How To Create a New DirtMate Site

To create a DirtMate site there needs to be an existing site within the Propeller platform to point DirtMate to. 

Consider your base surface

When setting up a construction site in Propeller and using DirtMate, it's crucial to account for site-specific restrictions and conditions. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle such scenarios, especially if you're new to this process:

Dealing with restricted flying zones

If the site you're working on is within a restricted flying zone where drone use is prohibited, you must gather surface data using alternative methods.

1. Alternative data collection
   • RTK rover topo survey: Conduct a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) rover topographic survey yourself. This method is effective and provides high-accuracy data, especially in areas where drone-based photogrammetry is not an option.
   • Original ground surface data: If available, use the original ground surface data provided in the project’s bid package. This is particularly useful if the site has dense vegetation, which could hinder accurate data collection through other means.
2. Photogrammetry considerations
   • Photogrammetry might not yield the most accurate base surface data for use with DirtMate, particularly in areas with dense vegetation or complex terrain.
3. Lidar as a preferred option
   • If your organization has access to Lidar technology, it is strongly recommended to use a Lidar dataset. Lidar provides the most accurate base surface data, which is crucial for precise progress volume measurements when using DirtMate.

Setting up the site

Once you have collected the necessary surface data and established a coordinate reference system (CRS), you can set up the site in Propeller and add the DirtMate site.

Create DirtMate Site

Creating the site will take place in the DirtMate Management App within the Propeller Mobile App. If this is your first time using the app, refer to the Introduction to DirtMate Management App article.

Within the app, Navigate to the DirtMate Sites Tab.

Next, you will select the NEW DIRTMATE SITE + button.

Select the site from the list that you would like to point DirtMate to.

Site Hours

Next, you will be prompted to enter the new DirtMate site hours. These should resemble the production hours for the machines on site (they may vary per project).

Once these start and end time values are entered, you can tap the ENABLE NEW SITE NOW button to complete the process of adding a DirtMate site.

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 Site Support team may be able to help. You can contact our support team by emailing sitesupport@propelleraero.com.au.