NEW YORK, NY — February 12, 2026 — Leads & Copy — The Drones as a Service (DaaS) market is rapidly expanding, offering companies a cost-effective way to enhance their survey capabilities. Instead of investing in drone fleets and managing compliance, businesses can access on-demand drone operations for high-resolution mapping, LiDAR, volumetric analysis, and real-time site data.
Industries such as construction, mining, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure are benefiting from faster turnaround times, safer data collection in hazardous environments, and more accurate datasets compared to traditional ground surveying methods.
From an investment perspective, DaaS provides efficiency and recurring revenue through subscription or contract-based models. Companies are using drone surveys for continuous monitoring, including tracking construction progress, managing assets, calculating inventory volumes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Automation and AI-powered analytics are improving productivity and reducing operating costs, strengthening margins and driving scalable growth.
The global Drones as a Service market is projected to reach approximately $8 billion by 2026, with forecasts suggesting expansion to over $25 billion in the next decade. Survey and mapping applications are among the largest and fastest-growing segments within DaaS.
ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA) is expanding its Drone as a Service with a new location in Orlando, Fla., focusing on government agencies. The Orlando location marks ZenaTech’s 23rd global DaaS hub, strategically positioned to serve high-value government and defense customers with surveying and mapping services.
According to Shaun Passley, Ph.D., CEO of ZenaTech, Florida’s infrastructure, transportation, and defense-related activity make it a strategically important state for Drone as a Service. The Orlando hub will work with the company’s Washington, D.C. office to pursue federal, state, and county-level government opportunities.
The Orlando DaaS location will focus on building relationships with federal, state, county, and municipal agencies, including defense installations, energy infrastructure, and transportation projects. A ten-person team, including pilots, land survey technicians, and business development staff, will be based in Orlando.
In the short term, the hub will perform survey and mapping work for defense sector customers using traditional survey methods while building drone integration and obtaining certifications. Once certified, drone-based applications will include military base and airport surveys, runway layout planning, federal land mapping, and critical defense infrastructure projects. The Orlando location will also support existing services for business customers in construction, golf course management, and public works projects.
AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) recently announced the sale of 15 eBee X fixed wing drones to a Europe-based defense integrator. The eBee X is a lightweight, NDAA-compliant mapping and surveying platform known for its endurance and accuracy.
Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC) recently promoted Drew Camden to President, effective immediately. Camden will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer, maintaining responsibility for manufacturing, supply chain, and operational execution.
AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) announced that Stephen Voline has joined the company as Senior Director of Washington Operations. Voline will support AV’s engagement with Congress, the Department of War, and key national security stakeholders.
Ondas Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) recently announced that its smart demining subsidiary, 4M Defense, has been awarded a large-scale multi-year demining program in Israel, after winning with a tender valued at over $30 million. The project will cover approximately 741 acres along the Israel-Syria border.
Source: ZenaTech
