Welcome to the Site Survey Series (4/4)
Welcome to the final post in our Site Survey Series, where we’ve explored how to use survey data and your site map to deliver certainty on-site. Today, we’re adding the final piece: real-time machine tracking with DirtMate.
In case you missed them, here’s what we’ve covered so far:
Site surveys alone can’t show real-time progress
A survey is just a snapshot in time. But work doesn’t stop between surveys. You’re still moving material, grading terrain, and digging trenches. The further you get from your last survey, the less accurate your grasp on the site becomes.
That’s when efficiency drops, fuel gets wasted, and small issues snowball into costly rework.
How DirtMate delivers real-time machine tracking data
DirtMate is Propeller’s plug-and-play, equipment-agnostic machine tracking system. Mounted on any earthmoving machine, DirtMate combines high-precision GPS with smart telematics to show you exactly where your machines are, what they’re doing, and how your site surfaces are changing, all in real time.
With DirtMate, your 3D site map isn’t just a historical record. It’s a living, breathing look at what’s been done and how much work is left to go. You can see every load, every cycle, and every change to your surface data, right in the Propeller platform.
Key metrics DirtMate tracks to improve operator efficiency
- Material movement: Calculate volumes moved per day, shift, or operator.
- Operator efficiency: See which operators are hitting targets and where more coaching could improve performance.
- Idle time: Spot where machines are sitting still and burning too much fuel.
- Haul route efficiency: Identify bottlenecks and optimize travel paths to save time and fuel.
- Surface changes: Compare your last drone or ground survey to DirtMate’s live data to track site changes between surveys. Surfaces update automatically, with no extra processing or added steps.
DirtMate vs OEM telematics for construction productivity tracking
Most OEM telematics tell you how an individual machine (or a segment of your fleet) is running, but they won’t tell you how work is progressing. You might be able to see hours run, fuel usage, or equipment location, but you can’t tell whether your cut/fill volumes are on track or how much you actually moved today.
DirtMate is different because it:
- Works on any brand of machine, so you’re not locked into a single system
- Ties machine movement directly to earthwork progress in your Propeller site map
- Gives both field crews and office staff actionable data so they can make better, faster calls
How Silver Creek Materials improved site productivity with DirtMate
Silver Creek Materials installed DirtMate to replace manual tracking methods like clickers and guesswork. With real-time utilization data and location tracking, Silver Creek was able to:
- Set data-driven production targets
- Automate tracking for haul cycle tracking and efficiency reporting
- Analyze operator efficiency trends to optimize equipment use
Within a month, DirtMate’s data showed that they could easily justify the purchase of a new front-end loader—something they couldn’t quantify before.
How DirtMate completes your site data picture
As a real-time data layer, DirtMate brings your site map to life. With a clear view of what’s happening now, you can:
- Track progress without a survey.
- Coach operators before inefficiencies add up.
- Verify subcontractor invoices against actual volumes moved.
- Optimize haul routes to save time and fuel.
- Spot and fix bottlenecks before they slow you down.
