Drones have become a cornerstone of the modern geospatial industry. From aerial surveying and LiDAR capture to digital twins, GIS integration, and large-scale infrastructure mapping, UAVs are now one of the most powerful tools for spatial data collection.
While many drone exhibitions exist globally, only a handful truly stand out for geospatial professionals. These events go beyond showcasing aircraft — they focus on data accuracy, workflows, software integration, and real-world deployment.
Below is a curated list of the must-visit drone and geospatial expos worldwide, trusted by surveyors, GIS specialists, mapping companies, and spatial data leaders.
INTERGEO
Germany | Global Reach
INTERGEO is widely regarded as the most important geospatial exhibition in the world. It brings together surveying, mapping, GIS, and spatial data professionals from across every continent.
Drones are a major focus, particularly for:
- UAV LiDAR systems
- Photogrammetry workflows
- GNSS-integrated aerial surveying
- Digital twins and 3D city modelling
If you attend only one geospatial event globally, INTERGEO is often considered the gold standard.
Best for: Surveyors, national mapping agencies, LiDAR vendors, GIS platforms, and enterprise geospatial teams.
GeoWeek
United States | Commercial & Enterprise Focus
GeoWeek has become one of the top geospatial events in North America, merging surveying, mapping, remote sensing, and UAV data capture under one roof.
Drones are central to the exhibition, especially for:
- Reality capture
- Infrastructure mapping
- Construction and engineering workflows
- AEC and utility surveying
GeoWeek is known for being highly practical and operator-focused, making it a favorite among working professionals.
Best for: Commercial drone pilots, AEC firms, LiDAR specialists, and geospatial service providers.
Commercial UAV Expo
United States | Applied Drone Operations
While broader than geospatial alone, Commercial UAV Expo is a must-visit for geospatial drone users operating in construction, energy, infrastructure, and public works.
The expo excels at showing how drone data fits into:
- Surveying workflows
- Asset inspection and mapping
- Enterprise GIS and analytics systems
It bridges the gap between pure geospatial events and real-world commercial operations.
Best for: Drone mapping companies, infrastructure operators, utilities, and enterprise UAV programs.
MundoGEO Connect
Brazil | Latin America’s Geospatial Hub
MundoGEO Connect is the largest geospatial and drone-mapping event in Latin America. It combines drones, GIS, surveying, GNSS, and spatial analytics in one integrated exhibition.
Drones play a major role in:
- Environmental mapping
- Agriculture and land management
- Infrastructure development
- Urban planning
It’s a key gateway into LATAM geospatial markets.
Best for: Geospatial professionals operating in Latin America, drone data providers, mapping software vendors.
GeoBusiness
United Kingdom | Infrastructure & Planning Focus
GeoBusiness is one of Europe’s most respected geospatial trade shows, with strong emphasis on drones as data-capture tools.
The exhibition highlights:
- UAV surveying
- LiDAR and photogrammetry
- Infrastructure and transport mapping
- Planning and smart-city workflows
It’s particularly strong for geospatial applications tied to construction and public infrastructure.
Best for: Surveyors, planners, infrastructure consultants, and UAV data specialists.
Geospatial World Forum
Global | Strategic & Enterprise-Level
Geospatial World Forum (GWF) is less about hardware and more about how geospatial data shapes decision-making at scale. Drones feature as a critical data source within broader GIS, AI, and digital twin ecosystems.
This event attracts:
- National mapping agencies
- Large enterprises
- Urban planners and policymakers
Best for: Enterprise geospatial leaders, government agencies, and strategic decision-makers.
Locate
Australia | Surveying & Spatial Data Excellence
Locate is Australia’s flagship geospatial conference, where drones are deeply embedded into surveying and spatial workflows.
It showcases:
- UAV mapping in large-scale environments
- Land administration and cadastre
- Infrastructure and environmental applications
Australia’s leadership in BVLOS and remote operations makes this event especially valuable.
Best for: Surveyors, GIS professionals, and drone mapping firms operating in large or remote regions.
Why These Geospatial Drone Expos Matter
These events stand out because they focus on:
- Data quality, accuracy, and validation
- End-to-end workflows, not just aircraft
- Integration with GIS, BIM, and digital twins
- Real operational case studies, not hype
- Networking with buyers who understand spatial data value
For geospatial professionals, these expos are where technology decisions are made, partnerships are formed, and industry standards evolve.
Final Thoughts
Not all drone expos are equal — especially for geospatial professionals. The events listed above represent the global epicenters of drone-enabled mapping, surveying, and spatial analytics.
Whether you work in LiDAR, photogrammetry, GIS, infrastructure, or environmental mapping, these expos are where the future of geospatial drone operations is being shaped.
If your goal is to stay relevant, competitive, and technically sharp in the geospatial drone space, these are the must-visit events worldwide.