05.

See the Airspace Around Great Smoky Mountains National Park

View Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundaries, nearby airspace restrictions, TFRs, and where you can fly on an interactive map.

Check Your Airspace

No account required

Where You CAN Fly Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

You can't fly at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but these nearby areas offer similar scenery where drones are allowed or less restricted:

Cherokee National Forest

USFS

South of the park in Tennessee. Appalachian mountain scenery. Drones allowed.

Pisgah National Forest

USFS

East of the park in North Carolina. Blue Ridge Parkway area.

Nantahala National Forest

USFS

Southwest of the park. Waterfalls and mountain ridges.

Local Tip

The national forests surrounding the Smokies have similar Appalachian mountain scenery. Cherokee and Pisgah national forests are excellent alternatives with fewer crowds.

Understanding Land Manager Rules

Drone rules depend on who manages the land, not just FAA airspace:

National Parks (NPS)

Drones banned. No exceptions, no permits for recreational use.

National Forests (USFS)

Generally allowed. Check for wilderness area restrictions and fire closures.

BLM Land

Generally allowed. Some of the best places to fly. Check for temporary closures.

State Parks

Varies by state. Some ban, some allow with permits. Check the specific park.

Frequently Asked Questions