Use the Stencil

DronePoints Stencil Usage Instructions

DronePoints stencils are versatile tools designed to accommodate various project needs, whether you require small and precise markings for low-altitude data collections or larger, more visible markings for high-altitude mapping. Choose the set of instructions that best fits your project requirements:

Low Altitude (Smaller Marking) This option provides a marking with crosshairs that are 1.25 inches wide. Perfect for data collections with a high ground sample distance (GSD) aerial data collections performed at lower flight altitudes.
Prep It 1. Cut the Flaps Identify Perforated Lines: Begin by locating the perforated lines situated at the bottom edges of the indented regions on the target. These lines mark where to cut to transform your stencil into a functional stencil. Cut with Care: With a sharp knife or a pair of scissors, carefully cut along these perforated lines. Ensure each cut is clean and follows the line closely to maintain the integrity of the stencil design. Safety First: Always use caution when handling sharp tools to avoid injury. Cut away from your body and keep your fingers clear of the cutting path. Consider wearing safety gloves if necessary.
Mark Center 2. Spray Center Position the Stencil: Carefully place your DronePoints stencil at the intended location. If you're aligning it over an existing survey monument or nail, utilize the center hole of the stencil for precise positioning. Spray the Center: With the stencil stabilized, apply your marking paint through the center hole. This mark not only guides you for any necessary realignment but also serves as a critical reference point for GPS surveys.
High and Dry 3. Fold Flaps Up Prepare for Paint Free Handling: Before applying any paint, gently fold all the cut flaps upwards and towards the center of the stencil. This creates makeshift handles, allowing you to manipulate the stencil without getting paint on your fingers.
X Marks the Spot 4. Spray Crosshairs Spray Each Crosshair Region: Carefully apply spray paint to each interior region designated for the crosshairs. Aim for uniform and adequate paint coverage across all areas to enhance visibility and accuracy of the markings. Tip for Optimal Application: Keep the stencil flush against the ground while spraying. If you notice any part of the stencil lifting, gently apply pressure towards that direction using the handles. This helps maintain contact with the surface, preventing under spray or blurry edges.
Paint the Perimeter 5. Spray Around Apply Paint to Outer Edges: Holding the spray paint can steady, begin to apply paint around the perimeter of the stencil. Aim for a consistent band of paint that extends at least 2 inches beyond the stencil’s edge. A thicker boundary is preferable for ensuring high visibility.
We Have Liftoff 6. Lift Straight Up Straight Upward Motion: Gently lift the stencil directly upwards with a steady, even motion. It's crucial to avoid any sideways movement to prevent smearing the freshly applied paint.

High Altitude / Larger Marking

This option provides a marking with crosshairs that are 2.0 inches wide. This option is for lower ground sample distance (GSD) aerial data collections performed at higher flight altitudes.

Prep It

1. Cut and Flip Over

Identify Perforated Lines: Begin by locating the perforated lines situated at the bottom edges of the indented regions and the center circle on the top of the target. These lines mark where to cut to transform your stencil into a functional stencil.
Cut with Care: With a sharp knife or a pair of scissors, carefully cut along these perforated lines. Ensure each cut is clean and follows the line closely to maintain the integrity of the stencil design.

Safety First: Always use caution when handling sharp tools to avoid injury. Cut away from your body and keep your fingers clear of the cutting path. Consider wearing safety gloves if necessary.

Flip the Stencil Over: The underside of the target must be facing upwards.

To acheive larger high altitude markings, flip stencil over with underside facing up. Versatile high altitude large marking for visible data collection. This drone control point target for survey UAV photogrammetry and lidar offers cost savings and high accuracy in geospatial data collection.

Mark Center

2. Spray Center

Position the Stencil: Carefully place your DronePoints stencil at the intended location. If you're aligning it over an existing survey monument or nail, utilize the center hole of the stencil for precise positioning.

Spray the Center: With the stencil stabilized, apply your marking material through the center hole. This mark not only guides you for any necessary realignment but also serves as a critical reference point for GPS surveys.

Spray stencil for accurate GPS survey. This drone target is perfect for aerial UAV and UAS photogrammetry. Achieve high accuracy in your geospatial data collection.

High and Dry

3. Fold Flaps Up

Prepare for Paint Free Handling: Before applying any paint, gently fold all the cut flaps upwards and towards the center of the stencil. This creates makeshift handles, allowing you to manipulate the stencil without getting paint on your fingers.

Fold previously cut flaps updard and use as a handle to hold stencil firm against ground surface, don't move.Clean marking reusable paint stencil for lidar and photogrammetry. This drone target is perfect for survey UAV applications. Achieve high accuracy in your geospatial data collection.

X Marks the Spot

4. Spray Crosshairs

Spray Each Crosshair Region: Carefully apply spray paint to each interior region designated for the crosshairs. Aim for uniform and adequate paint coverage across all areas to enhance visibility and accuracy of the markings.

Tip for Optimal Application: Keep the stencil flush against the ground while spraying. If you notice any part of the stencil lifting, gently apply pressure towards that direction using the handles. This helps maintain contact with the surface, preventing under spray or blurry edges.

Spray inner radial flap openings. Clean marking spray paint for lidar and photogrammetry. Easy to use for drone survey UAV applications. Ground control point target for accurate geospatial data collection.

Paint the Perimeter

5. Spray Around

Apply Paint to Outer Edges: Holding the spray paint can steady, begin to apply paint around the perimeter of the stencil. Aim for a consistent band of paint that extends at least 2 inches beyond the stencil’s edge. A thicker boundary is preferable for ensuring high visibility.

Apply a thick ring of marking spray paint around the outer edges of the stencil, three plus inches is advised. Marking for high altitude data collection. This drone target for survey UAV photogrammetry offers cost savings and high accuracy in geospatial data collection.

We Have Liftoff

6. Lift Straight Up

Straight Upward Motion: Gently lift the stencil directly upwards with a steady, even motion. It's crucial to avoid any sideways movement to prevent smearing the freshly applied paint.

Lift stencil straight up without smearing wet paint. Reuse stencil for geospatial survey. This drone target with spray paint is suitable for UAV applications. Save time and ensure high efficiency with this professional tool.

Tips for Best Results:

Test Spray: It's a good idea to test the spray on a separate surface before applying it through the stencil to ensure the color and spray pattern are as expected.
Alignment Precision: For projects requiring high precision, take extra care when aligning the DronePoint stencil. The center alignment hole is a useful guide for positioning over preexisting reference points.

Use the Stencil

DronePoints Stencil Usage Instructions