Firmatek Using AeroPoints Guide

NOTE: Download this guide as a PDF at the bottom of article 

Placing Your AeroPoints

Distribute the AeroPoints to desired locations of the site to be mapped. (Refer to our GCP Best Practices for more information on where to locate your GCPs.) Each AeroPoint points works and collects GPS data independently. They should be unobstructed and clearly visible in the drone-based imagery and placed according to Firmatek’s best practices for setting Ground Control Points (GCP).

For best results place an AeroPoint, horizontally on the ground, near each corner of the area to be mapped and distribute the remainder around the perimeter and the center, aiming to cover both high and low elevations. Smaller areas can use less than 10, but all areas must use a minimum of 5.

Each AeroPoint should less than 1500 feet from the nearest neighboring point.

Make sure the location you have chosen for your AeroPoints has an unobstructed view of the sky (at least 15 degree angle) in every direction.

Avoid placing AeroPoints where they will be moved disturbed in any way.

TIP: For a permanent Ground Control Point (GCP) place and align the center of the AeroPoint directly over the center of your permanent target.

 

Using Your AeroPoints

1. Start: After placing an AeroPoint on the ground, press the top button once to start recording GPS data.
   • The button turns “solid red” indicating the AeroPoints are in recording mode.
     • Recording starts within 60 seconds. Do not adjust AeroPoint during recording.
     • TIP: If you need to change the position of the AeroPoint during recording, press the button once to stop recording, make the adjustment, and press the button once to restart recording.
2. Wait: Each point should be left in place to record for at least 45 minutes.
   • TIP: This is a good time to complete the drone mapping mission, making sure all of the AeroPoints have been captured in the photos.
   • Note: the AeroPoints will automatically stop recording and go into “sleep mode” after 5 hours of recording. Press button once to wake, if necessary.
3. Stop: After a minimum of 45 mins, press the button once to stop recording. The light will turn off. Pick-up the AeroPoints.

Picking Up Your AeroPoints

After you stop recording, each of the AeroPoints will start searching automatically for a specific WiFi hot-spot with the name/password: “propeller/propeller” for automatic upload of GCP data to Firmatek.

A blinking red light indicates that the AeroPioint has connected to the WiFi hot-spot, directly followed by a fast-blinking red light that indicates data is uploading. The light turns off when uploading is complete. Normally, uploading takes 30-60 seconds to complete.

TIP: Since the GCP data-file is small any smartphone, tablet or other Internet-connected device will work.

Firmatek will be notified of the upload and proceed to integrate the AeroPoint GCP data with the drone-imagery to generate the final deliverables.

TIP: To track the location of your AeroPoints we suggest downloading the app, Pin Drop from the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. This app may help you identify the area to be mapped adjust the drone mission plan to ensure all GCPs are included. The app may also help you find all your points for easy pick-up.

Troubleshooting

• If an AeroPoint isn’t turning on your battery may need to be recharged. Place the AeroPoint in the sun and charge for 1-2 hours.
• A set of 10 AeroPints can give accurate results for an area up to 370 acres. For larger areas use more AeroPoints.
• Where does an AeroPoint measure from? Precise measurements are taken from top surface of the unit, at the center where all 4 checkerboards intersect. When setting permanent control targets underneath the AeroPoints subtract the thickness of the AeroPoint (32 mm) from the report height.
• Note: Some devices such as Apple iPhones only accept up to 5 simultaneous WiFi hotspot connections. Keep this in mind when retrieving the AeroPoints and uploading GCP data to Firmatek. Always observe the sequence of blinking and fast-alining lights on the AeroPoints to ensure successful GCP data uploads

Download a Copy of the AeroPoints User Guide Here: