Propeller recently announced that they will be implementing changes to the availability of local coordinate systems for AeroPoint users. New AeroPoint users will only have the option to use local coordinate systems if they also use the Propeller platform. Hardware-only users will have access solely to global/published coordinate systems. Customers currently using the Propeller platform or Trimble Stratus will not be affected by this change. Currently, only 17% of all hardware-only users use local coordinate systems; the remaining 83% use globals.
Propeller also has plans to phase out this ability for existing users over an extended period. Propeller understands the significance of this adjustment and will provide ample notice throughout the transition period to ensure minimal disruption for both dealers and customers using locals.
If you currently have AeroPoint stock or are awaiting backlog deliveries, Propeller will honor the local coordinate system functionality during an extended sunset period. For all net new AeroPoint orders moving forward, hardware-only users will be limited to global coordinate systems.
Local coordinate systems are the key to producing survey-grade maps for construction, whereas outside construction, global coordinates often suffice. This means our government, environmental, and other non-construction AeroPoint customers will still be able to get full value from AeroPoints.
Going forward, Propeller is focusing on tightening their value proposition and competitiveness in the construction market. Part of this change is reserving this functionality for customers using both Propeller hardware and software solutions.