Propeller has always been in the business of accuracy, and we're focused on becoming the only map where you can manage it all—plans, people, field data, and now, machines.
In 2019, a simple question from a customer sparked the idea for DirtMate: “Can we use AeroPoint technology on machines?” 🤔
That’s where it all started.
Since then, we’ve worked to address some long-standing industry challenges:
- Drones aren’t always an option: Not every site can accommodate or requires them
- Drones capture only the end state: They miss the real-time work happening on the ground
- Machine control solutions are often expensive: This makes them impractical for use on all machines
- Most machine telematics solutions don’t work well with mixed fleets: They’re often siloed and don’t offer flexibility
- Rovers can be expensive and tricky: They’re often tied to specific software, making them hard to use and maintain
The solution? A flexible GNSS multi-tool with an onboard IMU that you can mount on machines, structures, or rover poles, live-streaming data straight to the map. Accessible from any device, anywhere.
Real-time cut/fills, surface data, and machine utilization metrics—everything you need, right at your fingertips. Let’s take a closer look.
Are you a current DirtMate customer looking for help articles? Head to our 'Getting Started with DirtMate' guide.
What is DirtMate today?
While many of you have been mapping with drones for years, we’re looking at a future where drones are just one part of the equation. DirtMate is pioneering a new category of data capture: machine mapping. It's a real-time data stream of utilization stats and surfaces that populate your map automatically.
After numerous iterations (which you can read about here), we’ve perfected a simple, adaptable GNSS receiver that wears all the hats you need it to. Whether it's mounted on a machine, serving as a base station, or being used as a position sensor, DirtMate is versatile.
Here are a few different ways you can use a DirtMate:
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Machine sensor Mount a DirtMate to your machine to capture PPK-corrected location, elevation, and productivity data. |
Base station Use DirtMate as a static reference base station to enhance GPS accuracy through RTK/PPK processing. |
Simply put, DirtMate makes GNSS simple, flexible, and accessible—the way it should be. Let's take a look at the different functionalities it unlocks within the platform and Propeller Mobile.
Platform + mobile workflows, powered by DirtMate
Here’s what you’ll unlock in the platform and Propeller Mobile.
Load counts
Automated load counts and data-driven insights
- Productivity metrics: Automatically track cycle times, load counts, and dumps
- Analytics tools: Leverage data for efficiency studies and performance analysis
- Detailed CSV downloads: Download in-depth data for deeper analysis and reporting
Machine utilization
Optimize your operations with real-time machine utilization data
- Run/idle time: Monitor daily run and idle times of active machines
- Live machine location: Visualize machine activity on a map to track and record haul routes
- Utilization history: Compare operator efficiency against your company’s average for better benchmarking
- Automated daily reports: Get summaries of key productivity metrics to keep your team informed, delivered right to your inbox
Progress tracking
Daily production volumes
- Generate new surfaces: Get what you need every 30 minutes, wherever your machines are actively working
- Track and report on daily cut/fill volume: Manage daily progress reports, automatically (no additional resources required)
- Daily automatic earthwork takeoff: Pick a region of the project and finish or sub-grade design for daily take-off reports from DirtMate surfaces
- Keep surface elevation on record: Track changes in elevation at specific points across multiple surveys for historical comparison
Mobile machine mapping
Your machine and surface data — in your pocket.
DirtMate data is available in Propeller Mobile, giving you real-time visibility into machine activity, utilization, and productivity—right from your phone.
In Propeller Mobile, you can:
- See live machine locations for scrapers, haulers, loaders, and graders using the ‘Machines’ tab
- Check key performance metrics to monitor utilization and productivity using the ‘Machines’ tab
- Analyze surface progress with up-to-date DirtMate elevation data using the ‘Layers’ tab
Position monitoring
Monitor real-time elevation.
- Achieve 1/10ft (3cm) accuracy: Track elevation changes or water levels with centimeter-level precision
- Monitor structural movement: Stay informed about the position of walls, water bodies, and other structures, even in challenging environments
- Dynamic position tracking: Monitor the real-time location and movement of structures to identify potential risks or inefficiencies
- Historical positioning data: Record and analyze position data over time to improve maintenance, planning, and site management
The tech specs
Let’s get into the nitty gritty for all of you who like to nerd out over the technical details. With DirtMate, we prioritized accuracy, flexibility, and simplicity. Here’s what you need to know:
- Dual-frequency GNSS: Achieve high-accuracy data with dual-frequency positioning
- Any OEM: DirtMate works with any equipment brand
- Long-range connectivity: 900 MHz WiFi HaLow for extended range
- 7600 mAh battery: Operates up to 24 hours on a single charge
- Real-time data: Monitor positions and elevations with cellular or WiFi connectivity
- Easy installation: Magnetic mount for quick, universal setup on machines or rover poles (with 5/8” survey thread)
- Durable design: IP66/IP68-rated for weather and environmental resilience
- Global 4G compatibility: Supports 4G LTE bands worldwide
The future of DirtMate
We're actively working on expanding DirtMate use cases. Our vision is for DirtMate to be the only GNSS receiver your field teams need to understand their real-time position and map their next steps with confidence—turning Propeller into the central hub for project insights.
Here’s what we’re pursuing:
Indicate system
Soon, you’ll be able to visualize real-time cut/fill data directly from your machine cab, helping you stay on top of progress instantly
Rover/Live capture
We’re building a solution to live-stream RTK data to your phone in the field, allowing you to capture and share data with other Propeller users in real time
Contact us to learn more about DirtMate
Just fill out the form below, and we’ll set up a demo to walk you through the DirtMate setup and workflow so you can see how it would work for your team.
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