Introducing: LayerDrone

Published on
April 16, 2025

Welcome to LayerDrone: the world’s most detailed imaging network and the foundation for the next generation of AI and GIS applications.

LayerDrone is an open network protocol. The LayerDrone Foundation will steward the network as a public utility to unlock the ability to build something bigger than any single corporation could achieve. By standardizing imagery data across the planet, the LayerDrone Network empowers a global community of drone pilots to build the most detailed and continuously updated visual record of the Earth.

The demand for ultra-high resolution imagery has never been greater, and by making this data even more accessible, the LayerDrone Network can enable massive innovations in geo-spatial AI — much like how open internet protocols drove the explosion of web applications.

Spexi → LayerDrone

Since 2022, Spexi has been harnessing blockchain technology to make the network more efficient and scalable. Now, in 2025, LayerDrone has been spun out from Spexi Geospatial Inc. to enable anyone to contribute, access, and build on its imagery datasets (provided they follow LayerDrone’s established standards and guidelines).

Spexi, the founding core contributor to LayerDrone, is now a service provider to LayerDrone Foundation: an independent and mission-driven foundation that stewards the LayerDrone Network as a public utility.

For Pilots:

We understand that Spexi apps will interface with the LayerDrone network, meaning that pilots will still be able to use the Spexi app to fly missions, upload data, and get rewarded.

Going forward, there will be a shift in organizational focus:

  • The LayerDrone Foundation will focus on network development, governance, and building a thriving community where pilots play a crucial role
  • We understand that Spexi will focus on commercial operations, tooling, and customer applications that use the network

This separation allows both organizations to specialize and grow faster, creating more opportunities for pilots and other stakeholders.

Our Vision: What’s Next for LayerDrone?

We envision that LayerDrone could become the premier open network protocol for Earth imaging technology, moving from a centralized commercial model to a decentralized ecosystem where anyone can contribute or build applications.

LayerDrone aims to drive the evolution of the ‘economy of the sky’ at the forefront of the market for Spatial AI and imagery-fueled applications.

Key highlights of the LayerDrone Network include:

  • Unmatched detail: Imagery up to 1cm resolution—900x more detailed than satellites
  • Decentralized approach: Network of drone pilots around the world capture standardized data while earning rewards
  • Proven traction: Already imaged 2.3M+ acres across 160+ cities in North America and Europe in ultra-high resolutions of 2.8cm or better.
  • ESG-friendly: Produces 97% less carbon emissions than satellite and aircraft alternatives
  • Emerging markets: Markets and Markets projects the geospatial analytics market to grow to $147.6 billion by 2028, Mordor Intelligence expects the spatial computing market to reach $152.2 billion by 2028, and Forbes Business Insights estimates the aerial imaging market to reach $190 billion by 2030.

The LayerDrone Network Token

The LayerDrone ecosystem will use a crypto token, and it will be the primary incentive for network growth. Once implemented, we understand that the token may be adopted by platforms that leverage the network.

The token has been designed to incentivize and reward contributions to the LayerDrone protocol.

More information on the token will be shared closer to LayerDrone’s planned Mainnet launch later this year. Join the LayerDrone community on Discord to make sure you get the latest updates!

LayerDrone Reputation Points (RP) and Experience Points (XP)

Contributors to the LayerDrone network can earn two kinds of points that are tracked by the LayerDrone foundation:

  1. Reputation Points (RP), an existing points system for pilot contributions.

  2. Experience Points (XP) are a new kind of point that rewards non-pilot contributions.

What are Reputation Points (RP)?

  • RP is an incentive for pilots to successfully complete drone-based missions for the LayerDrone network (i.e. RP is a reward for data-based contributions)
  • Only pilots can earn RP by successfully completing drone missions for the network with the Spexi app.
  • RP has network utility, like enabling pilots to reserve preferential areas for capture.
  • A pilot’s previously earned RP will remain intact during the LayerDrone transition.
  • RP amounts can be viewed through the LayerDrone service providers, like the Spexi app or network explorer.

What are Experience Points (XP)?

  • XP is an incentive for contributions to the LayerDrone network that do not require flying missions (i.e. XP is a reward for community-based contributions).
  • Pilots and non-pilots can earn XP by completing community-based tasks that create value for the network (for example, helping to moderate the community discord, hosting a meeting, or supporting a community AMA).
  • XP tasks are tracked through Zealy.

Follow Our Journey

Ready to take off with LayerDrone and enter a new era of imaging applications?

Join our community to begin your journey as a pilot or community contributor!

Connect with LayerDrone on:

More Resources

LayerDrone Foundation Launches to Revolutionize Earth Imaging

LayerDrone Foundation Launches to Revolutionize Earth Imaging

‍As AI systems increasingly need to understand and navigate the physical world, the new mission-driven foundation establishes an open network that delivers aerial imagery 900x more detailed, 200x faster, and 50x more affordable than traditional options.