This article walks you through setting up and using DirtMate RTK in-cab guidance in the Propeller mobile app. With DirtMate RTK, operators can see rough grade guidance right from the cab, including real-time machine location with high-accuracy elevation at the tires or tracks. You can visualize where your machine sits in relation to map layers and see live cut/fill values to a design surface with RTK accuracy.
This guide covers connecting your DirtMate device, navigating the in-cab view, setting target elevations, bookmarking configurations, and understanding your reference points.
Before you start
Make sure you have the following in place before launching in-cab guidance:
- DirtMate installed on your machine: Your DirtMate must be installed and assigned to a machine in the DirtMate management. See Installing DirtMate on a new machine for instructions
- Install configuration complete: If you plan to use RTK long term on this machine, complete the install configuration first. This allows Propeller to use the configured machine height for each session, rather than requiring a manual height offset entry (standard for site-positioning and in-cab guidance mode)
- RTK corrections configured: Confirm that your DirtMate is set up to receive RTK corrections. If not, follow the RTK corrections guide
- Propeller mobile app installed: Make sure you have the Propeller mobile app installed and can sign in
Launching the app and connecting your DirtMate
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Sign into the Propeller mobile app and navigate to your current site
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Tap the satellite icon to begin searching for your DirtMate device via Bluetooth
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The app searches for nearby DirtMate devices via Bluetooth. Powered-on devices in range appear in the list, shown by their assigned machine name
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Select your machine from the list. A status page appears with details about the machine, RTK corrections, and CRS
Review the RTK status field. You should see a Fix or Float status if RTK corrections are configured correctly. Once confirmed, tap to continue. If you don't see a Fix or Float status, refer to the RTK corrections guide to troubleshoot
Navigating the in-cab view
Once connected, the map view appears showing your current elevation. This elevation reflects the DirtMate position offset to the bottom of the tracks or wheels at the DirtMate's mounting location. Your position is represented by a crosshair icon on the map.
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💡 Tip: Tap and hold on the crosshair icon to change it to a machine icon for easier orientation. |
From here, you can zoom in to your preferred level, set a target elevation, and toggle map layers.
Setting a target elevation
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Tap the Set target elevation button found below the current elevation display. Choose one of the two options:
- Choose design: Select from a list of designs currently uploaded to your Propeller site
- Enter elevation: Key in a specific elevation value for a flat pad or bench grade
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If you selected Choose design, tap the design you want to use from the list
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If you selected Enter elevation, tap the input field to bring up the keyboard, key in your desired elevation, and confirm. Double-check your entry before confirming
Toggling map layers
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Tap the layers icon in the bottom left corner of the map view
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A pop-up list appears with available map layers. Tap the eyeball icon next to each layer to toggle it on or off
- Once you've enabled the layers you need, tap the back arrow to return to the main view
| ℹ️ Note: If no designs or layers are available, contact your Propeller site admin to upload them. |
Bookmarking designs
After you set your target design and enable the map layers you need, you can save this configuration as a bookmark for quick access later.
- Tap the three dots menu in the top right corner of the screen
- Select Save bookmark
- Enter a name for the bookmark. Use a descriptive name, especially if your site has multiple designs and map layer combinations
- To load a saved bookmark later, tap Set target and select your bookmark from the list
Additional views
In addition to the default map view, you can switch between several views that show a cross-section of the current target elevation or design surface compared to your machine position.
- Grade (default): Shows cut/fill values to the selected target with dynamic cut/fill arrow graphics
- Side: Cross-section view from the right side of the machine
- Front: Cross-section view from the front of the machine
- Back: Cross-section view from the rear of the machine
Select the view that gives you the best perspective for the work you're doing. Side, front, and back views are especially helpful when grading to a design surface and you need to see how your current position compares to the target.
Understanding your reference points
Vertical reference
The vertical reference point is determined by where the DirtMate device is mounted on your machine. Each machine likely has a different reference point.
Get familiar with the mounting location before using the in-cab view. Look at where the device sits on your machine so you understand what the elevation reading represents.
The elevation is calculated at ground level directly below the DirtMate's mounting location, offset to the bottom of the tracks or wheels. When a design is selected as the target, cut and fill values are measured from this offset location.
Expected accuracy: plus or minus 0.3 ft (0.1 m)
If you need to change the mounting position, contact your site supervisor or surveyor so the height offset can be remeasured and adjusted.
Horizontal reference
By default, a crosshair icon represents your position on the map and in cross-section views. To switch to a machine icon, tap and hold on the crosshair displayed on the map.
When the machine icon is active, a yellow dot appears on the icon. This dot represents the DirtMate device's location on the map.
| ℹ️ Note: The yellow dot may not match the true mounting location on your physical machine. It is a pre-set anchor point on the machine icon. The machine icon on the map is also not to scale with your actual machine. |
Tips to verify your elevation
Before relying on the in-cab display for grading decisions, verify your elevation is accurate:
- Use a surveyor or grade checker: Have them verify your elevation with a rover to confirm the height offset is projecting accurately to ground level
- Match against a known point: Position your machine so the bottom of the tires or tracks is at roughly the same height as a survey stake or benchmark on site. Compare the elevation readings while stationary. It's best to compare the raw elevation values rather than cut/fill values, since your horizontal reference point may not line up exactly with the survey point
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