SPH Engineering
SPH Engineering is a Riga-based drone software and integrated sensor systems developer operating the UgCS flight planning platform, serving professional surveyors, geophysicists, and researchers across mining, oil & gas, utilities, and academia with 5,000+ customer teams globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersRiga, Latvia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What SPH Engineering does
SPH Engineering is a Riga, Latvia-based developer of drone flight planning software and integrated sensor systems, founded in 2013 and operating the UgCS (Universal Ground Control Software) platform as its core product. UgCS is a desktop application that supports 100+ drone platforms (DJI, Blue UAS, Freefly, Autel, ArduPilot/PX4) and multiple specialized sensor payloads including LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar, magnetometers, echo sounders, gamma-ray spectrometers, and methane detectors, with proprietary capabilities such as True Terrain Following via the SkyHub onboard computer and Circlegrammetry photogrammetry (published in ISPRS Open Journal, November 2025). The company serves professional surveyors, geophysicists, researchers, and industrial operators across mining, oil & gas, utilities, construction, and academia, including named users such as the Geological Survey of Norway, Dalhousie University, Trident Industries, and Ileron.
The business operates a freemium-plus-paid software model through UgCS Open (free), UgCS Expert/PRO (LiDAR-grade mission planning), and UgCS Enterprise (multi-user, custom workflows), with both subscription and perpetual license options. Revenue is supplemented by sales of integrated hardware systems (SkyHub, MALÅ GeoDrone 600, Zond Aero 600 NG, EchoNIMBUS MBES/SSS, MagNIMBUS), training and certification through SPH Academy, a separate Drone Show Software division responsible for 12+ Guinness World Record light shows, and a commission-free marketplace launched in May 2026 connecting enterprise clients with 100+ vetted drone operators and rental partners across 38 countries. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales, an e-commerce storefront, reseller and educational partner channels, and the marketplace; North America accounts for approximately one-third of marketplace partners, with partner sales growing 30% year-over-year from 2024 to 2025.
The company is privately held with no disclosed external funding rounds, institutional investors, or parent company; it maintains 11-50 employees and is led by co-founder and CTO Alexey Dobrovolskiy alongside a board. Recent strategic activity has centered on product surface expansion (UgCS 5.9 in May 2025, UgCS Open in March 2025, MBES payload in September 2025, 600 MHz GPR antennas in November 2025, AI-assisted mission planning in March 2026) and channel expansion (marketplace in May 2026, Vets to Drones partnership in June 2026).
SPH Engineering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SPH Engineering
- Legal name
- SPH Engineering
- Website
- https://ugcs.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- SPH Engineering is a Riga-based drone software and integrated sensor systems developer operating the UgCS flight planning platform, serving professional surveyors, geophysicists, and researchers across mining, oil & gas, utilities, and academia with 5,000+ customer teams globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SPH Engineering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Drone Flight Planning Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM), Aerial Application Drones & UAS Spray Systems (AFAAADAB)
Keywords
Where SPH Engineering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Riga
- HQ country
- Latvia
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
SPH Engineering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Software Licenses: UgCS software sold as subscription or perpetual one-time license. Free tier (UgCS Open) with paid upgrades to Expert and Enterprise versions. Enterprise covers custom sensor integration, larger fleets, and proprietary workflows. All paid licenses include long-term software updates and direct support.
- Hardware Sales: Sale of integrated systems including GPR antennas (Zond Aero series), magnetometers (MagNIMBUS), echo sounders (EchoNIMBUS), methane detectors, SkyHub onboard computers, and other sensor payloads.
- Marketplace Connection Service: Commission-free connection service connecting enterprise clients with vetted drone operators and equipment rental partners. Platform drives customer acquisition for core UgCS software and payload hardware rather than direct transaction revenue.
- Training Services: SPH Academy provides training programs and certifications for drone operators using UgCS. Bi-weekly webinars conducted for team onboarding.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | UgCS Open - Free tier with core features |
| Subscription | Annual | UgCS Expert/PRO - Full LiDAR toolset |
| Subscription | Annual | UgCS Enterprise - Multi-user deployment |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Perpetual License Option |
| Subscription | Annual | Veteran Program Discount |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
SPH Engineering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SPH Engineering develops and sells UgCS (Universal Ground Control Software), a desktop drone flight planning and control platform that supports 100+ UAV platforms and an extensive sensor ecosystem including LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar, magnetometers, multi-beam echo sounders, and methane detectors. Beyond the core UgCS platform, the company sells integrated hardware payloads (SkyHub onboard computer, GPR antennas, MagNIMBUS, EchoNIMBUS MBES/SSS), runs a separate Drone Show Software division for entertainment drone light shows, and offers training through SPH Academy. The company also operates a commission-free drone equipment marketplace across 38 countries connecting enterprise clients with vetted operators and equipment partners.
