How to use Drone-Check
Drone-Check is a simple public map that shows planned, active and recent drone flights in your area. Everything you see on the map is voluntarily shared by pilots themselves.
Explore the map
- Search an address to jump directly to your area.
- Click on the map to see flights within 1 km of that point.
- Drag and zoom to explore in Europe.
- Use filters to show Active, Upcoming or Past flights.
- Tap a flight marker to view altitude, timing, drone model and flight details.
What information is shown?
- Pilot information (optional)
- Location of the operation
- Start and end times
- Flight radius and maximum altitude
- Drone model
- Notes provided by the pilot
Good to know
Drone-Check is not a legal airspace or authorization map. The platform does not validate whether a flight is permitted or compliant with local regulations.
It only displays the information supplied by pilots to improve transparency and reduce misunderstandings between drone operators and the public.
How long is flight data visible?
All flight data is automatically deleted after 7 days. Pilots can schedule flights far in advance, but only flights taking place within the next 7 days are visible on the website.
⚠️ Important Notice
The pilot is fully responsible for ensuring that each flight complies with all local restrictions, technical requirements and legal obligations. Drone-Check only displays submitted data and does not validate airspace constraints or regulatory compliance. A flight announcement is not a replacement for official authorization.
Pilots remain fully responsible for obtaining all required permissions and clearances before flying.
What is Drone-Check?
Drone-Check shows planned, active, and recent drone flights in your area. It is a fully user-generated, community-driven tool — every flight you see has been voluntarily shared by its pilot.
Are there integrations with other drone tools?
Not yet. Drone-Check currently has no automatic integrations with DroneGuide, GoDrone, U-space systems, or other mapping tools. All data is submitted manually by pilots themselves.
However, an API is available that allows integration with existing systems to automatically create and display flights on the map. Live tracking of flights is also available via MQTT.
For professional or enterprise use cases, contact info@drone-check.eu.
How do I announce a flight?
- Click “Announce a flight” on the homepage.(Mobile or Desktop)
- Drop the pin on the map.
- Enter time, drone model, altitude, radius, and any notes.
- Submit — your flight becomes visible immediately.
How do I edit or remove a flight?
After submitting, you receive a private edit link. This link lets you update all details or delete the flight. No account required — keep the link safe.
How does privacy work?
You choose what becomes public. If “Show my name publicly” is enabled, your contact details appear on the public page. If disabled, your flight is listed as Anonymous operator.
How does the email confirmation work?
If you enter an email address (or add or change one later), you’ll receive a confirmation message with a private management link for your flight.
This does not affect your optional anonymity on the public map. It only ensures you can update or adjust your flight later if needed.
What happens to my contact information?
Contact details are only used to deliver your private edit link. They are never shown publicly unless you explicitly enable that option.
Can I move the flight location later?
Yes. In the edit page, drag the marker to its new place — the radius updates automatically.
Why do flights show “Active”, “Upcoming”, or “Past”?
Drone-Check automatically classifies flights based on the current time.
Do I need an account?
No — the private edit link is your only key.
Is Drone-Check an official government platform?
No. Drone-Check is an independent project intended to increase transparency and reduce misunderstandings between pilots and residents.
How long is flight data visible?
All flight data is automatically deleted after 7 days. Pilots can schedule flights far in advance, but only flights in the next 7 days are displayed on the site.
QR Poster for Pilots
To reduce interruptions, questions, or confusion during your operations, you can print the official Drone-Check QR poster.
Hang it near your take-off location — on a fence, gate, or any visible spot. People who pass by can simply scan the QR code to instantly see your flight details.
- Print small stickers or flyers and hand them out in the neighbourhood
- Place one near your van or equipment
This poster QR links to the Drone-Check homepage.
Flight-specific QR code
- You can print a QR code directly from the edit Flight page.
- This QR code is unique to your flight and links straight to its public page.
- Place it near your operation area to inform residents, security staff or property owners.
What can you do with the public flight URL?
- Add it to emails sent to local authorities or landowners
- Share it with police zones or other involved parties
Enterprise Operators (API Flight Publishing & Live tracking)
For organizations that operate drones at scale.
Enterprise users with recurring operations can integrate directly with Drone-Check via the API to automatically publish flights from their own systems.
This removes manual work and ensures consistent, structured, and compliant communication of drone activity.
API-based access is intended for professional and enterprise use cases.
For professional operations that require real-time visibility.
Beyond flight publishing, enterprise users can optionally enable live tracking, allowing real-time position updates to be visualized on Drone-Check via MQTT.
This supports:
- Operational transparency
- Public reassurance
- Internal monitoring or coordination
Live tracking is optional, controlled, and designed with strict data-minimization principles.
Third-Party Platforms & Integrations
For ecosystems that want to include drone awareness.
Drone-Check can also act as a data source for third-party platforms. Through controlled access, external applications — such as pilot tools, planning software, or situational-awareness systems — can retrieve basic flight data and integrate it into their own workflows or maps.
This enables a broader ecosystem where drone activity is visible, predictable, and responsibly shared.
If you’re interested in integrating Drone-Check into your tools, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@drone-check.eu.
