Drone maker DJI has an SDK so that third parties can write aps to interface and control there drones. As I recall there's a two level aspect to it where the first level with very limited control is provided without much haggling, but to get permission to do more complete control you need to enter into a contract with DJI and they can say no if they want to. Long range control is a problem as most places around the world prohibit control beyond your eyesight and I don't mean line-of-sight I mean you need to be able to see the drone with your own unaided eyes at all times.
Now, eventually this rule will have to have exceptions for SAR and other activities that will require beyond visual range, but we're not there yet and blazing that trail will be fraught with red tape and COST!
Brian