Maintaining a clean portal is essential for project clarity. However, because some deletions are permanent or affect platform tools, we recommend reviewing this guide before removing data.
ℹ️ Note: Did you delete something by mistake? Don't worry—we’ve got your back. Most sites and datasets are safely stored in our archives for about 30 days before it’s permanently removed from our system. If you realize you need a file back, reach out to Propeller Support immediately so we can help you restore it. |
Who has the permission?
To keep your project data secure, only specific team members can perform deletions:
Owners and Administrators: Can delete any data across the portal.
Users with Edit Permission: Can delete survey datasets, files, and sites.
Portal owners can manage these settings in Sites & access under Portal settings.
What happens when I delete?
Here's a deletion cheat sheet
Use this table to understand the impact of deleting different items before you take action.
| If you delete a... | What happens? | Is it reversible? |
|---|---|---|
| Site | Everything associated with the site (datasets, designs, and measurements) is removed. | Contact Support to restore. |
| Dataset | The specific survey and its associated map layers are removed. | Contact Support to restore. |
| Folder | The folder and all measurements or designs inside it are deleted. | No. Move measurements/designs first if you need them. |
| Measurement | The individual measurement is permanently removed. | No. |
| Design File | The file is removed from every workspace across the entire site. | No. Use caution if others are using the file. |
Files to reconsider before deleting
| ℹ️ Note: Before deleting these, contact your Customer Success Engineer to discuss your data goals. |
| File type | Why we need it? | Impact after deleting? |
|---|---|---|
| Point Cloud (Site CRS) | Base for custom exports. | You cannot export custom point clouds. |
| CZML Files | Coordinate data for markers. | Ground Control layer disappears. |
| GeoJSON Mask | Defines terrain boundaries. | Trimmed DTM checkbox is removed. |
| Source Photos | Foundation of the 3D model. | Photo Viewer and reports will be unusable. |
What can I safely delete?
You can remove these files to clean up your portal without losing platform functionality. These are secondary outputs that can be re-uploaded or re-processed if needed:
WGS84 and Reduced Density Point Clouds
Terrain GeoTIFFs (DSM and DTM)
3D Models (OBJ, TTM, DXF)
DXF Contours and Orthophotos
Any previously generated Custom Exports
| 💡 Tip: Most of these files are outputs from your original survey data. If you delete them and realize you need them later, you can usually re-export or re-process the data to get them back. |
How to delete a site?
| 💡 Tip: Wanting to declutter? Make a site inactive instead of deleting it permanently to keep your historical data accessible. |
From your home/sites page, click the three-dot (
) menu on the site tile and select Settings.
Click the three-dots (
Confirm by typing the site's name and clicking DELETE SITE.
| 💡 Tip: You can also delete a site from the drop down list when you're inside a project (see below). We'll ask for your confirmation to ensure the correct site is selected. |
How to delete datasets?
If you're planning to reprocess a survey, reach out to your Customer Success Engineer before deleting your survey data to ensure you have what you need for a successful re-run.
| 💡 Tip: If you want to visually remove specific datasets, temporarily do so by selecting 'Hide'. Hidden surveys will not show up in the drop-down list, as well as, in the timeline. |
Open your site and locate the specific survey (usually titled by date) in the Dataset drop-down menu.
Click the three-dot (
We'll ask for your confirmation to ensure the correct survey is selected. If you are certain, click YES, DELETE.
How to delete folders?
| ℹ️ Note: Folders can be at either dataset or site level, you'll see this ( |
In the Measure (or Designs) tab, click the three-dots (
Select Delete.
We'll ask for your confirmation to ensure the correct folder is selected and you are informed that all measurements (or designs) inside that folder will also be deleted. If you are certain, click DELETE.
How to delete designs?
| ℹ️ Note: Designs are always at site level, you'll see this ( |
Go to the Designs tab.
Click the three-dots (
Select Delete and confirm your choice in the confirmation window.
How to delete measurements?
| ℹ️ Note: Measurements can be at either dataset or site level, you'll see this ( |
Select the measurement in the Measure tab to open the details panel.
Click the three-dots (
We'll ask for your confirmation to ensure the correct measurement is selected. If you are certain, click DELETE.
| 💡 Tip: When you select an individual measurement, it's details pop-up on the right hand side panel. You can also delete a measurement from this panel by clicking on the bin ( |
How to bulk delete folders, measurements or designs?
On a PC
Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and click on each measurement or folder you want to delete.
On a Mac
Hold down the shift key on your keyboard and select each measurement or folder you want to delete.
- After selecting your items on your preferred device.
- All your selected items will display inside this bar, select the (
) to delete.
- We'll ask for your confirmation to ensure the correct items are selected. If you are certain, click DELETE.
How to bulk delete surveys?
| ℹ️ Note: If your goal is to save space or prepare for reprocessing, please contact your Customer Success Engineer first. They can help you identify which files are safe to remove to ensure your portal tools continue to work exactly as you need them to. |
- From the home screen, click the three dots (
- Use the list to see Date Created, Last Modified, Type, Items, and Size. Expand any dataset to see the individual files inside.
- Select the box next to the items you want to remove, click the (
- We'll ask for your confirmation to ensure the correct items are selected. If you are certain, click DELETE.
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.
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