Tools for sharing orthophotos with clients

Here are some tried-and-tested free (or low-cost) options how one can share orthophoto with users.

Export to Google Earth (KML/KMZ)

• QGIS or WebODM can export orthophoto into a .kml or .kmz.
• Clients open it directly in Google Earth.
• Pros: Easy to use, familiar interface.
• Cons: Requires basic setup and software install.

OpenAerialMap

• OpenAerialMap is a public platform to host and share aerial imagery.
• Best for open data or when one wants to make orthophotos available broadly.

DroneDB

• DroneDB offers an open-source way to organize, host, and share drone imagery.
• Includes a Hub for sharing orthomosaics.

Project Kiwi

• projectkiwi.io lets one upload and share orthophotos online.
• More polished than self-hosting, less technical than QGIS.

Zoomable

• Zoomable.ca supports large zoomable images, including geotiffs.
• Works like an online deep zoom viewer.

Simple viewers

• IrfanView: Lightweight viewer with plugins to handle geotiffs.

• Qt Reader: Originally for LiDAR, but works with TIFFs too.

• Metashape Viewer

Web platforms for clients

• DroneDeploy: Share a simple measurement-ready link (but usually paid).
• ArcGIS Online: Scene viewer allows web-based measuring and annotations.
• SurveyTransfer (surveytransfer.net): Upload, store, and share mapping files with browser-based tools—no installs needed.

Users

• For tech users: QGIS + KML in Google Earth
• For farmers and clients: IrfanView, Zoomable, or SurveyTransfer are simpler.
• For self-hosting: WebODM or DroneDB
• For collaboration: ArcGIS Online or DroneDeploy (paid)