What are AeroPoints?
AeroPoints are GPS-enabled smart ground control points that deliver the same precision as traditional solutions, with less time and money involved. But their real value comes from their flexibility—use them as ground control, checkpoints, or even base stations.
AeroPoints were carefully designed to withstand high usage in any environment and offer ultimate compatibility. Use AeroPoints with any drone, anywhere. Then access your data from a single cloud-based platform.
Each AeroPoint 2 includes a solar panel and plug-in charger, battery, GPS, and Wi-Fi inside a fully-sealed, lightweight shell.
What’s new in AeroPoints 2?
The next generation of AeroPoints offers more robust capability without adding complexity.
Here are just a few of the updates we’re most excited about:
- A new Wi-Fi chip delivers fast, reliable connectivity.
- Dual-frequency GPS means shorter flight times and better positioning.
- Upgraded battery performance and plug-in charging provide more flexibility in the field.
- The new AeroPoints app doubles down on diagnostics and makes configuration a breeze
Higher accuracy and less field time
New dual-frequency GPS means faster satellite fix times and a reduced minimum capture time for our Propeller PPK drone surveying workflow.
The original AeroPoints required at least 45 minutes of capture time, which was time-consuming for customers with several short flights to complete in a single day. AeroPoints 2 require just 10 minutes (and a 2-minute minimum flight using a known point) to capture the information they need.
What does this mean to you? Less time in the field and more time putting your highly accurate survey data to work.
More power
AeroPoints 2 last more than twice as long as their original counterparts on a single battery charge—100 hours instead of 45 hours. The new plug-in charging port provides a fast charge, so you can get back in the field quickly. (No need to wait for the sun—or long summer days—to light up that solar panel.)
Upgraded hardware
We’ve upgraded internal storage to Flash memory hardware, so you can kiss your SD card goodbye. New Bluetooth capability enables you to receive diagnostic information through the new AeroPoints app (more on that below) while you’re out in the field. And a new Wi-Fi chip enables faster, more reliable uploads.
New AeroPoints app
Our new AeroPoints app puts the confidence that comes with real-time diagnostics into your hands. The app can help answer questions like, “Did my data upload?” and “Is my AeroPoint’s battery charged?”
And in keeping with our commitment to ultimate interoperability, the app works on any Android or iOS device that’s Bluetooth-enabled.
Note: The app isn’t compatible with the original AeroPoints, so you’ll need to upgrade to AeroPoints 2 to use it.
Effortless updates
Keeping your AeroPoints up-to-date is easier than ever! Automatic over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates allow AeroPoints 2 to update automatically, whenever you’ve completed an upload. These updates include support for the latest functionality as well as security patches and bug fixes.
Sleek new design
Finally, AeroPoints 2 just look good. Our updated design includes:
- Detailed instructions printed directly on your AeroPoint for easy use in the field.
- Updated lights to indicate when your AeroPoint is charging and uploading.
- A field-ready QR code so you can quickly access or download the new AeroPoints app.
AeroPoints 2: the ground control you love, but better.
There’s a lot to love about AeroPoints, including they’re durable, lightweight design; unmatched interoperability; and powerful, easy-to-use ground control. Now, with AeroPoints 2, the benefits have only increased, offering more power, higher accuracy, easier data accessibility, upgraded hardware, and more.
AeroPoints 2 are just one piece of the puzzle; at Propeller, we’re focused on revolutionizing every aspect of drone surveying so that it’s simple, safe, and affordable.
How AeroPoints work
Each AeroPoint includes a solar panel and plug-in charger, battery, GPS, and Wi-Fi inside a fully-sealed, lightweight shell. The real value of AeroPoints comes from their flexibility—use them for ground control, checkpoints, or even as a base station.
Sites on a Global Coordinate System
No need for more awkward expensive survey gear, just show up on-site and deploy the AeroPoints:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=53&v=NosqNo7MdQg&feature=emb_title
Sites with a permanent survey mark
Calibrate your AeroPoints with a permanent survey mark, including State Marks, by placing an AeroPoint over it and uploading the mark’s position with your data.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=398&v=NosqNo7MdQg&feature=emb_title
Sites with a base station
Ensure your drone data has the same reference point as your other data by importing a RINEX file with your AeroPoints. Great for construction sites with machine control.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=398&v=NosqNo7MdQg&feature=emb_title
Sites with a local grid
Align drone data with machine control, design, and other site data by uploading your Trimble or Topcon calibration file to calibrate AeroPoints with your local grid coordinates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=566&v=NosqNo7MdQg&feature=emb_title
See the Propeller Corrections Network Map here:
Propeller AeroPoints FAQ:
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Webinar: Propeller Hardware: https://get.propelleraero.com/webinar-propeller-hardware
Free eBook: Guide to Ground Control Points: https://get.propelleraero.com/ground-control-points-guide
Article: Five Different Ways to Use Your AeroPoints: https://www.propelleraero.com/blog/five-different-ways-to-use-your-aeropoints/
More about Propeller Data Collection and Analysis Solutions: https://www.propelleraero.com/how-it-works/