Understanding the TerraFlow Map Screen

Learn how to use the map screen interface, navigate your workspace, monitor GPS accuracy, and access key tools for data collection.

Time needed: 5 minutes to familiarize yourself with the interface

Before you start:

  • Have TerraFlow Mapper open with a project and job loaded
  • Ensure your GPS is connected and receiving signal
  • Be on the main map screen (not in Settings or other menus)
  • Understand basic GPS accuracy requirements for your work

Step 1: Understanding the Map Screen

The map screen is the primary workspace where you'll complete most of your data collection and management tasks in TerraFlow Mapper products.

The screen displays:

  • Your current GPS position (green target icon)
  • Collected data points and features
  • Base map or aerial imagery
  • GPS accuracy information
  • Navigation and collection tools

Familiarizing yourself with the map screen layout will help you work efficiently in the field.

Step 2: Monitor GPS Accuracy

The accuracy indicator displays your current GPS precision at all times, helping you decide when to collect data.

Location: Accuracy box at the top of the screen

What it shows:

  • Current GPS accuracy in meters or feet
  • Two hyphens (--) means no valid GPS position
  • Color coding when accuracy limiter is enabled:
    • Black text: Accuracy is within acceptable limits
    • Yellow text: Within 25% of your accuracy limit (caution)
    • Red text: Exceeds your accuracy limit (poor accuracy)

To view detailed GPS information:

  1. Tap the accuracy box
  2. View additional GNSS/GPS details including satellite count, signal strength, and positioning mode

Always check accuracy before saving important data points. Wait for accuracy to improve if you see yellow or red indicators.

Step 3: Switch Between Map and Aerial Views

Toggle between standard map view and aerial imagery to better visualize your work area.

Location: Map/Aerial toggle button

  1. Tap Map/Aerial to switch views
  2. Map view: Shows standard Google map with streets and labels
  3. Aerial view: Shows Google satellite imagery

Aerial view is helpful for identifying features on the ground and orienting yourself. Map view is better for navigation and understanding street layouts.

Step 4: Use Follow Me Mode

The Bullseye button controls whether the map automatically follows your GPS position as you move.

Location: Bullseye icon

How Follow Me works:

  • Enabled by default: Map automatically centers on your GPS position (green dot)
  • Automatically disables: When you manually pan or zoom the map
  • Data collection continues: Even when Follow Me is off, your data is positioned correctly

To re-enable Follow Me:

  1. Tap the Bullseye icon
  2. The map will re-center on your current GPS position
  3. The map will now follow you as you move

If your green GPS dot disappears off-screen, tap the Bullseye to find yourself again. Your data is still being collected accurately even if you can't see it.

Step 5: Navigate to Specific Coordinates

Use the Navigate To feature to find and navigate to specific coordinate locations.

Location: Navigate To button

  1. Tap Navigate To
  2. Enter the Northing value (Y coordinate)
  3. Enter the Easting value (X coordinate)
  4. Tap OK or Navigate

What happens:

  • A red X appears on the map at the target location
  • The distance to target displays at the top of the screen
  • The map centers on the target location

To cancel navigation:

  1. Tap Cancel in the Navigate To dialog
  2. The red X and distance indicator will disappear

The coordinate system used is determined by the EPSG code set in your TerraFlow Settings. Ensure you're using the correct coordinate system for your project.

Step 6: Download Existing Data

Retrieve previously collected data from TerraFlow Data Engine to view or work with in the field.

Location: Download Data button

  1. Position the map to show the area where you want to download data
  2. Tap Download Data
  3. Define the distance around the centerpoint of the map
  4. Tap Download or OK

How it works:

  • Downloads data in a radius around the map centerpoint
  • By default, centerpoint is your GPS position
  • You can pan the map first to download data from a different area
  • Requires internet connection to retrieve data

Download data before heading to remote areas with poor connectivity. This ensures you have reference data available offline.

