The online geospatial system, DJI GEO, provides DJI pilots with up-to-date and timely guidance on areas where flight may be restricted by regulation or safety issues. In addition to airport location information, operators will receive real-time information on temporary flight restrictions due to, for example, forest fires, major stadium events, VIP movements, and other changing circumstances. The GEO system will operate in places such as prisons, nuclear power plants and other sensitive areas where aircraft may be of concern to non-aviation security officials.
Under normal circumstances, GEO restricts flights to locations that require a higher level of security. If a flight to one of these locations is required, the GEO system allows users with verified DJI accounts to temporarily unlock and authorize themselves to fly. The unlock feature is not available in national security locations.
The GEO system is primarily advisory in nature and it is the responsibility of each user to be aware of the need to obtain official permits and necessary documents and determine what laws or regulations may be violated and what penalties may be applied to the user. In some cases, the DJI GEO system uses broader guidelines (such as a 1.5 mile (2.5 km) radius at airports) without making adjustments to local laws.
The DJI GEO system currently operates in the following countries:
- United Arab Emirates;
- North America: Canada, USA, Mexico;
- Europe: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Switzerland, Portugal, Andorra.
How does the online geospatial system – DJI GEO work?
GEO distinguishes 3 different zones:
Warning zone. These zones do not necessarily appear on the maps, in case of flights in these zones, the user will be shown a warning.
Example of a warning zone: For example, nature reserves.
Extended Warning Zone: In these zones, you will be prompted to unlock the zone during flight using the same steps as in the authorization zone, but without verifying your account or connecting to the Internet during the flight.
Example of an extended warning zone: Building located 3 miles from an international airport.
authorization zone. In zones marked in yellow on the map, the user will be notified and the flight will be restricted. Authorization zones can be unlocked using a verified DJI account.
Example of authorization zone: Aeromodelling club near the airport.
Forbidden zones. These zones are displayed in red in the DJI Go app, the user will receive a warning that the flight is prohibited. If you think you have the right to fly in this area – write to flysafe@dji.com
Example of a restricted area: Washington, D.C.
How is your account verified?
To unlock, you need a valid DJI account and a mobile phone or a valid debit/credit card. DJI does not collect or store this information. The information is verified by a third party service. Checking is free.
A verified account is required only for flights in the Authorization Zone.
Step. 1 Sign in to the DJI website Step 2: Verify mobile phone Step 3: Fly
or credit card check
When your aircraft approaches or is already inside the Authorization Zone, you will receive an alert and a message on the DJI Go app screen with the option to unlock the zone.
flight planner
By unlocking the Authorization Zone before flying, you acknowledge that you are opting out of receiving up-to-date information from GEO and may miss relevant information about your intended flight area. Each user is responsible for checking official sources and determining which flight restrictions may apply to the flight area during flight.
Important Aviation Safety Notices – DJI GEO System
DJI has created a comprehensive framework for the GEO System, allowing it to determine which locations will be classified as warnings, authorizations, or restricted areas. The following information details how DJI classifies locations in order to further enhance its own operational decisions. This document is not legal advice and does not replace your own interpretation of any legal requirements.
All information displayed in the GEO system assumes that your flying system is being operated at or below 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level (AGL). It reflects a two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional airspace. At higher altitudes, airspace classifications may differ from those at or below 400 feet (120 meters).
FAQ: Q&A
What is GEO beta?
DJI offers this “beta” version of the DJI Go “as is” without warranty of any kind. DJI shall have no liability to you or any third party for any damages or liabilities arising from the use of the beta software and/or any modification, suspension or termination thereof. After the end of the beta testing period, you may lose access to applicable properties. You must accept the full terms of use in order to use this software. If you are concerned about the possibility of bugs or bugs that may affect your scheduled operations, we recommend that you wait for the final release of the GEO system, which will include user feedback received during beta testing.
What is GEO information system?
The GEO System is a best-in-class geospatial information system that provides DJI users with information to help them make the right decisions about where and when to use the aircraft. It combines up-to-date airspace information, warnings and flight restrictions of the system, a mechanism for releasing the air system of flights in those places where flight is allowed under certain conditions, and a system for accounting for these decisions with minimal intervention. It is an implementation of what is commonly referred to as “Geofencing”, GEO replacing our first generation “No Fly Zone” invented in 2013.
What platforms does DJI GEO work with?
As of now, after updating the DJI Go app, aircraft firmware, and remote controller, the new GEO system will work with the Phantom ¾ and Inspire 1, as well as future generations of products.
How do updates work?
The latest information on temporary flight bans at a location is sent by DJI users via the DJI Go app
How does DJI designate different areas?
Some locations are marked as Warning locations to alert operators to potential problems, primarily related to safety (eg nature reserves). Other places such as airport environments are called “Authorization Zones” where the aircraft will not fly without unlocking through a verified account. – Washington.
What types of terrain will be included?
We primarily focus on aviation with national security. DJI includes airports, restricted or prohibited airspaces, national security areas, prisons, and power plants. In addition, with an internet connection, GEO provides real-time information on temporary flight restrictions to prevent unauthorized flights, including restrictions during wildfires, large sporting events, or other changing conditions.
