TerraFlow Mobile - General Instructions Summary
TerraFlow Mobile is a field data collection platform with specialized Mapper products (Utility Mapper, Pole Mapper, Sensor Mapper, and Surface Mapper) designed for field technicians to capture spatial data with high-accuracy GPS. The general instructions cover the common setup and operational procedures that apply across all Mapper products.
Core Topics Overview
1. Startup
Getting started with TerraFlow Mobile
Field technicians learn how to properly power up equipment, log in to TerraFlow Mobile, and navigate the project/job structure. The startup process emphasizes the correct sequence: powering on sensors first, then GPS devices, and finally opening the mobile app. Users select their project (which organizes work by location, client, or initiative) and then choose or create a job to organize their data collection session. This section ensures users understand the organizational hierarchy and can quickly begin productive fieldwork.
Key concepts: Power-up sequence, login credentials, project selection, job creation and selection, equipment initialization
2. Map Screen
Understanding the primary workspace interface
The map screen is the central hub for all data collection and management tasks. Field technicians use this interface to monitor GPS accuracy in real-time, toggle between standard map and aerial satellite views, and access navigation tools. The Follow Me mode automatically centers the map on the user's GPS position, while the Navigate To feature allows users to find specific coordinates. The Download Data function retrieves previously collected data from the cloud for reference in the field, and the Settings gear icon provides quick access to sensor reconnection and specialized configurations.
Key concepts: GPS accuracy monitoring (color-coded indicators), map/aerial view toggle, Follow Me mode, coordinate navigation, data download, sensor reconnection, interface orientation
3. Synchronize Data
Keeping field data current with the cloud
Data synchronization ensures that information collected in the field is uploaded to TerraFlow Data Engine for office staff and team members to access. TerraFlow offers two synchronization methods: automatic sync runs on a user-defined schedule (every 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes) to continuously upload data throughout the day, while manual sync gives field technicians complete control over when uploads occur. Most teams use automatic sync during fieldwork and perform a final manual sync when connected to WiFi at day's end to ensure all data is safely uploaded before powering down equipment.
Key concepts: Automatic vs. manual synchronization, sync intervals, WiFi vs. cellular strategy, end-of-day procedures, offline data collection capability
4. EOS GPS Setup
Configuring EOS Arrow high-accuracy GPS receivers
EOS Arrow GPS devices provide centimeter-level accuracy through Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) corrections. Setup involves installing both EOS Tools Pro (for GPS management) and a TerraFlow Mapper product, then pairing the GPS via Bluetooth. Field technicians configure RTK correction sources and coordinate systems in EOS Tools Pro, then connect TerraFlow to the GPS using NMEA protocol. Critical to accurate positioning is selecting the correct coordinate transformation based on region: NAD83 CSRS for Canada or NAD83 2011 for the United States. Proper configuration ensures GPS coordinates display correctly in TerraFlow's mapping system.
Key concepts: RTK corrections, Bluetooth pairing, EOS Tools Pro configuration, NMEA location provider, coordinate transformation (NAD83 CSRS vs. NAD83 2011), centimeter-level accuracy verification
5. Trimble GPS Setup
Configuring Trimble R Series, Spectra, and Catalyst DA2 GPS receivers
Trimble GPS devices offer high-accuracy positioning through either Trimble Catalyst subscriptions or NTRIP correction services. Setup requires installing Trimble Mobile Manager (for GPS management) and a TerraFlow Mapper product, followed by Bluetooth pairing of the GPS device. Field technicians configure correction sources (Catalyst or custom NTRIP servers) and set regional coordinate systems in Trimble Mobile Manager: NAD83 CSRS with CGG2013A geoid for Canada, or NAD83 2011 with GEOID18 for the United States. TerraFlow then connects to the GPS using the Trimble GNSS location provider, and the coordinate transformation must match the output settings configured in Trimble Mobile Manager to avoid positioning errors.
Key concepts: Trimble Mobile Manager, Catalyst vs. NTRIP corrections, regional coordinate systems, geoid models, Trimble GNSS location provider, coordinate transformation matching, RTK accuracy verification
Common Themes Across All Topics
GPS Accuracy is Paramount: Every section emphasizes monitoring GPS accuracy and waiting for optimal conditions before collecting critical data points.
Clear Sky View Required: High-accuracy GPS (both EOS and Trimble) requires unobstructed satellite visibility for RTK corrections to function properly.
Coordinate System Consistency: Proper coordinate transformation configuration is essential to prevent positioning errors of several meters.
Offline Capability: TerraFlow Mobile works offline for data collection, with synchronization occurring when connectivity is available.
Regional Differences: Canada and United States require different coordinate system configurations (NAD83 CSRS vs. NAD83 2011).
Equipment Order Matters: Powering on sensors and GPS before opening TerraFlow allows time for Bluetooth connections and satellite acquisition.
End-of-Day Verification: Field technicians should always perform a final sync and verify all data has uploaded before leaving the field.