Setting Up Trimble GPS Devices with TerraFlow Mobile

Learn how to configure your Trimble R Series, Spectra, or Catalyst DA2 GPS receiver with TerraFlow Mobile for high-accuracy data collection with RTK corrections.

Time needed: 5-10 minutes

Before you start:

  • Have your Trimble ID credentials ready
  • Ensure you have an active Catalyst License or RTK License assigned to your Trimble ID
  • Have your TerraFlow ID credentials ready
  • Ensure your Trimble GPS device is fully charged
  • Know your region (Canada or United States) for coordinate system configuration
  • Verify you have an active RTK correction service (NTRIP or Trimble Catalyst)
  • Have access to Google Play Store for app downloads
  • Know which TerraFlow Mapper product you'll be using

Step 1: Download and Install Required Applications

Install all necessary applications from the Google Play Store before configuring your GPS.

  1. Open Google Play Store on your Android device
  2. Search for and download Trimble Mobile Manager
  3. Search for and download your TerraFlow Mapper product:
    • TerraFlow Mobile
    • TerraFlow Pole Mapper
    • TerraFlow Sensor Mapper
    • TerraFlow Surface Mapper
  4. Install both applications

Trimble Mobile Manager manages GPS settings and corrections, while TerraFlow Mapper handles data collection. Both applications work together to provide high-accuracy positioning.

Step 2: Pair the Trimble GPS Device

Connect your Trimble GPS receiver to your Android device via Bluetooth.

  1. Power on your Trimble GPS device (R Series, Spectra, or Catalyst DA2)
  2. Verify the blue light is flashing, indicating the device is ready to pair
  3. Open Settings on your Android device
  4. Navigate to Connections > Bluetooth
  5. Tap Scan to search for available devices
  6. When your Trimble GPS appears in the list, tap it to pair
  7. Enter the pairing code if prompted

The blue flashing light indicates the GPS is powered on and ready to pair. Once paired successfully, the device will appear as "Connected" in your Bluetooth settings.

Step 3: Configure Trimble Mobile Manager

Set up your GPS connection, corrections, and coordinate system settings in Trimble Mobile Manager.

  1. Open Trimble Mobile Manager
  2. Log in using your Trimble ID credentials
  3. Connect to your paired GPS device
  4. Navigate to Configuration

Trimble Mobile Manager must connect to your GPS before you can configure settings. Ensure the Bluetooth connection is active.

Step 4: Configure NTRIP Settings (If Not Using Trimble Catalyst)

If you're using an NTRIP correction service instead of Trimble Catalyst, configure your connection now.

  1. In the Configuration section, set the GNSS correction source to "Custom Local" and then locate NTRIP settings
  2. Enter your NTRIP server details:
    • Server address
    • Port number
    • Mount point
    • Username and password
  3. Test the connection to verify corrections are being received

If you're using Trimble Catalyst for corrections, skip this step—Catalyst handles corrections automatically through your license.  Leave the GNSS correction source as "Auto"

Step 5: Configure Regional Coordinate System Settings

Set the correct output coordinate system and geoid model based on your work region.

Option A: Canada

If you're working in Canada:

  1. Locate Output settings in Configuration
  2. Select Select from list
  3. Set GNSS output to: NAD83(CSRS) v7 (EPOCH:2010)
  4. Set Geoid to: Canada CGG2013A (NAD83)

These settings ensure your GPS coordinates align with Canadian spatial reference standards.

Option B: United States

If you're working in the United States:

  1. Locate Output settings in Configuration
  2. Select Select from list
  3. Set GNSS output to: NAD83(2011) (EPOCH:2010)
  4. Set Geoid to: GEOID18 (Conus)

These settings ensure your GPS coordinates align with U.S. spatial reference standards.

Step 6: Configure Location Settings in TerraFlow

Connect TerraFlow to your Trimble GPS and configure coordinate transformation settings.

  1. Open your TerraFlow Mapper product
  2. Tap Settings
  3. Scroll down to Location Settings
  4. Select Trimble GNSS from the Location Provider dropdown
  5. Select the Bluetooth address for your GPS unit in the Location Device dropdown

TerraFlow will now use the high-accuracy positioning from your Trimble GPS device instead of the mobile device's internal GPS.

Step 7: Configure Coordinate Transformation in TerraFlow

Set the correct coordinate transformation to match your Trimble Mobile Manager configuration.

