Over the past months, one question has started popping up in more and more of our
calls, especially with partners and customers in the United States.

“What happens if there's a DJI ban?”

Let’s be clear: there is no official ban on DJI drones in the U.S. But restrictions are
already in place and more may follow, so the pressure is building fast.

Some DJI shipments are being delayed or blocked by U.S. customs due to
legislation related to forced labor concerns. The FCC has paused new equipment
authorizations for several DJI models and the 2025 NDAA still sets a December
deadline for the U.S. government to complete its formal security review of DJI’s role
in critical infrastructure.

As a software company that serves thousands of professionals who rely on DJI
hardware every day, we want to walk you through what’s happening, what we
expect, and how 3Dsurvey is preparing to help you stay productive no matter
what direction the drone market takes.

So… Is DJI getting banned?

Here’s what we know as of mid 2025:

  • Some DJI shipments are already being delayed or blocked at U.S. customs
    due to enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. DJI has
    denied any direct connection, but the scrutiny hasn’t gone away. This is of
    course causing headaches for resellers.
  • The FCC has suspended authorizations for new DJI equipment pending the
    outcome of ongoing federal investigations. This doesn’t block all DJI drones
    currently in use, but it does impact newer models entering the U.S. market.
    The 2025 NDAA still requires federal agencies to complete their review of DJI
    ban by December 2025. If DJI fails that review, it could result in broad
    restrictions, especially on any drone use tied to U.S. government projects or
    critical infrastructure.
  • Several draft executive orders are circulating that could go even further and
    potentially restrict DJI from public sector procurement or even introduce
    blanket bans on certain imports. While there’s still no full ban in place, recent
    actions suggest stronger restrictions are imminent and already affecting DJI’s
    operations in the U.S.

So no, there is still no complete DJI ban today, but the signs are stronger than ever and we’re not ignoring them.

Why does this matter to us and to you?

At 3Dsurvey, we’re proud to say our software is compatible with almost any aerial
data source. But let’s not pretend: DJI drones are the most commonly used UAVs
among our customers, especially in surveying and construction.

That means if there’s a disruption, whether from regulatory pressure, import
slowdowns, or a possible DJI ban, it hits our users first and hard. It affects surveyors
flying Phantom 4 RTKs. It affects construction and surface mining teams using Mavic
3E. It affects public sector crews using Matrice drones for infrastructure inspection
and documentation.

This is no longer just a “what if.” The risk is real and growing. It's something we need
to prepare for together.

What are the DJI drone alternatives?

There’s no shortage of talk about DJI alternatives but switching drones isn’t just
about the airframe. You need reliability, GNSS precision, good support, and
stable data outputs that work with your photogrammetry workflow.

Here are a few alternatives we’ve seen users exploring more seriously:

  • Autel Robotics: Their EVO II RTK is now widely used in both public and
    private sector jobs, especially as a plug-and-play replacement for DJI
    quadcopters.
  • Quantum Systems: Excellent for fixed-wing long-range flights. Good for
    corridor mapping and large-scale sites.
  • Skydio X10: Especially common with U.S. infrastructure teams. Their
    U.S.-manufactured platform is gaining adoption for public-sector inspections.
  • Parrot Anafi USA: Still used in specific regulatory contexts due to NDAA
    compliance. Less common for photogrammetry-grade capture but worth
    mentioning.

As DJI uncertainty continues, we’re actively ensuring that data from these drones
flow into 3Dsurvey without issues, so 3Dsurvey software integrates
seamlessly with all of these and more. Our team has always believed in open,
flexible workflows. That’s even more important now.

What we’re hearing from the field

From our conversations with survey companies, drone resellers, and public-sector
teams across North America, here’s the general sentiment:

  • “We want to stick with DJI-but we don’t want to get caught off guard.”
     
  • "We can’t afford downtime if our preferred drone becomes unavailable.”
     
  • “We need our software to be hardware-flexible. No lock-in.”

We get it, and we agree.

These aren’t theoretical concerns, they’re operational risks. For many teams, drone
capture is already mission-critical. Downtime isn’t just an inconvenience. It means
lost revenue, delayed deliverables, and disappointed clients.

So while most still fly DJI, almost everyone is thinking one step ahead. And that’s
exactly where 3Dsurvey fits in: giving you the flexibility to move forward, no
matter what drone you use.

How is 3Dsurvey responding?

Here’s what we’re doing to make sure you’re protected- regardless of whether DJI
ban happens or not:

  1. We’re actively testing data from leading DJI competitors as well as the
    DJI ones. If your team starts using Autel, Quantum, Skydio, or others, we
    want your data to flow smoothly into 3Dsurvey, no extra hassle.
  2. We remain drone-agnostic. You’re never locked into one brand or format. As
    long as your drone can capture geo-referenced images, we’ll help you turn it
    into results.
  3. We’re offering honest advice to partners. If you're in the market for a new
    drone, and you're unsure what’s next, we’re happy to share what we know,
    not as hardware resellers, but as software people who care about your
    workflow.
Testing new DJI Matrice 4 to replace Mavic 3E

Final thought

Whether or not a DJI ban becomes reality, we’ve already entered a new phase in the
drone industry: one shaped by regulations, government restrictions, and supply
chain uncertainty.

The hardware you rely on today might not be available tomorrow. But the need for
accurate, timely survey results hasn’t changed, and that’s where 3Dsurvey comes in.

No matter what drone you fly next year, we’re building software that helps you
deliver. Quickly. Accurately and on your terms.

If you’re unsure how all of this will affect your work-or if you’re thinking about
future-proofing your drone fleet-get in touch. We’re here to help.

Interested in alternatives to DJI drones? Want to test 3Dsurvey with your new
gear? Get a 14- day free trial with no limitations or reach out to [email protected]
and we’ll support you every step of the way.

3Dsurvey at Commercial UAV 2024

Visit us at Commercial UAV in Las Vegas: Booth 235

You can also join us at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas during the CUAV. Come by our
booth 235 and we can show you why 3Dsurvey software is the best
photogrammetry software in 2025.