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Pre-construction Planning Without Survey Data

As we roll out exciting new features and updates to the Propeller platform, we also work hard to ensure our supporting documentation keeps pace. We aim to provide clear, up-to-date resources to make the most of these enhancements. While we’re actively updating our knowledge base, some linked articles may be slightly outdated. Thank you for being so patient as we continue to improve!

Utilize the Base Map feature to access basic schematic drawings and designs, including site photos and designs, for pre-construction data visualization. This tool is especially useful for viewing and collaborating on your site when flying is not possible or when survey data is unavailable.

Getting started

After creating a new site in your portal, you can use surveys, designs, media, and measurement tools to upload pre-processed survey data, design files, and photos, or create measurements to prepare for a new project.

If your base map is blank, make sure you have turned it on in the Site settings.

The default elevation of the base map is set to 0. To adjust the elevation, click on the dropdown menu, then click on the three dots to access the base map settings. Select Change Elevation. This adjustment will align your design uploads with the base map for more accurate measurements.

Pre Construction Change Basemap Elevation.png

Upload 

Upload data for Propeller Processing or Pre-processed data here to view on the map.

Click the UPLOAD button and select Surveys.

UPLOAD Surveys Designs Media.png

  • TIN surfaces obtained from ground-based survey equipment including GPS rovers and Total Stations.
  • DEM surface and/or orthophotos processed from various sources, such as in-house drone processing.
  • Pointcloud (LAS/LAZ) files generated from processed drone lidar or laser scanners.

Upload design files 

Upload and overlay plans such as environmental assessments, feasibility studies, site plans, civil plans, and utility data. Click UPLOAD and select Designs.

Drag and drop or browse your computer for the design files you want to upload.

You can upload PDF, DXF, XML, TTM, IFC, KML, KMZ, and LandXML formats.

Import a Design Drag and Drop Files.png

Upload site photos

Use the map to view site inspection photos during pre-bidding/early stages.

Click the UPLOAD button and select Media.

UPLOAD Surveys Designs Media.png

Navigate to the images you want to upload and YES to pin to multiple locations, or select NO, PIN TO ONE LOCATION to add them to the base map. 

Upload Media Multiple Photos.png

Create measurements 

Start preliminary site measurements, such as measuring point-to-point distance, horizontal distance, and surface areas.

From the measurement toolbar, select any measurement tool—point, Line, or Polygon. From the dropdown menu, choose a template or create a custom measurement.

Measurement Toolbar Dropdown Menu.png

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 support button on the top right corner of your user portal.

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