How Middlesex centralized site data for better decision-making

The challenge: Data silos across tools, teams, and formats

Before Propeller, as-built verifications and topographic surveys took days or even weeks to complete. Once surveyors collected the data, it was often “locked up” in CAD files, out of reach for engineers and project managers who needed quick insights to keep things moving.

“We were trying to teach the engineers how to use CAD programs, but it’s time-consuming and cumbersome to learn some of those tools, and they just didn’t have the time,” Jonathan said. Without an accessible data platform, a small handful of specialists were tasked with interpreting the site data for everyone.

The solution: A geospatial data hub accessible to everyone

Middlesex initially started using Propeller to accelerate their drone surveying workflow. But the real magic happened when the team integrated other types of site data, too. 

Today, they import rover files, total station surveys, and point clouds into Propeller. Because it’s so easy to use, even non-technical users can explore site data without advanced training.

Project managers use Propeller to visualize progress, track material movement, and share updated aerial imagery with stakeholders. Engineers measure slopes, analyze surface changes, and check drainage patterns—no CAD required.

Even on sites where drones aren’t allowed to fly, like South Station in Boston, the team still uses Propeller to review design data, check as-builts, and coordinate work.

Propeller simplifies things so our whole team can access site data and review it. More information available to them means they can make better and more informed decisions for their project. It’s useful to everyone in the organization at any level.” —Jonathan Hebert, Director of Survey and Construction Technology

Middlesex’s favorite features and workflows

• Design validation: On a recent highway job, Middlesex used Propeller to uncover an error in the designer’s surface model before breaking ground. This early discovery saved weeks of potential rework and prevented costly RFIs.
• Tracking changes over time: One of the biggest surprises Middlesex encountered was their ability to use Propeller’s Timeline tool to understand when (and why) a change occurred. “We can go back and look at data from months or even years ago, so that’s been invaluable,” said Jonathan.
• Safer data collection: Instead of sending crews into live traffic for measurements, the team uses drones to keep workers out of harm’s way and avoid lane shutdowns. “We’re much safer flying the drone,” Jonathan said.
• Smarter drainage planning: Engineers use Propeller’s hydrology tools to monitor slope changes, track surface evolution, and ensure water flows where it needs to go at every stage.

The result: A faster, more collaborative workflow

Middlesex has used Propeller to reduce their surveying and processing times from weeks to hours. Engineers and PMs are no longer blocked by software they don’t know how to use, field crews are safer, and onboarding new users takes just a few minutes. “New team members are excited to get into Propeller,” said Jonathan. “We just add them and they’re off and running.”

Even better, Jonathan isn’t the only one with answers anymore. What began as a tool for processing and measuring drone data has become the digital foundation for every project.

We’re doing things with Propeller that we would not have been able to do otherwise. It’s been invaluable; I can’t put a dollar amount on it.” —Jonathan Hebert, Director of Survey and Construction Technology