Cut Setup Time by 80%: Aerial Targeting Cost and Efficiency Analysis
In drone surveying, every minute spent placing aerial targets for Ground Control Points (GCPs) and Checkpoints is a minute not spent flying, processing, or delivering results. Many survey teams are losing valuable time—and money—deploying outdated targets that require multiple nails, extra repositioning, and frequent field corrections.
We decided to run the numbers.
In a recent controlled field test on a 50-acre mapping site, we compared the time and cost required to set 16 traditional 2x2 aerial targets versus DronePoints. The study measured labor time for a single technician deploying each target type under realistic field conditions, excluding GPS observation and retrieval to isolate the setup workflow.
After measuring time per target setup the results were clear:
-
Traditional targets averaged 4.8 minutes per setup
-
DronePoints averaged just 59 seconds
DronePoints use a single nail for installation and GPS coordinate observation, eliminating the need to fasten four corners, tension floppy material, or fight subsurface obstructions. In addition to cutting setup time by roughly 80%, DronePoints also slashed material costs by nearly 40%, thanks to their compact form and preconfigured packaging.
When labor rates were factored in at $75/hour:
-
A single 16-target deployment cost $283 with 2x2s
-
The same job cost only $135 with DronePoints
-
That’s a 52% total cost reduction
These gains aren’t just academic—they translate directly into improved safety, faster project turnaround, and lower overhead in high-volume or rugged field deployments.
⚡ Want the numbers?
Read the full whitepaper to see our test setup, side-by-side comparison table, and full cost breakdown.