WebODM

WebODM is photogrammetry software that turns drone imagery into georeferenced maps, elevation models and 3D outputs. It suits surveyors, mapping teams and technically minded users who want local processing or control over a cloud workflow. Its strongest case is the combination of offline use, extensive export formats and a free local plan; larger jobs still demand capable hardware or a paid cloud tier.

Overview

WebODM accepts photos and videos from any drone, including JPG, TIFF, video and multispectral imagery. Processing runs on the user’s computer and works offline, which makes it a practical fit when cloud access is undesirable or unavailable. The trade-off is that local work depends on your own machine: the minimum requirements are 8 GB RAM and 20 GB of free disk space, while larger datasets call for 16 GB RAM and 100 GB of storage.

The software is built around ODX, a free, open-source photogrammetry engine that can also be used from the command line or integrated into other software. Its broader ecosystem includes NodeODX, CloudODX, PyODX, ClusterODX, OpenSplat, OATS and CameraLib. For more category options, see Photogrammetry Software and AI 3D Scanning Software.

Key features

WebODM produces georeferenced maps, point clouds, digital elevation models, textured 3D models and Gaussian splats. Its measurement and mapping tools include ground-control points, plant-health indexes, elevation contours and rolling-shutter correction. Exports span high-resolution GeoTIFF and PNG, LAS/LAZ, OBJ and OGC 3D Tiles, giving users options for GIS, point-cloud and 3D workflows.

Sharing links make it possible to pass results to others. Processing can also connect to nodes that speak the NodeODX API, including NodeODX, NodeMICMAC, ClusterODX and WebODM Lightning. The API uses token authentication at /api/token-auth/, with tokens expiring after six hours by default. Model-level and row-level permissions let administrators control whether users can view, add, edit or delete objects; that granularity is useful for shared deployments, though it also suits users comfortable managing access rules.

Pricing

The WebODM plan costs nothing: it is free to install and use, runs locally and works offline. It is the natural starting point for individuals and teams willing to supply their own hardware and manage local processing.

Cloud plans are billed yearly, with monthly prices shown. Starter costs $24 a month and allows 12 maps per 30 days, then charges per map; it supports up to 1,500 images per map, one concurrent task and 25 GB of cloud storage. That cap suits occasional cloud users but can make frequent processing less predictable in cost. Pro costs $35 a month for unlimited maps, up to 1,500 images per map, two concurrent tasks and 100 GB of storage. It is a better fit for regular workloads that need more capacity than Starter, without a higher image ceiling.

Business costs $99 a month and adds a 3,000-image-per-map limit, up to four concurrent tasks and 1,000 GB of storage, alongside unlimited maps. Those higher limits suit teams processing larger jobs in parallel. Pay As You Go uses custom pricing: it charges per map, allows up to 1,500 images per map and 30 concurrent tasks, with temporary cloud storage. It may suit bursty processing that benefits from concurrency without a fixed map allowance, but temporary storage is less appropriate when results need to remain in the cloud. All three subscription prices are billed yearly.

Platforms

WebODM supports Linux, macOS and Windows, as well as web access, an API and self-hosted deployment. The choice of local and cloud deployment lets users prioritize offline control or managed processing. UAV4GEO says its cloud service uses SSL encryption, secured data centers behind firewalls, password or secure-key access and encrypted passwords.

Who it's for

WebODM is best for users turning drone captures into geospatial and 3D deliverables who value offline operation, open-source processing or a choice between self-hosting and cloud plans. Its broad inputs and exports make it relevant to mapping and GIS work, while ground-control points, measurements and plant-health indexes add practical analysis tools. Users with limited RAM or storage, or those who want a simple phone-first capture workflow, should weigh its hardware demands and desktop-oriented processing model carefully.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Local, offline processing is included at no cost, avoiding dependence on a cloud plan for users with suitable hardware.
• Pro: Support for varied drone imagery and exports from GeoTIFF to OGC 3D Tiles serves both mapping and 3D workflows.
• Pro: Compatible processing nodes and an API give technical teams room to connect processing into broader systems.
• Con: Larger datasets have substantial recommended requirements—16 GB RAM and 100 GB disk space—so local processing may call for a capable computer.
• Con: Starter is limited to 12 maps per 30 days before per-map charges, while cloud capacity and concurrency vary substantially by tier.

Alternatives

Choose COLMAP if a free tool available on Linux, macOS, Windows and the web better fits your platform needs. Polycam is a freemium option for Android and iOS as well as the web; its free tier has limited space, object and AI captures, with GLTF exports and public-link sharing. RealityScan is another freemium option, available on Android, iOS, Linux and Windows.

KIRI Engine may suit users wanting a mobile or web option with a defined free allowance: its Basic plan permits up to 150 photos and 2 GB per scan, with unlimited scans and free exports. OpenReco is a free alternative for Linux, macOS and Windows. 3DF Zephyr offers a free perpetual license for personal use on Windows, but limits the free edition to 50 photos or video frames, one GPU and limited exports and editing.

3Dsurvey is a paid option with Android, iOS, Linux, web and Windows platforms; its yearly subscription is €187.50 a year, billed yearly in the amount of 2,250 €, excluding taxes. Agisoft Metashape is worth considering for users seeking a paid alternative with Standard Edition priced at $179 a month; its Professional Edition has custom pricing.

Verdict

WebODM is a strong choice for drone-mapping users who want broad geospatial and 3D outputs, offline processing and the option to scale into cloud plans. Its free local use and open-source engine are compelling; the main reasons to look elsewhere are the hardware burden of larger projects and cloud tiers whose image, task and storage limits require careful matching to your workload.