Propeller AeroPoints FAQs

Where can I buy AeroPoints?

You can buy them directly from Propeller Aero, or one of our partners. Buy online here, or get in contact with us to find a partner near you.

Can I buy a smaller set of AeroPoints?

If you’re an existing AeroPoints customer, you can buy single AeroPoints as additional ground control points or just want to keep as a spare.

Likewise, if you are a Propeller PPK customer, you can purchase additional units in packs of 1 or 5.

For new AeroPoints customers, the minimum pack size is 10. AeroPoints are known to deliver reliable, accurate data every time. The more AeroPoints you use, the more coverage you’ll receive through redundancy if they are accidentally moved or covered. Additionally, more AeroPoints means even higher accuracy and extra data for checkpoint verification.

Do I need a Propeller subscription to use AeroPoints?

For AeroPoints to work, you need to maintain a subscription to the Propeller Corrections Network, which is included with your purchase for the first 12 months.

After the first year, if you have a current Propeller Platform license, you get the Network subscription for free.

If you aren’t using the Propeller Platform, the Network subscription is just $600 USD / year.

Can I use AeroPoints with other cloud- or desktop-based processing solutions?

Yes, we make the control point data easy to export in CSV, KML, and PDF formats.

Even if you do your own processing, you can upload the mapping outputs (orthomosaics and DEMs) for visualization, sharing, and measuring in Propeller’s industry-leading platform.

How quickly will the location data be available after the AeroPoint is connected to Wi-Fi?

For customers using base station networks, data can be available in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the network you are using. For customers using the known-point method, corrections can be available instantly.

In all other cases, data are available within 24 hours after uploading. This varies based on local providers and, in many places, it’s much faster—contact us to find out typical times in your area.

What is the minimum/maximum operating temperature?

AeroPoints work from 0ºF (-20ºC) up to 104ºF (40ºC) ambient temperature.

What level of moisture/dust can they handle?

AeroPoints are dust proof, and can tolerate moderate rain.

If I order my set now, when should I expect my AeroPoints to arrive?

AeroPoints are currently in stock and ship following a 48-hour processing period. Shipping times do vary based upon your location. If you would like to order some AeroPoints, please get in touch with the team to place your order.

What area can I cover with a set of AeroPoints?

A set of 10 AeroPoints will deliver accurate results on areas up to 180 acres (80 hectares). Even for the smallest surveys, such as a single building, we still recommend putting out all of your AeroPoints—it’s easy to do, and gives you the ability to verify accuracy and avoid accidental movement or obstruction that could ruin your survey.

We recommend two sets of AeroPoints (20 total) for high accuracy on areas up to 360 acres (145 hectares).

How long do AeroPoints need to be running to get good accuracy?

If you’re using the latest model of AeroPoints (AeroPoints 2), the minimum capture time is 10 minutes.

For customers using the older generation of AeroPoints, we recommend they stay active for at least 45 minutes to record enough positioning data sets to be survey-grade accurate.

If you’re using a mixed fleet of AeroPoint 1s and 2s, you should follow the 45-minute guideline to achieve the best results.

Do AeroPoints come with a warranty?

We offer a standard one-year international warranty that starts at the date of initial activation. Within that time, we will replace faulty AeroPoints, if necessary.

Activation of a secondhand AeroPoint does not reset the warranty start date.

Will AeroPoints work in my area?

Propeller’s AeroPoints work everywhere in the world where there’s solid ground and sky.

If they are in range of our Corrections Network, they will automatically deliver survey-grade accuracy, but there are a number of other methods you can use. Read here to learn how.

Where do AeroPoints record their height from?

The height in the report is the top of the AeroPoint. That’s the point you use in the georeferencing process when you have the AeroPoint in the survey images.

If you’re processing images that contain a stencil mark or ground marker (i.e. the point the AeroPoint was placed over), you will need to subtract the thickness of the AeroPoint from the report height:

• AeroPoint 1s are 32mm
• AeroPoint 2s are 26mm

You can download the survey report in CSV format and use Excel to subtract 0.032m or 0.026m (0.105ft) from the elevation you use.

Note that if you use Propeller’s cloud processing, we’ll handle this for you.

What kind of customer support do I get as an AeroPoints customer?

AeroPoints customers have access to tech support. This includes 24-hour chat support through the AeroPoints processing portal and email support during Propeller business hours (7am–5pm MST; 9am–5pm AEST).

Can I use AeroPoint 1s and AeroPoint 2s together?

With the release of AeroPoint 2s, there are now two distinct versions of the AeroPoint smart ground control product. You can use both together when capturing drone survey data. In general, when using a mixed fleet of AeroPoints, we recommend defaulting to the best practices for data capture using AeroPoint 1s.

If you plan to add or replace AeroPoints in your fleet, it’s important to understand how the different versions will function together. You can learn more about the differences between the two versions here.

Can I use the AeroPoints app with both AeroPoints 1 and AeroPoints 2?

The AeroPoints app is not compatible with the original AeroPoints 1. To take advantage of the app, you will need to upgrade to AeroPoints 2.

Are AeroPoints RoHS Compliant?

The European Union has passed legislation restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products.

This legislation, known as the Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, places restrictions on the use of lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, mercury, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

In accordance with this directive, Propeller Aerobotics Pty. is pleased to announce that AeroPoints are being manufactured as RoHS-compliant.

Download a PDF of the Declaration of Conformity here.

If I buy secondhand AeroPoints, what do I need to know?

If you are buying secondhand AeroPoints, please be aware that they may not be covered under manufacturer’s warranty.

The seller should guarantee that the secondhand AeroPoints are of an acceptable quality. Meaning that they are:

• Safe and free from defects
• Acceptable in appearance and finish
• Capable of adequately performing the job that the user would expect

Before you buy, it is a good idea to:

• See if the products have a current manufacturer’s warranty that you can take over.
• Ask questions about the product’s age, any wear and tear, or faults—keep a copy of the seller’s answers.
• Ask the seller if they kept the original receipt or a copy of it.
• Confirm with the previous owner if there is a valid AeroPoints subscription and be prepared to pay the $600 annual fee if a valid subscription does not exist