Updated 27 April 2026

Section 1: Exporting Orthophoto and DSM/DTM from Propeller

Section 2: Importing Orthophoto and DSM/DTM to Strayos

Section 3: Exporting Point Cloud from Propeller

Section 4: Importing Point Cloud to Strayos

Additional Information: Exporting Point Cloud

Additional Information: Exporting 3D Model (Mesh)

Additional Information: DSM/DTM export

Workflow Guide: Propeller to Strayos Integration

Section 1: Exporting Orthophoto and DSM/DTM from Propeller

Step 1: Open the Survey Files Menu 

Log in to your Propeller subdomain and select your active site. Click on the Outputs icon in the left-hand sidebar, then select the Files button to view all available export formats for that survey.

Step 2: Exporting the Orthophoto 

Navigate to the ORTHOPHOTO tab and find the GeoTIFF format.

• Direct to Cloud: Choose the option to send the file directly to SharePoint/OneDrive for later download.

• Manual Export: Alternatively, download the GeoTIFF locally.

• Check for Corrections: Use the local datum correction version your site uses. (e.g., GDA94 or GDA2020 (Australia), NAVD88 (USA), NZVD2016 (New Zealand), OSTN15 (United Kingdom), or ETRS89 (Europe)).

Geoid Corrections: Use the file you exported with a local Geoid correction (e.g., GDA94 or GDA2020 (Australia), NAVD88 (USA), NZVD2016 (New Zealand), OSTN15 (United Kingdom), or ETRS89 (Europe)). You must ensure the Published System or Local Grid selected here accounts for that specific vertical datum. Failure to match these will result in the "Hovering Problem," where your data appears vertically offset from the ground.

Uploading local grid system with JXL file can allow the CRS to include the vertical datum, as long as the JXL file declares it.

Step 3: Exporting the Digital Surface Model (DSM/DTM) 

Switch to the TERRAIN tab and select the DSM/DTM GeoTIFF.

• Direct to Cloud: Choose the option to send the file directly to SharePoint/OneDrive for later download.

• Manual Export: Alternatively, download the GeoTIFF locally.

• Correction: You must select the file version labeled with local Geoid correction (e.g., GDA94, NAD83, etc.) to ensure data alignment.

Section 2: Importing Orthophoto and DSM/DTM to Strayos

Step 1: Initiate a New Project 

In the Strayos dashboard, click the + New Project button.

Step 2: Upload the Data

Choose the Upload Pre-Processed Data option, as the photogrammetry has already been completed in Propeller.

Step 3: Define Site and Project Identity 

Select the correct Site from the list. Give your project a name and ensure the date matches the flight date.

Step 4: Setting Project Location

Before uploading files, you must define the project's location. Strayos provides three methods to pinpoint where your data sits on the earth. This is the foundation for your coordinate alignment.

• Method 1: Search by Lat/Long Enter the specific Latitude and Longitude coordinates for the center of your site. This is the most direct way to ensure the project is created in the correct global position.

• Method 2: Locate on Map Use the interactive map interface to manually navigate to and select your site. This is useful for a quick visual setup.

• Method 3: Upload Single Drone Image Upload One image from your drone flight. Strayos will read the Exif metadata (GPS tags) from that single photo to automatically "pin" the project to the correct location.

CRITICAL ALIGNMENT NOTE: These methods are used to set your project horizontally only.

Step 5: Choosing the Project Location and Coordinate System

Setting the correct location is the most critical step for data alignment. You must choose one of the three methods below to ensure your drone data and drill data occupy the same space.

Method A: Published System (EPSG Code) Use this if your site operates on a standard global or national coordinate system. You can search by the EPSG code or the name.

Method B: Local Grid System (Calibration File) If your site uses a custom local grid, select this option to upload your site calibration files via Trimble .jxl. This ensures the Strayos environment matches your physical site.

Method C: Select from Map If high-precision survey alignment isn't required for the specific task, you can manually search for the site location on the interactive map to pin the project coordinates.

