Propeller Aero AeroPoints ground control points for drone surveying

Propeller Aero has announced the launch of AeroPoints — smart ground control points that makes it easy for anyone to capture survey-accurate mapping using drones. The technology provides a simple solution to one of the major roadblocks to widespread commercial drone adoption: accuracy.

Typical ground control requires establishing precise geolocation position using surveying equipment, and then securing a visible ground marker exactly on the pre-marked GPS point. AeroPoints are portable ground control markers, visible from the air and capable of quickly capturing their own position down to 2 cm accuracy.

AeroPoints work with any camera or drone and integrate seamlessly with a cloud-based data platform and processing engine. To use the ground control points, simply lay them down, fly the drone and then pick them up again. They’ll automatically connect to a wireless or mobile hotspot when back in range to upload captured positional data.

The ground control points make capturing data easy for companies across the industrial sector, including mining, construction, quarries and landfills. Solar powered, durable and weather resistant, they don’t require any on-site connection.