Two distinct versions of the AeroPoint smart ground control products exist—AeroPoint 1s and AeroPoint 2s. If you plan to add or replace AeroPoints in your fleet, it’s important to understand how the different versions will function together. Before laying out the best practices for using AeroPoint 1s and AeroPoint 2s together, please review the differences between the two versions.
In general, when using a mixed fleet of AeroPoints, we recommend defaulting to the best practices for data capture using AeroPoint 1s.
AeroPoint 1s
AeroPoint 1s require at least 45 minutes of GPS data capture time to produce an accurate survey.
If you currently use the Propeller PPK workflow, we recommend your drone fly for a minimum of 10 minutes, and AeroPoints are left to collect data for 45 minutes.
For AeroPoint 1s, the required GPS data capture time and drone flight time is the same whether you use the known point method or the Propeller Corrections Network to correct your data.
Minimum GPS Fix Time: | 45 minutes | |
Minimum PPK Drone Flight Time: | 10 minutes | |
Number of Constellations Observed: | up to 3 | |
Baseline Distance: | 40 km (~25 mi) | |
Maximum Capture Time: | 5 hours | |
AeroPoints App | no |
AeroPoint 2s
If you only use AeroPoint 2s to capture survey data, the required GPS data capture time and drone flight time differ slightly for the known point method using the Propeller Corrections Network to correct your data.
Propeller Corrections Network
The drone's minimum GPS capture time is 10 minutes, and your AeroPoint 2s need to be left to collect data for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Minimum GPS Fix Time: | 10 minutes | |
Minimum PPK Drone Flight Time: | 10 minutes | |
Number of Constellations Observed: | up to 5 | |
Baseline Distance: | 40 km (~25 mi) | |
Maximum Capture Time: | 8 hours | |
AeroPoints App |
yes |
Global Survey Benchmark/Local Site Survey Benchmark
The drone's minimum GPS capture time is 2 minutes, and your AeroPoint 2s need to be left to collect data for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Minimum GPS Fix Time: | 10 minutes | |
Minimum PPK Drone Flight Time: | 2 minutes | |
Number of Constellations Observed: | up to 5 | |
Baseline Distance: | 40 km (~25 mi) | |
Maximum Capture Time: | 8 hours | |
AeroPoints App |
yes |
Mixed fleet of AeroPoints
If you are using both AeroPoint 1s and AeroPoint 2s for your survey, we recommend using the standard for AeroPoint 1s, which states that you should collect flight data for at least 10 minutes and allow your AeroPoints to collect data for 45 minutes.
|
Propeller Corrections Method |
Known Point Method |
Minimum GPS Fix Time: | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
Minimum PPK Drone Flight Time: | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
Number of Constellations Observed: |
AeroPoint 1: up to 3 AeroPoint 2: up to 5 |
AeroPoint 1: up to 3 AeroPoint 2: up to 5 |
Baseline Distance: | 40 km (~25 mi) | 40 km (~25 mi) |
Maximum Capture Time: |
AeroPoint 1: 5 hours AeroPoint 2: 8 hours |
AeroPoint 1: 5 hours AeroPoint 2: 8 hours |
AeroPoints App: |
AeroPoint 1: no AeroPoint 2: yes |
AeroPoint 1: no AeroPoint 2: yes |
We recommend that an AeroPoint 2 is used for any highly critical surveying operation, such as being used as the known point or being down longest for propeller correction network surveys.
Power Considerations
AeroPoint 2s have a dedicated charging port in addition to the solar charging functionality, unlike AeroPoint 1s, which can only be charged by solar.
AeroPoints should be charged every few days during regular use. If you’re not regularly using your AeroPoints, you should charge them at least once every 30 days to maintain battery health and performance.
Leap Frogging Mixed Fleets
When leap-frogging your AeroPoints for larger surveys or linear projects, there is a key consideration to be aware of.
Is your goal to capture data for more than 5 hours (due to the size of the project and the maximum capture limit of AeroPoint 1s), or is it to accomplish the survey in less than 5 hours?
If you are confident that the survey can be completed before the 5-hour mark, we recommend that AeroPoint 1s are used as the reference point so that you can leapfrog the AeroPoint 2s, which have a shorter minimum capture time of 10 minutes.
For example:
-
Lay down your AeroPoint 1 as the reference, and turn it on.
-
Lay down your AeroPoint 2s as the AeroPoints that will need to be leapfrogged.
-
Once the AeroPoint 2s have hit their 10-minute minimum, and you've completed your flight of that area, stop those AeroPoints from recording and move them to their new location.
If you are not confident that the survey can be completed in under 5 hours, you should use an AeroPoint 2 as the reference point. As mentioned above, ensure all the leap-frogged AeroPoints are down for their respective minimum times.
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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