Drone Use in Land Real Estate: 2025 Industry Report

How Land Agents Are Using Aerial Media Today — and Where It's Headed

Over the past decade, drones have dramatically reshaped how land real estate is marketed and managed. Once considered an emerging technology or even a novelty, drone media has now become an essential component of nearly every land listing. Whether it’s capturing vast acreage, hard-to-reach terrain, or emphasizing unique property features, drones offer a visual advantage that traditional ground-based photography simply can’t match.

To better understand how land agents are using drone technology today—and where the greatest opportunities lie going forward—Flight Spool surveyed 66 agents from across the U.S. This industry report shares the results of those interviews and provides insights for agents, drone pilots, and real estate media providers.

Survey Methodology

We used a structured set of five open-ended questions delivered via phone and email interviews to land agents across a variety of regions. The goal was to capture a comprehensive snapshot of:

• How drones are currently used

• Where drones add value in the sales process

• Challenges or pain points agents have experienced

• Ways the technology is evolving

• What media providers can do better

Responses were compiled from 66 professionals actively working in land real estate, with experience ranging from small-acreage hobby farms to multi-thousand-acre ranches.

Drone Use Is Widespread and Growing

Drone photography is now a standard expectation in land listings, and many agents have incorporated drone video as well. The majority of respondents said they use drone footage in almost all of their listings. For large or scenic tracts, drone media is considered a non-negotiable part of the listing process. A few even reported using drones on every listing, regardless of size, because it helps all properties stand out.

Some agents are FAA Part 107 certified and fly their own drones. Others prefer to hire professionals, citing convenience, better equipment, and access to post-production services.

Key Benefits

Better Visualization: Drone footage allows potential buyers, especially those viewing listings remotely, to get a sense of a property's layout, terrain, and features before visiting in person.

Improved Online Performance: Listings with drone media typically perform better on MLS, social media, and email campaigns. They capture attention quickly and convey more information visually than ground shots.

Seller Satisfaction: Sellers are often wowed by seeing their property from above for the first time. It adds a professional polish that strengthens the agent-client relationship.

"A bird’s-eye view can tell you a lot about a property," one agent noted. "It helps people fall in love with the land before they even visit."

Agents See a Clear Impact

While not all agents had specific performance data, nearly all reported anecdotal evidence that drone media increases listing engagement. Many said they receive more calls, more qualified leads, and faster offers when drone videos are used. A few mentioned that drone footage helps them stand out in listing presentations and win new business.

Additional Benefits:

Client Attraction: New sellers often cite drone videos as a reason for choosing a particular agent. They associate the technology with professionalism and innovation.

Buyer Filtering: Drone footage helps prospective buyers self-select. By seeing the land clearly from above, uninterested parties can bow out early, saving time for both agent and seller.

Emotional Impact: A well-shot drone video can generate excitement and emotional connection. It becomes more than just a tool—it’s part of the sales story.

Common Challenges and Pain Points

Even with widespread use, agents reported several recurring issues that drone providers and in-house pilots should be aware of:

Boundary Lines: One of the top concerns is inaccurate or misleading boundary lines overlaid on drone footage. These can create legal issues if interpreted as official surveys. Many agents want lines included—but clearly marked as approximate or for visual reference only.

Missed Features: Important elements such as access roads, water sources, fencing, and outbuildings are sometimes overlooked. Providers unfamiliar with land listings may not know what to prioritize.

Slow Turnaround: Agents working in rural areas frequently cited slow delivery of footage as a dealbreaker. Properties often launch quickly once listed, and delays can result in missed opportunities.

DIY Editing Struggles: Many agents who fly drones themselves struggle with post-production. Editing is time-consuming and often falls outside their skill set. There is a growing need for reliable, fast, and affordable editing support.

Lack of Collaboration: Some agents reported poor communication with drone operators, resulting in mismatched expectations. A detailed shot list upfront can avoid wasted time and reshoots.

