This article explains the tagging workflow for Ground Control Points (GCPs) and checkpoints, which uses DroneDeploy's Ground Control AI to automate the process.
What is Ground Control AI?
Ground Control AI automatically locates and tags GCP targets in your map images. This feature is enabled by default. You do not need to take any additional steps to use it. If you use a non-conventional GCP, you can still manually tag your points.
How to Use the Tagging Workflow
After you submit a map for processing, DroneDeploy pre-processes the map. Once the pre-processing is complete, you will receive an email notification. Both the plan creator and data uploader receive these emails by default.
- Open the email notification from DroneDeploy.
- Click the link to review the tagged GCPs. The Map view and the List view are shown below.
From here, you can verify that the crosshairs are aligned to the center of the target. If needed, you can fine-tune the position manually.
Additional Information
Switching Point Types You can change a point from a GCP to a Checkpoint, or from a Checkpoint to a GCP.
Troubleshooting
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Fixing a CSV Error: If your GCP CSV file has an error, correct the error in the file and re-upload it to the project.
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Skipping a GCP: If a target is no longer visible, you can skip that GCP.
- Opting Out: To opt out of the Ground Control AI feature, contact our Support team Support@dronedeploy.com.
Why Tag GCPs?
Tagging GCPs provides valuable training data that makes Ground Control AI smarter and more accurate for future projects.
FAQs
Q: Who receives the GCP tagging emails?
A: By default both the plan creator and the data uploader will receive the emails that GCP's are ready to be tagged. You can enable all coordinators on the project to receive these emails if desired by contacting support@dronedeploy.com.
Video Demonstration (pre-January 2026 Release cycle)