CRITICAL CHECK: Whichever method you choose, it must match the export settings you used in Propeller.

• Geoid Corrections: Use the file you exported with a local Geoid correction (e.g., GDA94 or GDA2020 (Australia), NAVD88 (USA), NZVD2016 (New Zealand), OSTN15 (United Kingdom), or ETRS89 (Europe)). You must ensure the Published System or Local Grid selected here accounts for that specific vertical datum. Failure to match these will result in the "Hovering Problem," where your data appears vertically offset from the ground.

Step 6: Uploading Orthophoto and Terrain Data

Once the location and coordinate system are anchored, you can upload the high-resolution files you exported from Propeller.

From SharePoint/OneDrive: Select the SharePoint/OneDrive to download to local storage. 

From Local Storage: Drag and drop your locally saved files into the upload section.

Step 2 (Terrain): Upload your DSM/DTM (.TIFF). This provides the elevation and shape.

Step 7: Review Project Summary

After successfully uploading your Orthophoto and DSM/DTM files, a summary screen will appear. Review the following details carefully to ensure accuracy before final submission:

• Site Name: Verify that the data is being assigned to the correct geographic site.

• Project Date: Ensure the date matches the original drone survey flight date.

• File Count: Confirm that both mandatory files (Orthophoto and DSM/DTM) are present in the upload list.

• Total File Size: Check that the cumulative size of the high-resolution files matches your local exports.

Once you have verified the summary, click the Upload button to initiate the final transfer to the server.

Step 8: Final Data Submission

Once you have verified the summary, click the Upload button to initiate the final transfer to the server.

• Progress Monitoring: An "Upload in progress..." bar will appear.

• Browser Stability: Do not close the browser window or refresh the page during this process to avoid data corruption or upload failure.

• Automatic Submission: You can toggle the "Automatically submit when uploads have completed" switch to improve workflow efficiency.

Step 9: Successful Submission and Processing

Upon completion, a "Submitted Successfully" confirmation screen will be displayed.

• Processing Time: Your data will enter a processing queue, with a wait time of several minutes before the model is available.

• Notification: You will be notified via the platform once the 3D textured model has been generated and is ready for use in Strayos analytical tools.

• Return to Dashboard: Click Go To Dashboard to monitor the processing status or begin work on other projects

Section 3: Exporting Point Cloud from Propeller

Step 1: Exporting from Propeller

In the Files menu, navigate to the POINT CLOUD tab.

• Direct to Cloud: Choose the option to send the file directly to SharePoint/OneDrive for later download.

• Manual Export: Alternatively, download the GeoTIFF locally.

• Check for Corrections: Use the local datum correction version your site uses. (e.g., GDA94 or GDA2020 (Australia), NAVD88 (USA), NZVD2016 (New Zealand), OSTN15 (United Kingdom), or ETRS89 (Europe)).

• Note: Select the larger .LAS file, which has not been reduced by Propeller. When importing point cloud files into Strayos, the software automatically creates an orthophoto and a DSM/DTM.

Section 4: Importing Point Cloud to Strayos

Step 1: Initialize Strayos Project

In the Strayos dashboard, click the + New Project button.

Step 2: Upload the Data

Choose the Upload Pre-Processed Data option, as the photogrammetry has already been completed in Propeller.

Step 3: Define Site and Project Identity 

Select the correct Site from the list. Give your project a name and ensure the date matches the flight date.

Step 4: Setting Project Location

Before uploading files, you must define the project's location. Strayos provides three methods to pinpoint where your data sits on the earth. This is the foundation for your coordinate alignment.

• Method 1: Search by Lat/Long Enter the specific Latitude and Longitude coordinates for the center of your site. This is the most direct way to ensure the project is created in the correct global position.

• Method 2: Locate on Map Use the interactive map interface to manually navigate to and select your site. This is useful for a quick visual setup.

