In the August issue of Point of Beginning magazine, we address one of the most challenging misconceptions among surveyors starting drone programs: the belief that the drone is the most important part.
In one hour, we’ll show you exactly what changed in 2025 that will impact your revenue, liability, and competitiveness in 2026, and what top firms are already doing about it.
![[Webinar] The State of Drone Surveying: A Strategic Briefing for 2026](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54579091e4b05fc750f0d8ea/a6b75fdd-f33d-4130-a4e4-8af16b084092/ChatGPT+Image+Sep+15%2C+2025%2C+11_25_38+AM.png)
On November 4th, 2025, DJI announced the latest upgrade in their aerial lidar sensors, the Zenmuse L3. But will it be a good sensor for surveyors? And should US surveyors even consider investing in a DJI product given all of the regulatory uncertainties in the world right now? Let’s dive into the details to find out.
Here is the uncomfortable truth: no true peer competitor exists today. Dollar for dollar, DJI remains the best overall platform for most commercial applications. There is no close second. This post explains why, how to think about the current regulatory environment, and what that means for surveyors, civil engineers, or really anyone who cares about safety, turnaround time, and profit.
