3DR has just announced that its Site Scan capture software will now work on DJI drones, starting with the Phantom 4 and eventually expanding from there to support other drones in DJI’s product line.

This is a big deal for two reasons. First, it means that site operators won’t have to buy a new drone just to use 3DR’s software, which could make it more affordable for smaller construction companies who would rather have a multipurpose drone like the Phantom 4. It also puts 3DR’s software in the hands of a whole new group of people who are comfortable with operating one of DJI’s drones, but didn’t want to spend time figuring out how to use another product.

The two companies have different target audiences so a partnership makes sense, especially as they had already worked together on the regulatory side when they were both in the consumer space. So now 3DR can reap the benefits outlined above, while DJI can now say it supports one of the best professional-grade site scanning solutions available.

As part of the integration 3DR will sell a bundled Phantom 4 alongside a license to use their site map toolkit, and will also sell the software individually for people who already have a compatible DJI drone.