Geo-zones: know where to fly your drone
Geo-zones define where drone flight is forbidden, requires authorisation or is limited. Here's what they are, their main families, and how to check an area before you take off.
What is a geo-zone?
A geo-zone is a portion of airspace where national authorities restrict or forbid drone flight — for reasons of air safety, security, privacy or the environment. The framework is set by European Regulation (EU) 2019/947, applied consistently across all EASA member states, including France.
In the Open category, flight remains subject to the general rules (keep the drone within visual line of sight, maximum altitude of 120 m above ground). Geo-zones add to these: they can forbid flight entirely, allow it subject to a prior request, or attach specific conditions. Each state publishes its geo-zones on an official map.
The three main families of zones
Not all restrictions are equal. There are three levels, from the strictest to the most flexible.
Flight forbidden
Drone flight is banned, save for an exceptional waiver granted by the authority. This includes the immediate surroundings of airports, some military areas, sensitive sites (power plants, prisons) or regulated airspace (P — prohibited areas).
Flight subject to conditions or limits
Flight is allowed but bounded by limits: a lowered ceiling (for example 30 m or 50 m instead of 120 m), time windows, periods, or seasonal restrictions. This applies to many populated areas, nature parks or low-height corridors.
Where to actually check an area
The rule lives across two complementary resources: EASA explains the concept, the national map gives the answer for a precise point.
EASA — understanding geo-zones
The official page of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency explains the geo-zone principle, shared by every EU country.
Open the EASA page →Géoportail — official map (France)
The French government portal publishes the drone restriction map. It is the French implementation of geo-zones — the one Waypoint360 queries to tell you whether a point is allowed, right inside flight preparation.
Open the Géoportail map →Frequently asked questions about geo-zones
What exactly is a geo-zone?
It is a portion of airspace where drone flight is forbidden, requires authorisation or is limited, defined by national authorities under European Regulation (EU) 2019/947. Each state publishes it on an official map.
Can I fly my drone in a national park or nature reserve?
Often not, or only under conditions: many protected areas are prohibited geo-zones or have a lowered ceiling to protect wildlife. Always check the official map before taking off — the ban may be total or seasonal.
What do P, R and D zones mean?
These are regulated aeronautical areas: P (Prohibited) = forbidden, R (Restricted) = flight possible under conditions or authorisation, D (Dangerous) = hazardous activity (e.g. firing). They overlap with drone geo-zones and must be respected.
Where can I find the official zone map in France?
On Géoportail, the "drone restrictions" layer. Waypoint360 integrates this official data: when preparing a flight, the map tells you directly whether your take-off point is allowed, without you having to cross-reference maps yourself.
Check your area directly in Waypoint360
Flight preparation queries the official restriction map and answers for your precise point — no more guessing.