YellowScan
YellowScan designs and produces UAV-mounted LiDAR systems and proprietary point-cloud software for professional 3D mapping. The French firm serves 350+ surveyors, UAV manufacturers, government agencies, and enterprise clients globally through direct sales and a distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersMontferrier-sur-lez, France
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What YellowScan does
YellowScan is a French designer, developer, and producer of UAV-mounted LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems for professional 3D mapping applications, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Saint-Clément-De-Rivière, France. The company's core offering is an integrated hardware-plus-software LiDAR stack: nine NDAA-compliant aerial LiDAR sensors (Navigator for bathymetric/topographic mapping, Venturer, Voyager, Explorer, Fly & Drive hybrid, Mapper Ultra, Mapper+, Mapper, and Surveyor Ultra) paired with proprietary processing and visualization software (CloudStation, LiveStation, and the free CloudStation Viewer) plus a paid support program called YellowCare.
The business model is anchored on hardware sales to professional surveyors, UAV manufacturers, and government/major enterprise accounts, supplemented by software subscriptions (CloudStation) and recurring support revenue (YellowCare). Distribution runs through direct enterprise sales alongside a global network of resellers and integrators (e.g., Itochu in Japan, Frontier Precision in North America). YellowScan serves 350+ customers worldwide across verticals including surveying, construction, mining, forestry, energy/utilities, bathymetry, road/rail, and defense/security. Recent strategic emphasis has shifted toward certified, regulated applications (EASA C2 certification via Argosdyne, EASA Specific category compliance via Drone Rescue Systems partnership) and international expansion, notably the YellowScan Japan subsidiary.
Commercial validation includes selection to the Élysée Palace "Fabrique en France" exhibition (from 2,500 applicants) and the 2025 La Lettre M International Award. The company is privately held with no disclosed institutional funding beyond an early 2015 angel round (~$441K from Capitole Angels and MELIES Business Angels), suggesting it has been largely self-funded over 13+ years of operation.
YellowScan firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- YellowScan
- Legal name
- YellowScan
- Website
- https://yellowscan-lidar.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- YellowScan designs and produces UAV-mounted LiDAR systems and proprietary point-cloud software for professional 3D mapping. The French firm serves 350+ surveyors, UAV manufacturers, government agencies, and enterprise clients globally through direct sales and a distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
YellowScan industry classification
Industry- Product category
- UAV LiDAR Mapping Systems
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services (54137)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- LiDAR & 3D Sensing Modules (HDAHALAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM), Aerial Surveying & Crop Scouting (Imaging, Mapping, Stand Counts) (AFACAIAJ)
Keywords
Where YellowScan is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montferrier-sur-lez
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
YellowScan business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- LiDAR Hardware Systems: Sale of UAV LiDAR hardware systems including Navigator, Venturer, Voyager, Explorer, Fly & Drive, Mapper Ultra, Mapper+, Mapper, and Surveyor Ultra. All products are NDAA compliant.
- Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Sale of software solutions including CloudStation for point cloud processing, LiveStation for real-time monitoring, and CloudStation Viewer for free point cloud exploration.
- Customer Support Services: Technical support and customer care services under the YellowCare program, providing ongoing assistance for LiDAR system users.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
YellowScan product offering
Product offeringCore offering
YellowScan designs, develops, and produces UAV-mounted LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) mapping solutions for professional 3D laser mapping applications. The company sells complete LiDAR ecosystems comprising purpose-built hardware sensors (Navigator, Venturer, Voyager, Explorer, Fly & Drive, Mapper Ultra, Mapper+, Mapper, Surveyor Ultra), processing and visualization software (CloudStation, CloudStation Viewer, LiveStation), and ongoing technical support services (YellowCare), all NDAA-compliant and tailored for drone integration.
Product overview
YellowScan offers a complete LiDAR solutions portfolio combining hardware systems and software tools for professional 3D mapping applications. The hardware lineup includes seven LiDAR systems: Navigator (bathymetric/topographic mapping from land to water), Venturer (advanced precision system), Voyager (professional surveying), Explorer (extended range), Fly & Drive (hybrid aerial/ground), Mapper Ultra (high-performance), Mapper+ (compact), Mapper (entry-level), and Surveyor Ultra (affordable). The software suite comprises CloudStation (data processing), CloudStation Viewer (free viewer), and LiveStation (real-time monitoring). Support is provided through YellowCare. All hardware products are NDAA Compliant.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Navigator NDAA-compliant bathymetric and topographic LiDAR system that maps continuously from land to water for hydrographic and coastal survey professionals.
