A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes determining whether the UAV is within a first flight restriction zone or a second flight restriction zone and effecting a restriction on the UAV in accordance with a result of the determination, including prohibiting the UAV from flying in response to determining that the UAV is within the first flight restriction zone, or controlling the UAV to fly below a flight ceiling in response to determining that the UAV is within the second flight restriction zone.