affordable Mapping Software for DJI Mavic 2 Pro and iPad 4 mini

[Chris L]

I apologize if this is considered to be posted in the wrong Sub but I couldn't find anything Drone-centric overall. I use my drone for landscape and architecture photos but want to expand/transition into the mapping industry. I have asked questions on the Drone forums but I would like to get some point of view's from actual drone photographers here on LL. I am asking for general info because I cannot site any specific features I need ( except for of autonomous drone flights and general stitching of photos )

-I have researched Pix4D and Drone Deploy and feel they are overpriced for my needs and budget. But of the 2, does anyone have good experience they can share regarding ease of use? I am not a very technical person and would need it to be intuitive.

-Has anyone used DJI GS Pro? ( https://www.dji.com/ground-station-pro?site=brandsite&from=insite_search ) Its free.  But my guess is I would have to buy some post processing software to make the maps and models. I have used Bridge/Photoshop to select all the photos to be stitched in Photomerge and it works ok. If there is a better stitching / 3d modeling software with reasonable one time price rather than subscription please LMK.

[fdisilvestro]

I have used DJI GS Pro and I like it a lot, besides being it free.
I use an open source software called WebODM, a graphic interface based on the OpenDroneMap project. This can be totallly free, but requires some technical knowledge, otherwise you can buy a Windows or Mac Installer which costs $57 one time only.

Attached is a sample of a 2D map from aprox. 120 images captured with a programmed flying path on DJI GS Pro (Resized from 67 MPx) and a 100% crop detail
The third image shows the path from another flight (also programmed in DJI GS Pro), as shown in AirData

[Rhossydd]

I'll start by saying that I only use a Mini 2, so much of the software mentioned won't work for me, but over the last year I've looked in detail at how any drone could add to my business.

I .....want to expand/transition into the mapping industry. I have asked questions on the Drone forums but I would like to get some point of view's from actual drone photographers here on LL.

I am not a very technical person and would need it to be intuitive.

The specialist drone forums will give you a wider and more experienced range of views than here. Ariel mapping is a very specific niche where 'artistic photography' has no value, it's purely a technical exercise. It's all about accuracy of flight plans and automation. Your potential customers will expect a high degree of technical knowledge about the product.
If you're not very technical this may not be a viable industry to try to get into.