Product overview
SPH Engineering is a Riga-based drone software developer offering a comprehensive UAV ecosystem centered on UgCS flight planning software. The portfolio includes the core UgCS platform (available in free Open tier, professional, and Enterprise tiers), multi-drone fleet operations (UgCS Commander), multi-sensor data processing (GeoHammer), and online GIS viewing (DroneGIS). Hardware offerings comprise SkyHub onboard computer with True Terrain Following, specialized GPR payloads (MALÅ GeoDrone 600, Zond Aero 600 NG), bathymetric sensors (EchoNIMBUS MBES/SSS), and magnetometer systems (MagNIMBUS). The company also operates a Drone Show Software division for entertainment applications and maintains a training academy. A drone equipment marketplace launched May 2026 connects enterprise clients with vetted operators across 38 countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- UgCS Open: Free version of UAV flight-planning software with core features including 3D flight planning, terrain-aware automation, and mission control.
- UgCS Expert
- UgCS Enterprise
- UgCS Commander
- UgCS for Research
- SkyHub
- EchoNIMBUS
- MagNIMBUS
- GeoHammer
- DroneGIS
Products and services
- UgCS (Universal Ground Control Software) Desktop drone flight planning and control software for professional UAV missions, supporting 100+ drone platforms and sensors including LiDAR, GPR, magnetometers, bathymetric sensors, and methane detectors. Offers 3D mission preview, terrain following, offline operation, and dedicated LiDAR toolsets for surveying, mining, oil & gas, utilities, and academic research customers.
- SkyHub Drone Onboard Computer
Quantifiable outcome
- 64% less flight time, 83% less processing time, 78% fewer images with same 1.4cm accuracy using Circlegrammetry (Dalhousie University case study)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use SPH Engineering
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
SPH Engineering technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration13 records
AI capability2 records
Feature9 records
SPH Engineering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- Vets to DronescoreStrategic partnership with Vets to Drones, a U.S. nonprofit helping veterans transition into commercial drone careers. Veterans receive training on UgCS flight planning software for professional surveying, mapping, and inspection operations, plus 30% discount on core licenses to reduce barriers to launching drone service businesses. Initiative addresses drone industry workforce development challenge.
- Drone Equipment Marketplace PartnerscoreCommission-free drone equipment marketplace connecting enterprise clients with vetted operators and equipment rental partners. Platform has 100+ global partners across 38 countries, with North America accounting for about one-third. Received approximately 70 applications within first day including ~40 new partnership requests.
- DJIcoreDeep integration partnership with DJI. UgCS connects directly to DJI drones through DJI Pilot 2, UgCS for DJI mobile app, and Companion app. Supports DJI L-series (L1, L2, L3), Matrice series, Mavic series, and Phantom series. Routes can be pushed from desktop to DJI controllers via cloud sync.
- Blue UAScoreBlue UAS ecosystem partnership supporting NDAA-compliant operations. When government or defense contracts require Blue sUAS platforms, UgCS enables platform switching without changing mission planning software or retraining pilots.
- YellowScanmajorLong-term integration partnership with YellowScan, a leading LiDAR sensor manufacturer. YellowScan pilots use UgCS for LiDAR mission planning due to its simplicity, reliability, and dedicated LiDAR tools.
- Malå GeoDronemajorProduct integration for MALÅ GeoDrone 600, a 600 MHz GPR antenna for high-resolution subsurface mapping with UAV integration and automated flight functions.
- Cerulean SurveyormajorIntegration with Cerulean Surveyor sensors (240-16 for MBES, 450SS for SSS) for EchoNIMBUS bathymetric and sonar systems enabling UAV-based water depth mapping.
- GeometricsmajorIntegration with Geometrics MagArrow Mk2 magnetometer for UAV-based magnetic surveys in geophysical applications.
