Propeller Aero: Shaping the Future of Site Management with Advanced Drone and Surveying Technologies

Propeller Aero, a global leader in drone surveying and site data management, is at the forefront of transforming how industries such as construction, mining, and civil engineering handle their work sites. At the 2024 Commercial UAV Conference in Las Vegas, I sat down with Hamish Hawthorn, VP of Corporate Development at Propeller, to discuss their latest innovations and the growing impact of their technology on the industry.

Revolutionizing Site Management with Smart Survey Solutions

“Propeller is a smart survey solution that allows project teams to map, measure, and monitor their work sites with unprecedented accuracy,” Hawthorn explained. The core of Propeller’s platform lies in its ability to collect high-precision data through drone flights equipped with Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) modules and Propeller’s AeroPoints, smart ground control points thatanchor drone data to the Earth for accuracy. Once this data is uploaded to Propeller’s platform, it generates highly accurate 3D models that allow teams to monitor changes, measure progress, and make critical site decisions efficiently.

Propeller’s technology is designed to be user-friendly, enabling teams with minimal surveying experience to leverage advanced data in real time. “Our platform is built to make things simple, so our users can measure and manage their sites without needing specialized skills,” Hawthorn noted. “It’s about connecting the field to the office and delivering precise insights that can save time and money.”

Introducing DirtMate: Filling the Gaps Between Drone Flights

During the conference, Hawthorn introduced Propeller’s newest product, DirtMate, which takes their offerings a step further by providing near real-time site data. “DirtMate fills in the changes on your site between drone flights,” Hawthorn said. While drones typically capture site data once a week, DirtMate offers a solution for capturing detailed site information daily or even hourly. The small, battery-powered GPS device can be attached to heavy machinery on a site, allowing it to track and transmit precise location data back to Propeller’s platform.

By collecting this data continuously, companies can get a dynamic picture of how their site is evolving. “Civil construction companies are constantly moving dirt,” Hawthorn noted. “With DirtMate, we help them move it more accurately, efficiently, and cost-effectively.” This level of precision allows project managers to compare site progress with design models and ensure that they are staying on schedule.

Surveying Technology: From Niche to Necessity

Drone surveying technology, once seen as a niche tool, is now becoming an essential part of the construction and mining industries. According to Hawthorn, the accessibility of drone technology has played a major role in its growing adoption. “What used to be specialized and expensive is now commoditized,” he said. “We’re seeing more construction companies use drones to collect high-precision data because it’s easy to use, cost-effective, and has a low barrier to entry.”

Propeller’s platform is designed to democratize access to this high-precision data. “Our goal is to make surveying more accessible, not just to professional surveyors, but to all players on a worksite,” Hawthorn emphasized. This shift is leading to a broader transformation in how companies approach surveying, with a generational change driving the adoption of new technology.

The Role of Automation and AI

As industries look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs, automation is becoming a key focus for Propeller. “We’re seeing a rise in autonomous drone systems that can collect data without the need for manual flights,” Hawthorn explained. These autonomous systems are particularly useful in repetitive tasks like measuring stockpiles at quarries or mines. “It’s a natural fit for automation, and we’re looking at ways to enhance this further.”

Propeller is also integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence to make their platform even more powerful. “We’re releasing features like automated stockpile identification,” said Hawthorn. This AI-driven capability will allow companies to interact with site data more efficiently, cutting down on manual analysis and accelerating project timelines.

Partnering with Trimble: A Strong Alliance

Propeller has maintained a strong partnership with Trimble, one of the biggest names in the construction technology space. “We’ve been working closely with Trimble for eight years,” Hawthorn said. Propeller’s product is white-labeled and sold as Trimble Stratus, extending its reach to a wider audience through Trimble’s distribution channels. “Many of our customers are using both Trimble equipment and Propeller’s software, which creates a seamless integration of hardware and software on-site.”

The Future of Surveying: Collaboration and Integration

Looking ahead, Hawthorn sees Propeller playing a pivotal role in the future of site management. “We believe that the future lies in making surveying technology more accessible and collaborative,” he said. Propeller aims to unify survey and GIS technologies, enriching maps with precision 3D data collected from the field. “Maps are the ideal platform for collaboration, and we’re focused on making sure our platform supports the next wave of innovation in the industry.”

With new products like the enhanced DirtMate set to launch in the coming months, Propeller Aero continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in site management, offering solutions that are accurate, easy, and accessible to companies of all sizes.

Tags: construction technology, DirtMate, drone surveying, Propeller Aero, site management, Trimble partnership

Category: Propeller Aero

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