- Venturer NDAA-compliant LiDAR system developed for missions requiring precision, security, and adaptability, featuring a dual-camera module for survey-grade mapping operations.
- Voyager NDAA-compliant precision LiDAR system designed for professional surveying and mapping applications, suited for BVLOS operations.
- Explorer NDAA-compliant LiDAR system built for extended range and large-scale surveying missions requiring performance and speed.
- Fly & Drive Hybrid LiDAR system that offers both drone-based aerial mapping and ground-based vehicle surveying capabilities, designed for flexible mission profiles.
- Mapper Ultra High-performance LiDAR system designed for faster mapping with enhanced penetration and extended range capabilities.
- Mapper+ Compact yet powerful LiDAR system with a small form factor that balances portability with professional-grade performance for UAV integration.
- Mapper Entry-level LiDAR system designed to make LiDAR technology accessible for users entering professional surveying applications.
- Surveyor Ultra Affordable, flexible, and productive LiDAR system designed for cost-conscious professional surveying customers.
- CloudStation Professional LiDAR data processing software that converts captured point cloud data into usable digital deliverables for survey and mapping professionals.
- CloudStation Viewer Free LiDAR viewer software that makes point cloud exploration and basic measurement accessible to anyone handling LiDAR data.
- LiveStation Real-time in-flight monitoring solution for UAV-based LiDAR missions, providing live visualization of captured data during survey flights.
- YellowCare Comprehensive customer support service providing technical assistance and maintenance for YellowScan LiDAR system owners.
Quantifiable outcome
- More than 350 customers have completed projects with YellowScan LiDAR solutions worldwide
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use YellowScan
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments11 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
YellowScan technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature12 records
YellowScan partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- WingcoptercoreWingcopter partnered with YellowScan Japan and PASCO to deploy Wingcopter's fixed-wing VTOL drones for large-scale aerial surveying in Japan. The Wingcopter 198 can scan more than 1,000 hectares in a single 45-minute flight, combining LiDAR and RGB data capture. The collaboration focuses on disaster management applications, automating surveying workflows, and enabling faster responses to natural disasters through hazard mapping, damage assessment, and terrain monitoring.
- PASCOcorePASCO partnered with Itochu and YellowScan Japan to deploy Wingcopter drones with YellowScan LiDAR systems for disaster management surveying in Japan. The collaboration aims to address Japan's challenging terrain where 70% of the country consists of mountainous areas.
- ItochumajorItochu is Wingcopter's authorized partner in Japan, signing MoU with PASCO and YellowScan Japan to deploy Wingcopter's fixed-wing VTOL drones with LiDAR systems for large-scale aerial surveying focused on disaster management.
- Drone Rescue SystemscoreYellowScan and Drone Rescue Systems announced a strategic partnership to enhance safety, mission reliability, and regulatory compliance for UAV-based LiDAR applications. The collaboration combines YellowScan's lightweight LiDAR mapping solutions with DRS' parachute recovery technology to meet EASA Specific category requirements, particularly for BVLOS flights and operations over populated areas. Both companies intend to leverage their networks to streamline integration of safety and data collection solutions for professional drone operators.
- Frontier PrecisionminorFrontier Precision sponsored a webinar to highlight the YellowScan Voyager LiDAR system, educating attendees on LiDAR's role in geospatial surveying and mapping workflows, with focus on BVLOS operations.
- ArgosdynecoreYellowScan and Argosdyne announced a strategic partnership centered around the EasyMapper drone solutions, which have officially received the prestigious C2 Class certification from EASA. This partnership targets the classified drone LiDAR solution market for defense and security applications.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
YellowScan competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Trimble Inc. Trimble is a large geospatial and construction technology provider with mapping, surveying, and aerial imaging solutions including integrated LiDAR workflows. Broader incumbent with overlapping end-customers but broader software/services portfolio than YellowScan.