- SENSYSmajorIntegration with SENSYS MagDrone R1, R3, and R4 magnetometer systems for drone-based magnetic field surveys.
- Freefly SystemsmajorIntegration with Freefly Alta X and Freefly Astro drones, supporting HereLink controller connectivity and PX4 autopilot.
- Inspired FlightmajorIntegration with Inspired Flight drones (IF800, IF1200, IF1200A, IF750) for professional UAV applications.
- QuSpinmajorIntegration with QuSpin Gen-2 magnetometer sensor in MagNIMBUS system for UAV-based magnetic surveys.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SPH Engineering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- DroneDeploy: Drone mapping and flight planning platform for enterprise drone operations across construction, agriculture, and inspection. Closely comparable to UgCS as a multi-vertical drone mission planning and data platform with a SaaS go-to-market.
- Pix4D: Photogrammetry and drone mapping software with mission planning tools. Comparable to UgCS in survey-grade mapping workflows and as a software layer used alongside multiple drone OEMs in surveying, construction, and inspection.
- PrecisionHawk: Drone data analytics and flight planning platform serving enterprise customers in utilities, agriculture, and inspection. Comparable to UgCS as a multi-vertical enterprise drone software stack with both planning and analytics.
- Auterion: Open-source-based drone operating system and ground control software for PX4/ArduPilot fleets. Directly comparable to UgCS in multi-platform planning and government/defense (Blue UAS) compatibility.
- AirData UAV: Drone flight logging, fleet management, and mission planning SaaS for enterprise and prosumer operators. Comparable to UgCS as a software-led drone operations platform.
Broad incumbents
- DJI (DJI FlightHub / DJI Pilot): Largest commercial drone OEM, bundling DJI Pilot and FlightHub planning software with its hardware. A broad incumbent that competes with UgCS by providing free, tightly integrated planning for the dominant installed base.
- Skydio: US-based autonomous drone OEM with its own mission planning and fleet management software. A broad incumbent competing with UgCS especially in inspection, public safety, and defense.
- senseFly (Parrot): Fixed-wing drone manufacturer with eMotion flight planning software for survey and mapping. Comparable to UgCS as a survey-oriented planning platform with integrated hardware.
Emerging players
- Litchi: Third-party drone flight planning app focused on waypoint and cinematic missions for prosumer users. Comparable to UgCS in mission planning category but at a narrower, lower-end use case.
Others
- YellowScan: Leading LiDAR sensor manufacturer with which SPH has a long-term integration partnership. Adjacent/partner rather than direct competitor, but highly comparable because both sell into the same UAV-LiDAR survey workflow.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SPH Engineering social profiles
Digital presenceSPH Engineering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SPH Engineering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
SPH Engineering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SPH Engineering 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 SPH Engineering
What does SPH Engineering do?
SPH Engineering develops and sells UgCS (Universal Ground Control Software), a desktop drone flight planning and control platform that supports 100+ UAV platforms and an extensive sensor ecosystem including LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar, magnetometers, multi-beam echo sounders, and methane detectors. Beyond the core UgCS platform, the company sells integrated hardware payloads (SkyHub onboard computer, GPR antennas, MagNIMBUS, EchoNIMBUS MBES/SSS), runs a separate Drone Show Software division for entertainment drone light shows, and offers training through SPH Academy. The company also operates a commission-free drone equipment marketplace across 38 countries connecting enterprise clients with vetted operators and equipment partners.
Is SPH Engineering a public or private company?
SPH Engineering is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was SPH Engineering founded?
SPH Engineering was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SPH Engineering based?
SPH Engineering is headquartered in Riga, Latvia, in the Europe region.
How does SPH Engineering make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Software Licenses are the primary driver. The others are hardware Sales, marketplace Connection Service and training Services.
Who are SPH Engineering's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are DroneDeploy, Pix4D, PrecisionHawk, Auterion and AirData UAV. Broad incumbents are DJI (DJI FlightHub / DJI Pilot), Skydio and senseFly (Parrot). Litchi is listed as an emerging player. YellowScan is listed as an others.
Does SPH Engineering have an API?
No public API is recorded for SPH Engineering.
What industry is SPH Engineering in?
SPH Engineering's product category is Drone Flight Planning Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAIAL, UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure, with a secondary code of BPAMANAM, Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms. Its NAICS code is 5415 and its SIC code is 3812.