5 Ways to use your AeroPoints sets

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    A surveyor laying an AeroPoint on the ground stood next to a car.

    AeroPoints can be used five different ways depending on what reference data you have available, from fully automated processing within the Propeller Corrections Network down to a makeshift base station when no known marks exist. Each method delivers the same 10mm or better internal accuracy, with global accuracy varying based on your setup. Use the comparison table at the top to find the right method for your site.

    AeroPoints, Propeller’s smart ground control points, were designed to be used in five different ways. Below, we break down how to use AeroPoints in a variety of scenarios. Use this guide to develop a drone surveying workflow that suits you the best.

    Please note that option one, using within Propeller Corrections Network coverage, is encouraged wherever possible. For each method there are differing logging and placement requirements that should be adhered to.

    Method Global accuracy Consistency Internal accuracy
    1. Propeller Corrections Network 20mm / 20mm / 50mm 20mm / 20mm / 50mm 10mm or less
    2. Your own corrections (RINEX) 20mm / 20mm / 50mm 20mm / 20mm / 50mm 10mm or less
    3. Known mark 20mm / 20mm / 50mm (plus mark accuracy) 20mm / 20mm / 50mm 10mm or less
    4. Makeshift base station 500mm / 500mm / 500mm 20mm / 20mm / 50mm 10mm or less
    5. Local grid calibration Depends on site 20mm / 20mm / 50mm 10mm or less

    1. The best way to use AeroPoints: fully automated processing within the Propeller Corrections Network

    Propeller has an extensive corrections network in many countries, and it continues to expand. As more drone teams around the globe start using smart ground control points, our network becomes more and more widespread.

    Ground control points for drone surveying

    Automated processing is the best way to use AeroPoints. It ensures you have shorter turnaround time and enjoy all the efficiency benefits AeroPoints can provide. (Let us know if you’re not on the map today. We’re expanding our coverage network every week.)

    Pro tip for all methods:

    We strongly recommend collecting the AeroPoints in reverse order to get the best possible result.

    See the best way to collect your AeroPoints:

    For this method:

    • Global accuracy: The best available, 20mm/20mm/50mm
    • Consistency: The best available, 20mm/20mm/50mm
    • Internal accuracy: 10mm or less, enabling precise internal reconstruction

    2. Using your own corrections

    We can use RINEX formatted GNSS observations for the period of your survey as the reference point.

    Note that the RINEX file must contain an accurate location for the base, measurement method, the antenna type and height in the header. This information will be used to calibrate your AeroPoints.

    For this method:

    • Global accuracy: The best available, 20mm/20mm/50mm
    • Consistency: The best available, 20mm/20mm/50mm
    • Internal accuracy: 10mm or less, enabling precise internal reconstruction

    3. Using an AeroPoint as a base station on a known mark

    You can place one of the AeroPoints at a known survey mark or benchmark location. It needs to be activated for the duration of the survey. We can then use this AeroPoint, combined with the known coordinates of that mark, as the reference point for the other AeroPoints in the survey.

    Note: the first AeroPoint unit that you place must be on the known mark.

    Setting up ground control points using Propeller AeroPoints

    Placing an AeroPoint over a known survey mark.

    For this method:

    • Global accuracy: If you place the AeroPoint accurately, the best available, 20mm/20mm/50mm (plus the accuracy of the mark itself)
    • Consistency: If you use the same known mark each time, the best available, 20mm/20mm/50mm
    • Internal accuracy: 10mm or less, enabling precise internal reconstruction

    4. Using an AeroPoint as a makeshift base station

    If there are no known marks, the accuracy of your data globally will be reduced. However, you can still use AeroPoints to get results that line up with each other over time.

    Find somewhere recognizable that won’t move. Use that space to establish your own “mark.” The first time, we’ll calculate an estimated point, accurate to 50cm. After that, treat the coordinate as a “known mark.” You’ll need to place the AeroPoint on this exact mark each time.

    To calculate an estimated point, the unit being used as a “known mark” should be placed first and have at least two hours of logging time.

    For this method:

    • Global accuracy: 500mm/500mm/500mm
    • Consistency: If you use the same known mark each time, the best available, 20mm/20mm/50mm
    • Internal accuracy: 10mm or less, enabling precise internal reconstruction

    5. Provide local grid calibration

    If your site has a local grid, you can set it up in Propeller using your site calibration data. Then, process your AeroPoints with the Local Site Survey Benchmark correction method. This will yield coordinates in your site’s local system.

    Please note that Local Coordinate Systems and Local Site Survey Benchmark processing options are only supported when processing data sets using AeroPoints with the Propeller or Stratus platforms. If you would like more information, please contact us.

    For this method:

    • Global accuracy: Depends on the global accuracy of your site
    • Local accuracy: The best available, 20mm/20mm/50mm
    • Consistency: The best available, 20mm/20mm/50mm
    • Internal accuracy: 10mm or less, enabling precise internal reconstruction

    Visit our AeroPoints page to learn more about smart ground control technology.

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