Step 7: Reconnect Sensors and Adjust Settings

The Gear icon provides quick access to sensor reconnection and specialized settings.

Location: Gear icon

For All Mapper Products

  1. Tap the Gear / Settings icon
  2. Select Reconnect Sensor if your Bluetooth connection drops
  3. The system will attempt to reconnect to your configured sensor

For Sensor Mapper Only

The Gear also provides access to:

  • Gamma radiation thresholds: Adjust Low/Medium/High values
  • Hot spot display settings: Change how radiation hot spots appear on the map

Use the Gear to quickly reconnect sensors without leaving the map screen. This is faster than going into Settings.

Step 8: Start Data Collection

The Plus button (or Up Arrow in some versions) initiates and manages the data collection process.

Location: Plus icon or Up Arrow button

  1. Tap the Plus button to begin collecting data
  2. Follow the data collection workflow for your specific Mapper product

Data collection procedures vary by Mapper product (TerraFlow Mobile - Utility Mapper, Pole Mapper, Sensor Mapper, Surface Mapper). Refer to the specific help pages for detailed collection instructions.

Troubleshooting

Accuracy box shows two hyphens (--) ?

  • Your device has no valid GPS signal
  • Move to an area with clear sky view
  • Wait for GPS to acquire satellites
  • Check that your GPS device is powered on and connected
  • Verify GPS is enabled in your device settings

Accuracy showing in red constantly?

  • GPS accuracy is poor (exceeds your accuracy limit)
  • Wait for accuracy to improve before collecting data
  • Move away from buildings, trees, or other obstructions
  • Check that your external GPS (if using one) is connected properly
  • Verify RTK corrections are being received (if using RTK GPS)

Green GPS dot is off-screen / can't find myself?

  • Tap the Bullseye to re-enable Follow Me mode
  • The map will re-center on your current position
  • Check that accuracy box doesn't show hyphens (no GPS signal)

Map won't follow me as I move?

  • Follow Me mode was disabled when you panned the map
  • Tap the Bullseye to re-enable automatic following
  • This is normal behavior—panning disables Follow Me automatically

Navigate To isn't working / coordinates seem wrong?

  • Verify you're entering coordinates in the correct format
  • Check your EPSG code in Settings matches your coordinate system
  • Ensure you're not mixing up Northing (Y) and Easting (X) values
  • Confirm the coordinates are within your project area

Download Data button does nothing?

  • Check that you have an active internet connection
  • Verify you're logged in to TerraFlow
  • Ensure the area you're trying to download has existing data
  • Try panning the map to a different location and downloading again

Can't reconnect sensor using Gear icon?

  • Verify sensor is powered on
  • Check Bluetooth is enabled on your device
  • Go to Settings > Sensor Settings to manually reconfigure
  • Try unpairing and re-pairing the sensor in Android/iOS Bluetooth settings

Aerial imagery not loading?

  • Requires internet connection to download imagery
  • Check your cellular or WiFi connection
  • Try switching back to Map view temporarily
  • Move to an area with better connectivity

Tips for Success

  • Accuracy first: Always check the accuracy indicator before collecting critical data points
  • Yellow and red warnings: Wait for accuracy to improve (black text) before saving
  • Follow Me habit: Get comfortable using the Bullseye to quickly return to your position
  • Pre-download data: Download reference data while you have internet, before going to remote areas
  • Aerial view advantage: Use aerial imagery to identify features that might not be obvious on standard maps
  • Navigate To efficiency: Use Navigate To to quickly find specific assets or return to previous locations
  • Sensor reconnection: The Gear icon is faster than going through Settings menus
  • Map exploration: Feel free to pan and explore—data collection continues accurately even when Follow Me is off
  • Coordinate system awareness: Verify your EPSG code matches your project requirements before using Navigate To
  • Battery consideration: Aerial imagery and frequent map updates use more battery—plan accordingly

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Need more help? Contact TerraFlow Support at support@terraflow.ca