What is an extended warning zone?
In the extended warning zone indicated in GEO, when attempting to fly, you will be prompted to unlock the zone by going through the same steps as in the Authorization Zone, but without using your account or internet connection during the flight.
So, will DJI keep me informed about local aviation laws?
No, the GEO system is only a recommendation, each operator is responsible for checking official sources and determining what regulations apply in the region of operations. In some cases, DJI chooses general flight parameters (eg 1.5 mile radius) around airports, regardless of which rules may apply to you.
In addition, by understanding the rules defined by law or regulatory language, operators must draw their own conclusions, or seek guidance from regulators or counsel. We continue to work with aviation authorities around the world to determine what kind of guidance for air system operators would be most effective for safe flying.
I am allowed to fly closer than 1.5 Miles from the airport. How it works?
In authorization zones such as yours, the operator simply needs to have a verified DJI account and use DJI Go to unlock the zone. However, please note that this is entirely your responsibility.
How can I verify my DJI account?
You can use a credit/debit card or mobile phone to verify your DJI account. DJI does not collect or store this information. Other validation methods may be added in the future.
I am a commercial operator. How will this affect me?
The GEO system provides the same information to every operator. We understand that the rules may differ depending on the type of your work – commercial, recreational, educational or humanitarian, and even government.
DJI is by far the most popular brand across all categories, so our system will allow the flexibility to unlock zones for each operator. In addition, a multicopter used on Sunday for leisure can be used on Wednesday for business. Since the main functionality of Geofencing is to provide information and help prevent unintentional operations in areas of concern, the system as a whole has been designed for beginners and recreational operators. Commercial operators are generally aware of the restrictions and conditions that may apply to their activities. The unlock mechanism allows each user to make their own operational decisions.
Can GEO prevent me from flying where I could fly before?
We are expanding the number and types of areas, but we also provide a self-unlock feature. This is possible simply by using a verified account. Now, theoretically, with a verified account, you can fly to even more places than with the old system. Including premises that may be located near the airport. You only need to follow a few simple steps, but we think this will give you a better understanding of the security issues. If you are unable to unlock a certain area, then this may be due to proximity to places where unlocking is not possible (for example, Washington).
What if I find a bug?
DJI will create an error reporting system. We want our system to be as neat and useful as possible. The unlocking system should allow you to fly based on your desires. Whereas DJI will honor error messages.
Will you have to pay for it?
No. No need to pay when upgrading to a new GEO system. Assuming your hardware is compatible with the new features. Checking your account with a credit card – you will not be charged. The credit card is only used for identity verification. Standard text message for SMS verification may be charged (depending on your carrier).
I usually fly without an internet connection or in places where there is no internet access, how can I use the system?
We have developed a Flight Planner tool that allows you to unlock Authorization Zones in advance of your operation. See the Flight Planner page for more details.
We have developed the Flight Planner, a tool that allows you to unlock Authorization Zones in advance. See the Flight Planner page for details.
Where is GEO already implemented?
To begin with, we started with North America and Europe. We are going to add more areas in the near future and will make announcements. Also, airports in the existing system will be added all over the world, even where the system is not yet operational.
Is this related to the FAA UAS registration initiative?
No. This function is not related to training, responsibility or accountability. DJI does not require government registration in order to use GEO.
If and when a registration system is implemented for RC systems, we will evaluate whether registration can be used to extend GEO’s functionality. We do not believe that the disclosure of personal information is necessary to form the basis for the safe operation of an air system.
Are you going to provide personal information to the authorities?
In general, no, unless there is a special need. When it comes to national security or when an investigation is initiated that may require disclosure of information. Our verification partner may provide information about the credit card or mobile phone number used to verify the DJI account that was used to unlock the authorization zone.
This makes it possible to determine who is responsible in the event of an accident without requiring the collection of information in advance. We think this is the best solution for now.
According to our observations – the vast, vast majority of air system operators are responsible citizens who follow the rules as well as common sense, and therefore it is only necessary to create an accountability mechanism when a flight takes place in a place that belongs to aviation security. We believe that our customers have the right to use the system with minimal interference with their privacy.
Does this mean DJI supports Geofencing’s legal mandate?
No. Based on many years of practical experience of our clients, we believe that the mandatory restriction on geo-zones certainly limits the functionality of the device and the wrong approach in most cases. The new technology allows drones to be used by a wide variety of operators who have different types of authorization. In almost all areas that could be closed areas, we have encountered authorized operators performing various functions using copters. Limiting the use of drone technology based on geographic location is not in itself an easy solution to the problems that have been raised recently, but it will slow down the development of technology in the future.
Does DJI use AIRMAP data?
AirMap is a provider of airspace data for information such as airport locations and temporary flight restrictions. data. DJI may also add its data to AirMap data. To see a representation of the places included in GEO, you must be familiar with this map, not AirMap.io.
Page in English http://www.dji.com/flysafe/geo-system