• Method 3: Upload Single Drone Image Upload one image from your drone flight. Strayos will read the Exif metadata (GPS tags) from that single photo to automatically "pin" the project to the correct location.

CRITICAL ALIGNMENT NOTE: These methods are used to set your project horizontally only.

Step 5: Choosing the Project Location and Coordinate System

Setting the correct location is the most critical step for data alignment. You must choose one of the three methods below to ensure your drone data and drill data occupy the same space.

Method A: Published System (EPSG Code) Use this if your site operates on a standard global or national coordinate system. You can search by the EPSG code or the name (e.g., GDA94 / MGA zone 50).

Method B: Local Grid System (Calibration File) If your site uses a custom local grid, select this option to upload your site calibration files via Trimble .jxl. This ensures the Strayos environment matches your physical site.

Method C: Select from Map If high-precision survey alignment isn't required for the specific task, you can manually search for the site location on the interactive map to pin the project coordinates.

CRITICAL CHECK: Whichever method you choose, it must match the export settings you used in Propeller.

• Geoid Corrections: Use the file you exported with a local Geoid correction (e.g., GDA94 or GDA2020 (Australia), NAVD88 (USA), NZVD2016 (New Zealand), OSTN15 (United Kingdom), or ETRS89 (Europe)). You must ensure the Published System or Local Grid selected here accounts for that specific vertical datum. Failure to match these will result in the "Hovering Problem," where your data appears vertically offset from the ground.

Step 6: Uploading the Point Cloud (.LAZ/.LAS)

On the Add Files screen, navigate to the Point Cloud upload section. 

From SharePoint/OneDrive: Select the SharePoint/OneDrive to download to local storage. 

From Local Storage: Drag and drop your locally saved files into the upload section.

CRITICAL NOTE ON GEOREFERENCING: The Point Cloud file must be georeferenced to be processed. If you upload a file without the Coordinate Reference System (CRS) tag in the metadata, the system may return an error or prompt you for more information.

If the Coordinate System is missing: If the file contains spatial data but lacks the CRS definition tag, the platform will provide an option to manually select the coordinate system.

Step 7: Review Project Summary

After successfully uploading your Orthophoto and DSM/DTM files, a summary screen will appear. Review the following details carefully to ensure accuracy before final submission:

• Site Name: Verify that the data is being assigned to the correct geographic site.

• Project Date: Ensure the date matches the original drone survey flight date.

• File Count: Confirm that both mandatory files (Orthophoto and DSM) are present in the upload list.

• Total File Size: Check that the cumulative size of the high-resolution files matches your local exports.

Once you have verified the summary, click the Upload button to initiate the final transfer to the server.

Step 8: Final Data Submission

Once you have verified the summary, click the Upload button to initiate the final transfer to the server.

• Progress Monitoring: An "Upload in progress..." bar will appear.

• Browser Stability: Do not close the browser window or refresh the page during this process to avoid data corruption or upload failure.

• Automatic Submission: You can toggle the "Automatically submit when uploads have completed" switch to improve workflow efficiency.

Step 9: Successful Submission and Processing

Upon completion, a "Submitted Successfully" confirmation screen will be displayed.

• Processing Time: Your data will enter a processing queue, with a wait time of several minutes before the model is available.

• Notification: You will be notified via the platform once the 3D textured model has been generated and is ready for use in Strayos analytical tools.

• Return to Dashboard: Click Go To Dashboard to monitor the processing status or begin work on other projects

Additional Information: Exporting Point Cloud

Point Cloud Resolution Requirements

1. High-Resolution Tools (Requires 2–4 mm spacing)

• Fragmentation AI: This tool requires the highest possible density to accurately detect and measure individual rock fragments post-blast.

2. Standard Resolution Tools (1–3 cm spacing is sufficient) 

For all other analytical and safety tools, a standard high-density point cloud is perfectly acceptable:

• Haul Road AI: For road geometry, grade, and safety berm analysis.

