Propeller
6.8/10Propeller is a cloud 3D mapping and survey analytics platform. It turns drone and GNSS data into measurable site models for earthworks, construction, mining and aggregates teams.
Data last updated November 2026 · Our methodology
Overview
Propeller, from the Sydney company Propeller Aero, is a cloud platform for worksite teams. It merges drone photogrammetry, LiDAR, GNSS rover, total station and other survey data onto one 3D map. Teams use it to measure stockpile volumes, compare cut and fill and design against as-built terrain, track earthworks progress and remaining quantities, and share site records with stakeholders. The company sells its own hardware alongside the software. AeroPoints are smart ground control points that use PPK processing for survey-grade accuracy. DirtMate is a GNSS receiver with machine guidance and fleet telematics. Propeller CAD lets users draft preliminary haul roads, ramps and pads directly on the survey surface. Propeller's own pages name construction, mining, aggregates, waste management, transportation and data centers as target industries. It suits civil contractors, quarry operators and the surveyors who support them. It integrates with Trimble Connect, Procore, Autodesk BIM 360 and Autodesk Build, Aconex, HCSS and OneDrive, and works with DJI enterprise drones. Software pricing is not published: buyers request a quote or start a 14-day free trial with no credit card. PPK, photogrammetry and LiDAR processing are sold as data capture add-ons, and AeroPoint hardware is an extra cost that third-party sources put at about 1,000 USD per unit. The main limitation is its focus on horizontal earthworks. Reviewers note less depth for vertical building or interior work, and the custom quotes plus hardware costs make total cost hard to estimate upfront.
Our Rating
Who Propeller is best for
Good fit
Propeller is built around earthworks progress, cut and fill, and design-versus-reality comparison for civil contractors.
It processes drone imagery and LiDAR, and its AeroPoints make ground control easier for survey pilots.
Foremen and field crews get mobile access, and DirtMate supports grade checks and stakeout.
Less suited
It has survey and engineering industry pages and offers preliminary CAD design on terrain.
- Operations Teams6/10
Quarry and mine managers use it to track stockpile inventory over time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Combines drone, LiDAR, GNSS rover and total station data on a single map, regardless of which hardware captured it.
- AeroPoints give survey-grade ground control without the manual surveying normally needed to set control points.
- Strong stockpile, cut and fill, and progress tooling, with a long track record in earthworks and aggregates.
- Integrates with common construction systems such as Procore, Trimble Connect, Autodesk Build and HCSS.
- The trust center shows a SOC 2 Type 2 attestation.
Cons
- No published software pricing, so buyers have to request a quote.
- Hardware such as AeroPoints and DirtMate adds separate costs on top of the software.
- Reviewers find less depth for vertical construction and interior fitout work.
- Some reviewers say the price may seem high to smaller clients.
Key Features
Propeller Pricing
Propeller Platform (custom quote)
- 14-day free trial with no credit card
- Volume, cut and fill, and progress tracking
- Data capture add-ons for PPK, photogrammetry and LiDAR sold separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Propeller offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
Software pricing is quote-based. AeroPoint hardware is extra, at roughly 1,000 USD per unit according to third-party sources.
Propeller says its platform accepts data from any capture hardware, including drones, GNSS rovers and total stations. Its pages show DJI enterprise drones.
Trimble Connect, Procore, Autodesk BIM 360, Autodesk Build, Aconex, HCSS and OneDrive.
Propeller displays a SOC 2 Type 2 badge and runs a public trust center.
A 2017 interview with the company's CEO cited global accuracy within about 2 cm and sub-centimeter relative accuracy between points.
Similar Tools
See all alternatives
Esri's GIS platform for mapping, spatial analysis and field data collection, used by utilities, governments and infrastructure owners to manage networks and assets.
Computer vision platform for utilities, mining, energy and transport operators that automates drone and camera-based asset inspections and continuous site monitoring.
QGIS is a free, open source desktop GIS. Organisations use it to view, edit, analyse and map spatial data, including vector, raster, mesh and point cloud layers.