UgCS (Universal Ground Control Station)

UgCS (Universal Ground Control Software) is a professional flight planning and mission control platform developed by SPH Engineering. Since its launch in 2013, the vendor states that UgCS has supported pilots, surveyors, and researchers across more than 150 countries.

The software enables automated and repeatable UAV missions with advanced features such as:

True Terrain Following (TTF) for flights over uneven ground or vegetation

.Corridor mapping and photogrammetry tools for linear infrastructure surveys

.Multi-drone coordination for synchronized missions

.KML/CSV/shape file import for mission planning in GIS workflows

.Custom payload control when paired with the SkyHub onboard computer

UgCS supports a wide range of drones, from DJI, Freefly, and Inspired Flight to custom UAV platforms. When integrated with sensors such as LiDAR, ground-penetrating radars, magnetometers, echo sounders, methane detectors, gamma spectrometers, and cameras, UgCS enables efficient workflows in hydrography, geophysics, mining, utilities, agriculture, and public safety.

Key differentiators include cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS), integration with Esri ArcGIS and QGIS, and the ability to export data to CAD/BIM tools. UgCS is offered in several editions tailored to different user groups, from single-drone operators to enterprise fleets.

By standardizing UAV operations, UgCS helps organizations conduct safer, faster, and more reliable missions, whether for mapping reservoirs, inspecting powerlines, monitoring pipelines, or conducting environmental research.