- Leica Geosystems (Hexagon): Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, is a broad incumbent in surveying and geospatial instruments with airborne and mobile LiDAR products. Overlaps with YellowScan in professional surveying and mapping but operates across a much wider portfolio.
- DJI (Livox / Zenmuse L1/L2): DJI is the world's largest drone manufacturer and offers integrated LiDAR payloads (Zenmuse L1/L2) via its Livox subsidiary. While not a pure-play LiDAR vendor, it competes with YellowScan in the drone-based mapping space via bundled drone-plus-LiDAR offerings — though lacks NDAA-compliance.
Direct peers
- Phoenix LiDAR Systems: Phoenix LiDAR Systems is a U.S.-based provider of UAV LiDAR mapping solutions, offering integrated hardware, software, and processing services. Direct competitor to YellowScan across surveying, forestry, and corridor mapping applications.
- RIEGL: RIEGL is an Austrian manufacturer of LiDAR sensors and scanning systems for terrestrial, mobile, airborne, and UAV-based surveying. Highly comparable to YellowScan given its direct overlap in professional-grade UAV LiDAR hardware and survey/mapping end markets.
- Teledyne Optech: Teledyne Optech designs and manufactures airborne, mobile, and terrestrial LiDAR systems used for surveying, mapping, and remote sensing. Competes directly with YellowScan in the professional UAV/aerial LiDAR category.
- Ouster (formerly Velodyne + Ouster): Ouster is a publicly traded LiDAR sensor manufacturer offering digital flash and scanning LiDAR for industrial, automotive, and mapping applications. Comparable to YellowScan as a LiDAR hardware vendor, though with broader end-market exposure beyond UAV mapping.
Emerging players
- Quantum Systems: Quantum Systems is a German fixed-wing drone manufacturer offering integrated LiDAR mapping solutions via partnerships (e.g., with YellowScan and others). Competes in the same drone-based surveying end-market where YellowScan's payloads are integrated, with overlapping customers.
- GeoSLAM: GeoSLAM provides handheld and mobile 3D LiDAR scanning hardware and software for indoor and outdoor mapping. Adjacent to YellowScan with partial overlap in spatial data capture but focused on mobile/indoor rather than UAV-based surveying.
Others
- Wingcopter: Wingcopter is a German fixed-wing VTOL drone manufacturer that has partnered with YellowScan Japan, PASCO, and Itochu to deploy drones integrated with YellowScan LiDAR for large-scale aerial surveying in Japan. Ecosystem partner rather than direct competitor, but adjacent in the UAV mapping stack.
Market position
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
YellowScan social profiles
Digital presenceYellowScan financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
YellowScan leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
YellowScan subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
YellowScan funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
YellowScan M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about YellowScan
What does YellowScan do?
YellowScan designs, develops, and produces UAV-mounted LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) mapping solutions for professional 3D laser mapping applications. The company sells complete LiDAR ecosystems comprising purpose-built hardware sensors (Navigator, Venturer, Voyager, Explorer, Fly & Drive, Mapper Ultra, Mapper+, Mapper, Surveyor Ultra), processing and visualization software (CloudStation, CloudStation Viewer, LiveStation), and ongoing technical support services (YellowCare), all NDAA-compliant and tailored for drone integration.
Is YellowScan a public or private company?
YellowScan is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was YellowScan founded?
YellowScan was founded in 2012. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is YellowScan based?
YellowScan is headquartered in Montferrier-sur-lez, France, in the Europe region.
How does YellowScan make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. LiDAR Hardware Systems are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses and Subscriptions and customer Support Services.
Who are YellowScan's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Trimble Inc., Leica Geosystems (Hexagon) and DJI (Livox / Zenmuse L1/L2). Direct peers are Phoenix LiDAR Systems, RIEGL, Teledyne Optech and Ouster (formerly Velodyne + Ouster). Emerging players are Quantum Systems and GeoSLAM. Wingcopter is listed as an others.
Does YellowScan have an API?
No public API is recorded for YellowScan.
What industry is YellowScan in?
YellowScan's product category is UAV LiDAR Mapping Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHALAG, LiDAR & 3D Sensing Modules, with a secondary code of BPAMANAM, Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.