Getting Started with the Propeller Mobile App

Core features & capabilities

With Propeller Mobile, you can transform how you interact with your site data on the go.

• Explore Site Models: Seamlessly switch between 2D and 3D views of your site. Pinch to zoom in on specific areas for detailed insights or rotate the model for a complete perspective.
• Visualize Designs: Overlay design files, including Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) files, directly onto your site map. This makes it easy to compare as-built progress against the plan and perform quality assurance checks in the field.
• On-the-Fly Measurements: Quickly create temporary measurements to check the latest earthworks progress, verify elevations, or calculate simple distances and areas without needing to return to the office.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Use the app’s live maps and geo-location features to see your position on the site. You can also get turn-by-turn directions to your worksite via Google Maps and share the location with colleagues or contractors directly from the app.
• DirtMate Integration: If your site uses DirtMate, the app provides a dedicated tab to track real-time machine data 🚜. Monitor surface changes as they happen and compare them with your latest drone survey for the most accurate progress tracking.

Getting the app

Download Propeller Mobile to your phone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and start using DirtMate and drone data together for smarter site management.

Open Propeller Mobile. Tap the GET STARTED button. If you don't have a Propeller account, please contact the site administrator for permission.

Allow the app to sign in you in using your Propeller credentials.

Choose your organization. 

Next, choose the site you want to view from the list.

General navigation

Use your index and thumb fingers and “pinch” the screen to zoom in and out on the map. To tilt or rotate the map, use two fingers together and push up, down, or twist to change the angle of or rotate the map.

Menu

Tap on the three bars menu to select a different SURVEY, SITE, and ORGANIZATION from the dropdown menus.

You can also GET HELP or LOG OUT from this menu.

Compass

Tap the compass to orient the map back to north.

Home button

Tap the Home button to return to the full extent of your site. 

Geo locate

Use the Geo Locate tool to orient yourself on the map. This function uses your mobile device’s GPS to obtain your current location. 

2D/3D view

Tap this button to switch between 2D and 3D views of your survey.

Map button

Tap the Map button to close all open menus and return to the map screen.

Tap the Tools button to access the built-in measurement tools, including Elevation, Distance, and Area. 

Turn on additional layers using the Layers tool. This includes the line and design files associated with the survey.

View Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) Files

The ability to view IFC files for more context while onsite makes it easy to simplify project planning, perform quality assurance by comparing as-built images against the design, and catch any errors early on before they impact later stages of the project.  

From the Layers tab, select Designs. Search Designs or navigate to the IFC file you want to view and toggle it on.

Tap the X next to the survey or design to remove it.

Share directions to your site

You can quickly get directions to your site and share them directly from the Propeller Mobile App using Google Maps. If you move between multiple sites in a day, this is a quick and accurate navigation essential. With this feature, you can access site coordinates within the app and open them in Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions. Want to share the location with a colleague or contractor? Copy and send the directions directly from the app, ensuring everyone arrives at the right place without hassle. This seamless integration keeps your workflow efficient and your team on track.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of data can I see in the app?

You have access to a wide range of critical site information, including:

• Measurements: Points, Lines, and Polygons
• Measurement Charts
• Safety Hazards and other Markups
• The app also respects all user permissions, so you will only see the data you are authorized to view or edit.

I still can't do it!

We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.

If you're stuck, you can connect with our support team by clicking the question mark button at the top right corner of your user portal.