Want to capture highly accurate drone survey data without the hassle of a traditional base station? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Propeller PPK workflow using AeroPoints—our smart ground control points (GCPs) designed to make geotag corrections seamless. Whether you're using AeroPoint 1s or 2s, we’ll cover placement, timing, and best practices to ensure your data is rock-solid every time.
When you use AeroPoints with PPK or RTK-enabled drones as part of the Propeller PPK workflow, they replace the need for a local base station.
Here is how to get the best results from your hardware.
Laying out AeroPoint 1s & AeroPoint 2s
Your AeroPoints need to collect data for the entire duration of your drone flight.
The Golden Rule: Place and turn on your AeroPoints before you launch your drone. Only pick them up or move them after your mission is complete and the drone has landed.
For a visual guide on distributing your AeroPoints, check out our video tutorial and skip to the chapter "Preparation and Placement."
Coverage guidelines
Follow these guidelines when planning your layout for PPK flights:
- Density: Use 1–2 AeroPoints per 50 acres (20 hectares). For the best accuracy and redundancy, we recommend a minimum of three AeroPoints.
- Spacing: Ensure no AeroPoint is more than 0.75 mi (~1.2 km) away from another.
- Distribution: Spread them evenly throughout the site. Do not cluster multiple AeroPoints next to each other.
Placement criteria
To ensure your AeroPoints determine their location accurately, you must meet the following criteria:
- Maintain a clear view of the sky. Avoid placing AeroPoints near power lines, walls, trees, or buildings that could obstruct the view in any direction.
- Avoid interference. Place AeroPoints at least 30ft (9m) away from vehicles or other large metal objects.
- Keep it level. Place the AeroPoint on a relatively flat surface (maximum 20° from horizontal).
- Do not move. Ensure the AeroPoint remains completely stationary during data capture.
Examples of correct AeroPoint placement
Examples of poor placement
Poor positioning can obstruct or interfere with the GPS satellite signals required for accuracy. Avoid placing AeroPoints:
- Next to water (causes signal reflection).
- Near metal structures (causes signal interference).
- Upside-down (antennae cannot see the sky).
- Underneath power lines (causes magnetic interference).
- In deep grass or shrub (obscures the view and provides a poor surface reference).
Capture time requirements
The version of AeroPoints you use determines how long they need to collect data. If you are using a mixed fleet (AeroPoint 1s and 2s together), always default to the requirements for the older generation (AeroPoint 1s) to be safe.
AeroPoint 1s
- Total capture time: Minimum of 45 minutes.
- Drone flight time: Minimum of 10 minutes.
AeroPoint 2s
- Total capture time: Minimum of 10 minutes.
- Drone flight time (Propeller Corrections Network): Minimum of 10 minutes.
- Drone flight time (Known Point Method): Minimum of 2 minutes.
Local Coordinate Systems
For sites with local coordinate systems, one of your AeroPoints must be placed on a known point referenced in your coordinate system.
How to set it up:
- Place the AeroPoint stencil's center precisely over the known point.
- Spray-paint the corners to mark the position.
- Place the AeroPoint on top of the painted stencil and turn it on.
Important: You must use at least two additional GCPs (on top of the recommended number based on site size) when using this method. When processing data, you'll need to provide us with a calibration file (.JXL or .GC3) of the site.
Propeller Corrections Network
If you don't have known points surveyed for your site already, you can rely on the Propeller Corrections Network. This means we can provide accurate corrections for your site as long as it exists within the Network.
Linear Flights
Flying linear projects (like corridors or pipelines) with the PPK workflow requires a slightly different approach.
Please review our specific guides for these missions:
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, the Propeller hardware support team may be able to help. You can contact them by emailing hardwaresupport@propelleraero.com.au.
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