Dji Boosts Drone Safety With Enhanced Geo System Update

DJI Takes Geo System to New Heights, Aligning with FAA Remote ID Objectives

The world’s leading civil drone and creative camera technology company, DJI, has announced a significant update to its geofencing system (GEO), which applies to most of its consumer and enterprise drones in the United States. The new features will be integrated into the DJI Fly and DJI Pilot flight apps starting January 13, building on the success of similar updates implemented in the European Union last year.

The update is a direct response to changes in Europe in 2024, which aimed to enhance safety and reduce airspace conflicts between drones and manned aircraft. Aligning with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Remote ID objectives, DJI’s GEO system now displays official FAA data, replacing prior DJI geofencing datasets. This change will significantly improve drone operators’ awareness of restricted areas and enhance overall air safety.

The updated GEO system will display areas previously defined as Restricted Zones (No-Fly Zones) as Enhanced Warning Zones, alerting operators flying near FAA-designated controlled airspace with in-app notifications. This move places control back in the hands of drone operators, emphasizing their responsibility to follow regulatory principles.

To update their systems, DJI Fly and Pilot app operators simply need to connect their devices to the internet and click ‘Update’ on the FlySafe pop-up notification. This streamlined process ensures a seamless transition for users worldwide.

The GEO system was first introduced in 2013, when consumer drones were still an emerging technology. Its creation marked a significant step forward in promoting responsible flight practices and preventing unintentional flights into restricted airspace. Since then, DJI has continued to push the boundaries of drone safety, integrating advanced features such as altitude limits, GPS-based geofencing, autonomous return-to-home technology, obstacle sensors, and Remote Identification capabilities.

National aviation authorities like EASA in Europe, the UK CAA, and the FAA in the US have established comprehensive geographical zones for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), providing a solid foundation for drone safety. The recent expansion of the GEO system to Estonia, Finland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, France, and other EU countries has demonstrated DJI’s commitment to global cooperation and regulatory alignment.

DJI reminds pilots that safe flight practices are paramount, emphasizing the importance of adhering to local laws and regulations. For flights conducted in Enhanced Warning Zones, operators must obtain airspace authorization directly from the FAA and consult the FAA’s No Drone Zone resource for further information.

The drone industry continues to grow and evolve, and DJI’s GEO system has emerged as a vital component of ensuring safe and responsible drone operations. With its latest update, DJI is taking a significant step forward in aligning with FAA Remote ID objectives, enhancing air safety, and solidifying its position as a leader in the global drone market.