Option A: Canada

If you're working in Canada (and configured NAD83 CSRS in Trimble Mobile Manager):

  1. In Translation to WebMercator, select:
    • NAD83 CSRS --> WebMercator

Option B: United States

If you're working in the United States (and configured NAD83 2011 in Trimble Mobile Manager):

  1. In Translation to WebMercator, select:
    • NAD832011 ITRF 2014 --> WebMercator

This transformation must match the coordinate system you configured in Trimble Mobile Manager. Mismatched settings will cause positioning errors.

Step 8: Verify GPS Accuracy

Confirm your Trimble GPS is providing high-accuracy positioning before collecting data.

  1. Check the GPS accuracy indicator in TerraFlow
  2. Verify you're receiving RTK corrections (typically showing centimeter-level accuracy)
  3. Ensure you have a clear view of the sky for optimal satellite reception
  4. Open Trimble Mobile Manager to confirm correction data is being received
  5. Wait for accuracy to stabilize before beginning data collection

RTK-corrected GPS typically achieves 1-5 cm accuracy. If you're seeing meter-level accuracy, check your correction service connection in Trimble Mobile Manager.

Troubleshooting

Trimble GPS not appearing in Bluetooth scan?

  • Verify the GPS is powered on (blue light flashing)
  • Ensure the GPS is within 10 feet of your mobile device
  • Check that the GPS battery has sufficient charge
  • Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your mobile device
  • Try restarting the Trimble GPS device

Can't log in to Trimble Mobile Manager?

  • Verify your Trimble ID credentials are correct
  • Ensure you have an active internet connection
  • Confirm your Catalyst or RTK license is assigned to your Trimble ID
  • Try resetting your Trimble ID password if needed
  • Contact Trimble support to verify your license status

Trimble Mobile Manager won't connect to GPS?

  • Verify the GPS is paired in Android Bluetooth settings
  • Ensure the Bluetooth connection shows as "Connected"
  • Close and reopen Trimble Mobile Manager
  • Try unpairing and re-pairing the GPS device
  • Restart both the mobile device and GPS

GPS accuracy showing meters instead of centimeters?

  • Open Trimble Mobile Manager and verify correction data is being received
  • Check that your RTK/Catalyst subscription is active
  • Verify NTRIP settings are correct (if not using Catalyst)
  • Ensure you have a clear view of the sky (no obstructions)
  • Wait 1-2 minutes for RTK solution to initialize

Wrong coordinate system configured?

  • Verify you selected the correct regional settings in Trimble Mobile Manager
  • Ensure TerraFlow coordinate transformation matches your Mobile Manager settings
  • Canada: NAD83 CSRS in both applications
  • United States: NAD83 2011 in both applications
  • Incorrect settings cause positioning offsets—reconfigure before collecting data

GPS paired but not showing in TerraFlow Location Device dropdown?

  • Close and reopen TerraFlow
  • Verify the Bluetooth connection is active in Android settings
  • Ensure "Trimble GNSS" is selected as Location Provider first
  • Restart TerraFlow and check again

TerraFlow not using GPS coordinates?

  • Verify "Trimble GNSS" is selected as Location Provider
  • Check that the correct Bluetooth address is selected as Location Device
  • Ensure the GPS has an active connection (check Bluetooth settings)
  • Confirm Trimble Mobile Manager shows the GPS is connected
  • Try toggling the location provider to "Location Services" and back to "Trimble GNSS"

Catalyst license not working?

  • Verify the license is assigned to your Trimble ID in your Trimble account
  • Ensure the license hasn't expired
  • Check that you're logged in with the correct Trimble ID
  • Contact Trimble support to verify license activation

Tips for Success

  • License verification: Confirm your Catalyst or RTK license is active before heading to the field
  • Clear sky view: RTK corrections require unobstructed view of satellites for best accuracy
  • Battery management: Trimble GPS battery life varies by model—charge overnight before field sessions
  • Initialization time: Allow 1-2 minutes after powering on for RTK solution to stabilize
  • Regional settings matter: Double-check you've selected the correct country settings in both applications
  • Accuracy monitoring: Always check accuracy indicator before saving critical points
  • Indoor limitations: High-accuracy GPS doesn't work indoors—switch to device GPS if needed
  • Correction source: Trimble Catalyst is simpler than NTRIP but requires an active subscription
  • Backup plan: Know how to switch to device GPS if RTK corrections are unavailable
  • Regular updates: Keep Trimble Mobile Manager updated for latest features and compatibility
  • Coordinate matching: TerraFlow transformation must match your Trimble Mobile Manager output settings

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