Beyond Marketing: Drones in Land Management

While marketing remains the primary use case, a growing number of agents and clients are using drones for operational purposes as well. These include:

• Crop spraying in areas inaccessible to ground equipment

• Wildlife and livestock monitoring to assess herd movement or the presence of game

• Property inspections for fencing, roofs, or remote outbuildings

• Field scouting and vegetation analysis for agriculture and forestry

• Before-and-after documentation of clearing, improvements, or conservation work

• Estate planning and legal documentation to record property conditions

These applications suggest a long-term trend: drones are evolving from marketing tools into essential land management assets.

Best Practices for Real Estate Drone Content

Based on agent feedback, these recommendations can help improve drone content outcomes:

Use Consistently: Drones aren’t just for big properties. Even smaller parcels benefit from low-altitude flyovers or cinematic shots that showcase key features.

Keep Videos Short: Clips under 60 seconds perform best on social platforms and in email campaigns. They’re long enough to showcase the land but short enough to hold attention.

Highlight the Essentials: Water sources, road access, topography, improvements, and scenic views should be prioritized. Buyers want practical information, not just pretty visuals.

Add Context: On-screen callouts for nearby towns, landmarks, or property features help orient the viewer. Avoid clutter, but do provide helpful context.

Clarify Boundaries: If property lines are shown, always include a disclaimer if they are estimates. This builds trust and protects both agent and provider from legal misunderstandings.

Coordinate Ahead of Time: A brief planning call or shared shot list goes a long way. Better communication results in better footage.

Fast, Polished Editing Matters: Speed is crucial. Agents often need to launch listings quickly, so providers who can deliver cinematic edits fast have a major advantage.

What’s Next: Drone Tech Trends to Watch

The future of drones in land real estate is exciting. Several emerging technologies are reshaping what’s possible:

1. AI-Powered Mapping & Media Creation

AI is enabling drones to generate 3D terrain models, identify vegetation health, and even create short marketing videos from still photos. This technology simplifies production workflows and helps agents maintain a consistent, professional look across their listings.

Some tools, such as VuGru, are already making this possible by allowing agents to generate polished highlight videos directly from still images. This can be especially helpful when a full video shoot isn’t feasible but interior or exterior photos of a cabin, barn, or house are available. The result is a simple, professional-looking video that complements aerial footage and rounds out the property’s story.

2. Autonomous Drones

Pre-programmed drones can now fly routes over properties with minimal input, capturing consistent data or marketing visuals. These tools will be especially useful for large tracts of land or remote areas.

3. Advanced Sensors

Drones equipped with LiDAR, thermal imaging, and multispectral cameras are providing richer insights into land conditions. This will increasingly benefit appraisals, agriculture, and conservation planning.

4. FAA Regulation Updates

The long-anticipated Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rule may soon expand what drone pilots can do. If adopted, it could open the door to large-property flyovers without visual contact, revolutionizing aerial surveying.

5. Potential DJI Market Disruption

Legislation in progress may lead to restrictions on DJI drone sales and support in the U.S. This is still unfolding, but land agents and drone pilots who rely on DJI should begin exploring alternatives now to avoid disruption.

Takeaways for Agents and Drone Providers

• Drone media is expected, not optional. It’s now part of the standard marketing toolkit.

• Well-shot aerial content wins listings. It impresses clients and sets listings apart.

• Drone providers must understand land listings. Knowing what features matter is critical.

• Editing support is in demand. Many agents can capture footage but struggle with post-production.

• Regulations and hardware are shifting. Staying informed is key to long-term success.

A Note from Flight Spool

At Flight Spool, we specialize in helping land agents create compelling aerial content—whether you’re flying your own drone or need full-service support. We understand what land buyers want to see and how to showcase it.

This survey reinforced what we’ve believed from the start: drone media isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic advantage. Whether you’re marketing a 30-acre wooded parcel or a 3,000-acre cattle ranch, strong visuals help you sell faster and smarter.

We’re excited to continue innovating in this space with tools that save time, enhance professionalism, and help agents grow their business.

If you have questions about drone or media services—whether it's capturing footage, editing support, or new tools you'd like to explore—I'm always happy to talk—just email me at matt@flightspool.com.

Matt Rafferty

Founder, Flight Spool