Currently using Pix4Dmapper (perpetual license from a few years ago) but wondering if I should switch to cloud-based. My main work is construction topo, stockpiles, and the occasional boundary survey.
DroneDeploy seems easier but is it accurate enough? Propeller looks good for earthworks. Pix4D I know but the desktop workflow is getting old.
Who's using what and why?
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Sign inDroneDeploy for me. The accuracy is there - I've validated against total station shots plenty of times. Usually within 0.05' horizontal and 0.1' vertical with good RTK and a few GCPs.
The big win is collaboration. My clients can log in and measure stuff themselves instead of calling me for every little thing. Saves so much back and forth.
I use DroneDeploy for 90% of work and keep Pix4D for weird edge cases where I need more control. Best of both worlds.
The DroneDeploy accuracy stack has gotten really good - RTK flight app, auto-PPK, datum harmonization. For standard topo and construction it's hard to beat the convenience.
I switched from Pix4D to Propeller 2 years ago for stockpile work and haven't looked back. The AeroPoints make GCP workflow dead simple and the volume tools are built for what we do. Cut/fill, design comparison, it's all there.
That said, Propeller is really focused on earthworks. If you're doing a lot of topo for design or boundary work, it might feel limited.
Propeller if stockpiles are your bread and butter. The reporting is built for talking to ops managers, not surveyors. Which sounds like a negative but it's actually great - my reports go straight to the plant manager without translation.
DroneDeploy if you need more variety in your work.
@CadCraig Export options are solid - you get LAS, LAZ, DXF, and you can export surfaces directly. There's also an Autodesk integration if you're on their cloud stuff. I export to Civil3D regularly, no complaints.
Interesting. Sounds like DroneDeploy might be the move for variety. Anyone know how the Civil3D export works? That's where most of my deliverables end up.