How to Use FAA ArcGIS for Drone Flight Planning
The FAA's free ArcGIS tool shows you exactly where you can and cannot fly. Here is how to use it for flight planning.
The FAA ArcGIS tool displays airspace boundaries, airports, and altitude restrictions via a web interface. Grid numbers indicate maximum LAANC altitudes. It requires cross-referencing with other tools for active TFRs and real-time restrictions.
The FAA free ArcGIS tool displays airspace boundaries, airport locations, and altitude restrictions through a web interface. Pilots can search any location to see colored grid numbers indicating maximum allowed altitudes under LAANC, though it requires cross-referencing with other tools for active TFRs and real-time restrictions.
Before you fly anywhere, you need to know what airspace you are in. The FAA provides a free web-based tool that gives you the same sectional chart information professional pilots use, accessible from any browser.
Accessing FAA ArcGIS
Search “FAA ArcGIS UAS” or go directly to the FAA’s Visualize It tool. It works in any browser on any device. No account required.
Type in any address or location. The map zooms to that area and overlays airspace boundaries, airport locations, and altitude restrictions. Everything you need to know about where you can fly appears on screen.
What the Map Shows
Airspace boundaries: Colored circles and shapes around airports show controlled airspace. The grid numbers inside each area indicate your maximum allowed altitude in that zone.
Airports: All public and private airports appear with their identifier codes. Pay attention to airports within 5 miles of your flight location.
Special use airspace: Restricted areas, military operations areas, and TFRs display as shaded regions.
Navigation aids: VOR stations and other navigation references appear for orientation.
Reading the Altitude Grid
Each grid square in controlled airspace shows a number. This is your maximum allowed altitude in that zone under LAANC. A grid showing “400” means you can fly up to 400 feet. A grid showing “0” means you need special authorization beyond standard LAANC.
For most residential and commercial drone work, you will be in areas showing 400 or in uncontrolled Class G airspace with no grid restrictions.
Practical Workflow
- Before leaving home: Search your flight location on FAA ArcGIS to check airspace classification
- If Class G: No authorization needed. Fly under 400 feet.
- If controlled airspace: Open Aloft or AirMap for LAANC authorization
- Check grid altitude: Confirm your planned altitude is within the grid limit
- Request LAANC: Takes seconds through the app
- Verify TFRs: Cross-reference with faa.gov/tfr for temporary restrictions
Limitations
FAA ArcGIS shows static airspace data. It does not show active TFRs or real-time restrictions. Always cross-reference with the TFR page and check NOTAMs before flying.
The tool is best used for initial planning. For on-site verification and LAANC authorization, use dedicated apps like Aloft or AirMap.
Combining Tools
Professional pilots use multiple sources. Check FAA ArcGIS for the big picture. Use Aloft or AirMap for detailed authorization. Verify TFRs on the FAA website. Check weather on aviationweather.gov. Layering sources catches errors any single tool might miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the FAA ArcGIS tool? Search FAA ArcGIS UAS or navigate to the FAA Visualize It tool. Works in any browser without an account.
What do grid numbers mean? Each grid square displays your maximum allowed altitude under LAANC. 400 means up to 400 feet, while 0 indicates you need special authorization.
Does it show TFRs? No, FAA ArcGIS shows static airspace data only. You must cross-reference with the FAA TFR page and check NOTAMs separately.
What if I am in controlled airspace? Open Aloft or AirMap to request LAANC authorization. The process takes seconds through these apps.
Can I rely solely on FAA ArcGIS? No. Layer multiple sources: FAA ArcGIS for planning, dedicated apps for LAANC, FAA website for TFRs, and aviationweather.gov for weather.
What does Class G mean for my flight? Uncontrolled airspace with no grid restrictions. You can fly under 400 feet without authorization, though all other Part 107 rules apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to access the tool? Search FAA ArcGIS UAS or use the FAA Visualize It tool. Works in any browser without an account.
What do grid numbers mean? Maximum allowed altitude under LAANC. 400 means up to 400 feet, 0 means special authorization needed.
Does it show TFRs? No. Cross-reference with FAA TFR page and check NOTAMs separately.
What if in controlled airspace? Open Aloft or AirMap to request LAANC authorization, which takes seconds.
Can I rely solely on it? No. Layer sources: FAA ArcGIS for planning, apps for LAANC, FAA site for TFRs, aviationweather.gov for weather.
What does Class G mean? Uncontrolled airspace with no grid restrictions. Fly under 400 feet without authorization, all other Part 107 rules apply. For a complete guide to preflight planning including airspace, weather, and site assessment, check out our free Drone Flight Planning and Preflight Procedures course.
