Manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles DJI has improved its geofencing system in the latest update of its GO app, which controls its Phantom and Inspire aerial platforms.

The Geospatial Environment Online (GEO) software will enable pilots to avoid flying drones near airports and other sensitive locations.

In addition, this software automatically updates with temporary flight restrictions around wildfires, which helps protect authorised firefighting aircraft and enables fire crews to operate without disturbances.

DJI’s vice-president of policy and legal affairs Brendan Schulman said: "Safety is DJI’s top priority, which is why we first introduced geofencing technology three years ago and have been steadily refining the industry’s best technology to enhance aviation safety.

"Drone pilots want to fly safely and our GEO system helps DJI customers fly responsibly while also enabling the full capabilities of remotely piloted aircraft."

"Drone pilots want to fly safely and our GEO system helps DJI customers fly responsibly while also enabling the full capabilities of remotely piloted aircraft."

An improved version of DJI’s earlier No-Fly Zone technology, the GEO system includes permanent restrictions around prisons, nuclear power plants, and other sensitive locations, as well as temporary restrictions at large stadium gatherings and national security events.

It also brings in flexibility for drone pilots by enabling them to unlock some restricted areas where they have permission to operate.

The GEO system prevents flights from entering into certain zones unless a pilot temporarily unlocks it for a permissible use. However, the unlocking option is not possible for some areas, which could raise national security concerns, such as Washington, D.C.

This system is available for iOS systems and Android in the latest update of the DJI GO app, and operates on all Inspire models and Phantom 4, Phantom 3 Professional, and Phantom 3 Advanced models.

To benefit from the system, pilots need to update their app and firmware for their controller and aircraft.

The system can be used in 17 countries including almost all of North America and western Europe, and will be expanded to other regions worldwide.