Drone-Check in real-world operations
Drones have become a visible part of everyday life: above buildings, over fields, along infrastructure, inside nature areas, and during events. Whenever a drone is in the air, it is noticed — by employees, residents, passers-by, visitors, or authorities.
Drone-Check was created to support that visibility with clear, verifiable and shareable flight information. Not technical. Not legal. But practical: who is flying, where, why, and for how long.
Drone-Check is free to use for all users of the website and mobile apps. Any operator can create and share flight information without cost or subscription barriers.
Below are examples of how Drone-Check is used in real-world situations today.
Building maintenance, mapping and inspections
A drone flight above an office building or apartment block often takes place during working hours. Employees arrive at work, suppliers access the site, residents move in and out. The drone is visible, but there is no single moment to explain the flight to everyone.
With Drone-Check:
- A QR code is displayed at the entrance or site access
-
Scanning the code opens a public flight page showing:
- A short description of the flight
- Start and end time
- Operational area
- Operator contact details
-
The same link can be shared in advance by email with:
- Facility management
- Building managers
- Syndic or property management
The flight page acts as a permanent, silent information point during the operation.
Industrial sites and technical infrastructure
Industrial environments involve many stakeholders: staff, contractors, security teams, logistics operators. Drone flights are part of larger operational workflows.
With Drone-Check:
- Flights are created in advance
- Security and site managers receive one fixed reference link
- The link can be shared internally
- A QR code can be placed at site entrances or on temporary installations
Everyone consults the same live information, before, during and after the flight. The record remains available once the operation is completed.
Agriculture and open rural areas
Drone flights above farmland are often visible from walking paths, cycling routes, or nearby homes. People notice the drone without knowing its context.
With Drone-Check:
-
A single flight page explains:
- The type of operation
- The time window
- The specific area involved
- A QR code can be placed at the field boundary or on the operator’s vehicle
-
The link can be shared in advance with:
- The municipality
- Local contacts or partners
Communication remains open and passive, without the need for on-site explanations.
Nature areas and conservation zones
Nature reserves and forests attract hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Drone flights naturally draw attention, even when part of conservation or monitoring activities.
With Drone-Check:
- The flight page provides context and purpose
-
It may include:
- Collaboration with land managers
- Limited duration
- Defined operational zones
- QR codes can be displayed on information boards, vehicles, or temporary signage
-
Links can be shared with:
- Land managers
- Municipalities
- Partner organisations
Drone operations become understandable within their environment, without repeated explanations.
Search & Rescue and operational deployments
During operational or emergency deployments, clarity and coordination are essential. Multiple parties may be involved over short timeframes.
With Drone-Check:
- A flight page is created per drone or operation
- The flight status is clearly visible
-
Links can be shared with:
- Responding services
- Land or site managers
- Pages can be public or restricted, depending on the situation
The flight page serves as a shared reference point, including for post-operation documentation.
Construction sites, events and temporary locations
Construction sites and events involve many temporary visitors: suppliers, staff, guests, and the general public. Explaining drone flights individually is not realistic.
With Drone-Check:
- Flights are announced in advance via a single link
- QR codes are displayed at strategic locations
-
Flight pages clearly show:
- The purpose of the flight
- Duration
- Responsible operator
-
Links can be shared with:
- Event organisers
- Local authorities
- Police services
Drone flights become an integrated part of the organisation, not an isolated activity.
Film crews & audiovisual productions
Film and TV productions often combine multiple departments: camera crews, assistants, production staff, location managers, and external partners. Drone flights are part of a larger setup and are frequently visible to the public.
With Drone-Check:
- A dedicated flight page is created per shooting day or location
-
The page clearly states:
- That the drone is part of a film or media production
- The shooting window
- The operational area
-
QR codes can be placed:
- Near set signage
- At street access points
- On production vehicles
-
The link can be shared in advance with:
- The city or municipality
- Local police
- Location owners
- Production coordinators
Drone-Check provides a single, neutral information source that supports on-set organisation without interrupting the shoot.
Municipalities and local authorities
Local authorities increasingly receive questions about drone activity in their area. Drone-Check offers a straightforward overview without adding administrative complexity.
With Drone-Check:
- Authorities can receive links to planned flights in advance
-
Any inquiry can be answered by consulting:
- Location
- Timing
- Responsible operator
- No additional reporting or workflow is required
Drone-Check functions as an information layer, not an extra approval system.
Recreational use
Recreational drone flights are part of modern outdoor life: in nature, along the coast, during hikes, or while travelling.
With Drone-Check:
- Hobby flights can also have a simple flight page
- QR codes can be attached to backpacks, drone cases or vehicles
-
Anyone interested can immediately see:
- Who is flying
- Where
- For how long
This supports calm, responsible and transparent recreational flying.
In summary
- One flight page
- One QR code
- One link that can be shared with everyone who needs it
Drone-Check does not replace regulation, training or authorisations. It complements them by adding one essential layer: clear communication to the outside world.
Drone-Check is free for all users of the website and mobile apps, making transparent communication accessible to every drone operator.