How to delete your Dronedeploy account

About deleting your DroneDeploy account

DroneDeploy is a leading cloud-based software platform designed for commercial drone operations, site inspections, and 3D mapping. By automating flight paths and processing photogrammetry data, it serves sectors like construction, agriculture, and solar energy. Users upload sensitive site imagery, geolocation metadata, and proprietary thermal or multispectral data to DroneDeploy’s servers for analysis.

Deleting your DroneDeploy account is a significant step for businesses looking to minimize their digital footprint or those transitioning to a different hardware or software ecosystem. You might choose to delete your account for several reasons:

• Protecting sensitive aerial survey data from unnecessary cloud exposure.
• Reducing storage costs associated with large photogrammetry datasets.
• Terminating business contracts that no longer require automated drone flight logging.
• Ensuring compliance with company-specific internal security policies regarding third-party hosting of site intelligence.

What happens to your data

When you initiate a deletion request with DroneDeploy, the company is generally obligated to remove your primary account information. However, due to the nature of cloud processing, specific nuances apply to your uploaded files.

• Uploaded Imagery: Raw images used for mapping are usually processed and stored on Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure.
• Project Metadata: Information regarding flight coordinates, time-stamps, and GCS (Ground Control System) markers are archived.
• Billing Records: Financial data, including credit card digits and invoices, may be retained for tax and legal compliance periods as required by US law.
• Shared Reports: Publicly shared links to your 3D models or orthomosaic maps may become inactive once the account is permanently scrubbed.

Privacy considerations

DroneDeploy gathers significant behavioral and spatial data. Because the platform bridges the gap between hardware sensors and cloud analysis, the privacy implications are substantial.

• Data Sharing: DroneDeploy may use aggregated, non-identifiable data to improve their machine learning algorithms for automatic feature recognition in maps.
• Third-party Integrations: If you have connected DroneDeploy to Procore or other construction management software, ensure you revoke API access before closing your account.
• Residual Data: Always request a full export of your maps and 3D models before deletion, as the recovery of data after account termination is often impossible.
• Cookie Tracking: DroneDeploy employs analytical trackers on their dashboard to monitor user workflows, which may persist if you do not clear your browser cache post-deletion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting my DroneDeploy account remove all my processed maps?

Yes, typically requesting account deletion triggers the removal of all associated map projects and processed datasets from the servers.

Can I recover my data if I delete my DroneDeploy account by mistake?

No, DroneDeploy generally does not provide a recovery period for account deletion; once the process is finalized, your site data is permanently purged.

Does DroneDeploy keep my drone flight logs after I leave?

While account data is deleted, metadata logs might be kept in anonymized formats for system maintenance unless you specifically request a total data purge under GDPR or CCPA.

Should I disconnect my drone hardware before deleting the account?

Yes, disconnecting your linked devices within the mobile app settings helps ensure that no further telemetry data is synced to the platform.

Is there a specific process for enterprise accounts?

Enterprise accounts often have different service level agreements; you should contact your assigned account manager directly to ensure all sub-users and project data are removed simultaneously.

How long does it take for DroneDeploy to process my deletion?

While an immediate request can be sent, the actual removal from their global storage buckets can take several business days to propagate through their backend systems.