In the world of drones & UAS there is an abundance of applications to help pilots get the most out of their flying experience. Listed below are my current top 5 apps I would suggest commercial UAS operators should use.
1.) HOVER - This app allows pilots to search weather conditions, create flight logs, search flight areas for restrictions, and even read up on UAS news. I have used this app countless times to check restricted areas or just to see if I was within 5 miles of an airport. I've never had it crash on me and I enjoy the style of the UI.
2.) Verifly - This is crucial for those who are looking to fly commercially or recreationally. Verifly offers insurance up to $5,000,000 in liability insurance and covers accidental damage to people or property. Their policies cover a quarter mile radius for up to an hour with no commitments and only when you need them. I use them any time I want to fly for my commercial business.
3.) DJI GO App - This app is great even for non-DJI users because it has a drone simulation feature, offline maps for seeing potential flight restrictions, an editing suite for footage, pilot tips, Skypixel which can give you inspiration for aerial shots, and of course if you do fly DJI you'll want it to pilot your drone.
4.) Drone Deploy - I love this app because of its robust scanning, and 3D mapping that can be done in real-time. As well, Drone Deploy allows for pre-planned missions which could be used during offline flights. You can deploy drones to efficiently collect aerial data in order to improve site planning and quality control, manage assets, and reduce risk on the job site.
5.) Litchi App - This app is great for DJI GO 4 app users, but also those from previous iterations who would like the additional features such as active track and planned waypoint missions. As well, this app allows for an automated panorama mode which is more accurate and expedient than self-taken panoramas. Not to mention, the Litchi app has a VR mode you can use with your phone for an immersive experience. I love that this app works on Android and IOS.