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Sphere and Esri Australia partner to automate drone-to-cloud workflows

Sphere | Data & Drones

Key Facts:

• Sphere and Esri Australia have entered a strategic partnership to integrate Site Scan for ArcGIS® with Sphere’s HubX and HubT systems, establishing  a fully automated workflow, moving drone data seamlessly from capture to processing to delivery across industries in Australia.

• The partnership will enable organisations in mining, utilities, civil construction, forestry and more to streamline aerial data workflows and reduce operational costs. By eliminating manual data handling, while improving safety and efficiency. 

   

Sydney, Australia - September 22, 2025: 

Sphere and Esri Australia have announced a strategic partnership that integrates Site Scan for ArcGIS® with Sphere’s HubX and HubT systems, delivering a turnkey aerial intelligence platform for industries across Australia.

The collaboration solves one of the biggest challenges in drones data collection: The inefficiency of manually handling raw imagery between capture and delivery. In many operations, even when flights are automated, imagery must still be manually downloaded, transferred across devices, and processed manually before it becomes useable. 

Now with this new integration, both the capture and transformation of aerial drone data is fully automated. Data flows directly from DJI Dock 3, through HubX or HubT and into Curo, Sphere’s premier remote operations software, where missions are monitored and managed. From there, data is seamlessly pushed into Site Scan, where it is automatically converted into consumable cloud-based data products and distributed to stakeholders.

Together, Sphere and Esri Australia are delivering what the industry has long called for: fully automated drone-to-cloud workflows.

For customers, the immediate impact:  workflows are streamlined, operational costs are reduced, and insights are delivered faster and more safely. From drone lift-off to cloud delivery, the process is fully automated, eliminating manual handling and reducing the risk of human error. This enables real-time reconciliation of stockpiles, supports repeatable data capture for environmental compliance reporting, and ensures timely delivery of trusted spatial products for decision-making. The result is reliable, ready-to-use maps and models that drive confident action.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in the way drone data is captured and delivered,” said Paris Cockinos, CEO of Sphere. “By integrating our HubX and HubT systems with Site Scan, drones can now capture data automatically and, within minutes, it’s available in Site Scan ready for decisions. No manual handling, no delays. Organisations can focus on outcomes, confident that the insights they rely on are flowing seamlessly to the right people.”

“Our collaboration with Sphere empowers organisations with smarter workflows,” said Brett Bundock, Managing Director of Esri Australia. “By automating the entire drone-to-cloud process, we’re helping customers unlock insights and value faster, reduce risk, make confident, informed decisions.”

For Sphere, the partnership reinforces its role as Australia’s leading provider of drone-in-a-box technology and highlights its ability to deliver advanced integrations that directly improve customer outcomes.

For Esri Australia, it marks a significant milestone in advancing automated geospatial intelligence. By integrating Site Scan with Sphere’s HubX and HubT systems, Esri Australia is enabling industries to unlock the full potential of drone data, from capture to cloud,  with unprecedented speed and simplicity.  

As the collaboration evolves, customers can expect continued innovation in automation, AI, and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities. With further developments expected on Sphere’s Curo platform, the partnership closes the loop on remote operations, establishing a true turnkey service that scales as customer needs grow. 

Together, Sphere and Esri Australia are setting a new benchmark for aerial intelligence, offering organisations across the region a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to manage drone data, while unlocking high-value outcomes like improved accuracy, faster reconciliation, and streamlined compliance.

About us:

About Sphere | Data + Drones  

Sphere is a leading full-stack technology and services provider with offices across Australia. We empower businesses, enterprises and governments to effectively respond to challenges, risks and opportunities with innovative drone solutions.  

Our cutting-edge drone solutions, capabilities and experienced team propel businesses beyond the horizon, to the skies that have no limits.  

Since 2014, we’ve supported over 13,000 businesses, enterprises and government departments with hardware, software, services, operational and compliance support. We take pride in the relationships we have built and continue to maintain, including Rio Tinto, Fortescue, BHP, Ausgrid, Sydney Water, Water Corp, South32, Fyfe, Surf Life Saving NSW, Sydney University, James Cook University, and more. 

About Esri Australia

Esri Australia is the nation's leading provider of geographic information systems (GIS) technology and services, and the exclusive local distributor of Esri’s ArcGIS software.

As part of Boustead Geospatial, a regional network of Esri distributors operating across Asia Pacific, Esri Australia benefits from shared expertise, innovation, and global best practices. This affiliation strengthens its ability to deliver cutting-edge geospatial solutions tailored to local needs.

Employing over 250 professionals dedicated to delivering world-class GIS solutions, Esri Australia has earned the trust of more than 1,000 leading commercial enterprises and government agencies. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to advancing geospatial intelligence, Esri Australia empowers organisations to solve complex challenges through location-based insights.

Contact details:

Sphere | Data & Drones

Will Walsh
General Manager, Marketing & Customer Success
[email protected] +61 434 768 900

Esri Australia | https://esriaustralia.com.au/
Sarah Otto
Senior Communications and Content Manager
[email protected] +61 436 524 267