• Rock Mass AI: For structural mapping and joint detection.

• Highwall Safety AI: For detecting overhangs and crest/toe compliance.

• Stockpile AI: For automated volume calculations and inventory.

• Lithology AI: For differentiating geological layers.

• Floor Control AI: For measuring catch-bench and floor planarity.

• Slope Stability AI: For monitoring movement and wall integrity.

• Muckpile AI: For muckpile Profile and cast Analysis.

• Collar Deviation AI: For auto-detecting drilled holes and generating a collar deviation report.

• ORBYM (Ore Body Movement): For simulating blast displacement and dilution.

• Operational Tools: Including Cut/Fill, Drilling Design, MWD Data, Loading & Timing, and Blast Prediction.

You must select the file version labeled with the local Geoid correction (e.g., GDA94, NAD83, etc.) to ensure vertical data alignment.

Additional Information: Exporting 3D Model (Mesh)

3D Mesh Limitation: 

Propeller exports of 3D Meshes in OBJ format do not include the necessary texture data. While a 3D model with texture data can be imported from other sources, Propeller's specific export cannot be used directly for model creation in Strayos because it lacks these details.

Do not use the Mesh (OBJ) export. Instead, follow this recommended workflow:

• Primary Method: Export a combination of the Digital Surface Model and/or Digital Terrain Model (DSM/DTM) and the Orthophoto. This allows Strayos to wrap the high-resolution image over the terrain data. 

• Alternative Method: Export a Point Cloud to generate the model within the destination platform.
  
  

• Direct to Cloud: Choose the option to send the file directly to SharePoint/OneDrive for later download.

Manual Export: Alternatively, download the files locally.

Additional Information: DSM/DTM Export

• Download and import both DSM/DTM and Orthophoto from Propeller for complete model generation in Strayos.

• Check for Corrections: Use the local datum correction version your site uses. (e.g., GDA94 or GDA2020 (Australia), NAVD88 (USA), NZVD2016 (New Zealand), OSTN15 (United Kingdom), or ETRS89 (Europe)).

Understanding Standard vs. Corrected Files

Before exporting data from Propeller for use in Strayos, it is essential to identify the coordinate requirements of your specific site. Choosing the incorrect file version is the most common cause of data misalignment and "hovering" models.

Standard Files (The WGS84 Ellipsoid) Standard exports utilize WGS84, a global geographic coordinate system that models the Earth as a simplified, mathematically smooth ellipsoid. While this is the universal standard for global GPS positioning, it is a mathematical average that does not account for localized variations in the Earth's gravity or physical terrain. Because it lacks these local "anchors," WGS84 often fails to represent true ground elevation. 

Corrected Files (Local Geoid Corrections) Corrected files include a mathematical adjustment known as a Geoid, which translates theoretical "GPS height" into actual elevation relative to your local sea level. If your site was surveyed using a base station, AeroPoints, or RTK/PPK technology, you must select the corrected export version. Common examples include:

• GDA94 or GDA2020 (Australia)

• NAVD88 or NAD83 (USA)

• NZVD2016 (New Zealand)

• OSTN15 (United Kingdom)

• ETRS89 (Europe)

The "Hovering Problem": If you use the Standard WGS84 model on a site that requires a local correction, your data will suffer from a significant vertical offset. In a 3D environment, this causes your drone map and your drill holes to appear 20–50 meters apart vertically, effectively making your data "hover" in space. For AI-driven tools like Collar Deviation or Loading Rules, even a 1-meter error can lead to significant inaccuracies, such as incorrect sub-drill depths or failed explosive weight calculations.

Rule of Thumb: Always look for a file version labeled with a regional name (like e.g., GDA94 or GDA2020 (Australia), NAVD88 (USA), NZVD2016 (New Zealand), OSTN15 (United Kingdom), or ETRS89 (Europe)), prioritize that file for your export to ensure your drone, drill, and blast designs all sit on the same ground level.