Navigating to points and design elements is a supported workflow with DirtMate RTK. Use stakeout to stake, mark, or verify design elevations and grades in real-time, directly from the field.
Before you start
Design data and measurement points must be uploaded to your Propeller site via a web browser before you can access and select stakeout objects in the Propeller mobile app. Prepare and upload your stakeout data before heading to site.
Data preparation
Uploading measurements and designs is not supported in the Propeller mobile app. Use a web browser to add stakeout data to a site as designs or measurement points. The Propeller mobile app syncs automatically with the web platform, making uploaded data available shortly after.
Stakeout supported objects
Measurement points
- Stakeout points can be uploaded via .CSV file. See Bulk import of measurement points for instructions
- 500-point upload limit
- Stakeout to measurement lines and polygons is not currently supported
Design data
To upload design data, refer to the How to upload design files article.
- Design CAD points (DXF/KML/KMZ): Recommended method for uploading stakeout points as a design. CSV format is not yet supported for designs
- Design polylines (DXF/KML/KMZ): Stakeout to 3D polylines with horizontal offset. Perpendicular to nearest station only. Specifying a station is not yet supported
- TIN surfaces (.TTM/LandXML/DXF mesh): Vertical guidance to a design surface providing cut/fill from a DirtMate RTK position
- Alignments (XML): Displays horizontal station and offset. Vertical alignment geometry is not yet supported
Point stakeout
Point stakeout lets you navigate to a precise coordinate on site. Points typically represent design features or previously captured locations you need to revisit.
Measurement points
You can start a measurement point stakeout two ways: by selecting from the measures list, or by tapping a point on the map.
- Tap the Measures tab on the bottom toolbar
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Scroll to find the desired stakeout point. If staking multiple points, tap the eye icon on the right side of the listing or folder to make them visible on the map
- Tap the point on the map, or select it from the Measures list. A pop-up will display the point properties and a Stakeout button
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Tap Stakeout to begin
Once stakeout begins, your current horizontal (XY) and vertical (Z) deltas display at the top of the screen. A dashed line and distance flag connect to the target point on the map for visual guidance.
As you approach the point, a bullseye appears to help with fine adjustments. When you're within the default tolerance (0.1ft / 0.03m), the bullseye and delta values highlight green.
To stakeout another object, pan and zoom the map and tap the next point or stakeout object. To exit stakeout, tap the back arrow in the bottom-left corner.
CAD points
The same workflow applies to CAD points, with one difference: navigate to the Designs tab to make CAD points visible on the map. CAD points cannot be selected from a list and must be tapped directly on the map.
Line stakeout
Line stakeout lets you select a design polyline and compare your RTK position to the line geometry in real-time.
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Go to the Designs tab and tap the eye icon next to the desired file to make it visible on the map
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Tap the line you want to stakeout. It will highlight on the map and a bottom menu will appear with the object's properties and a prompt to start stakeout
- Tap Stakeout to begin
During line stakeout, a horizontal offset and vertical cut/fill to the nearest station display at the top of the screen. As you travel along the line, the reference updates perpendicular to the nearest station. A dashed line and offset flag appear on the map for visual guidance.
| ℹ️ Note: Lines with a null elevation will show a cut value equal to your current elevation. Contact your CAD technician to prepare 3D lines if you need to compare against design elevations. |
Surface stakeout
Surface stakeout compares your RTK position to a design TIN surface, displaying a cut (position above surface) or fill (position below surface) to the proposed elevation.
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Go to the Designs tab and find the desired surface file
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Tap the dropdown arrow next to the file to expand it, then tap Compare to surface
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Alternatively, tap directly on a surface displayed on the map to begin
During surface stakeout, only the vertical cut/fill value displays in the top menu. When you're within tolerance (0.1ft / 0.03m) of the design surface, On Grade appears and the cut/fill value highlights green.
Referencing a horizontal alignment
Horizontal alignments uploaded in XML format let you reference your RTK position against alignment geometry using station and offset.
- Go to the Designs tab and find the alignment file
- Tap the dropdown arrow next to the file, then tap the three-dot menu on the right
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Tap Activate alignment
The alignment appears on the map with station labels. Station and offset information displays in the bottom-left corner of the info panel, replacing the XY coordinates while the alignment is active.
Alignments can be used alongside any other stakeout object. You can still select points, lines, and surfaces while an alignment is active.
To deactivate the alignment, navigate back to the alignment listing in the Designs tab and repeat the activation steps.
Summary
DirtMate RTK stakeout supports four workflows in the Propeller mobile app: point stakeout (measurement or CAD), line stakeout, surface stakeout, and horizontal alignment referencing. All stakeout data must be uploaded via the web platform before use in the field. Each workflow provides real-time positional guidance to help your team stay accurate and move with confidence on site.
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