TerraFlow Mobile - Utility Mapper Summary
TerraFlow Mobile - Utility Mapper is a specialized field data collection application for utility locators to map underground and overhead utilities with precision. These instructions guide field technicians through configuring the app, pairing locator devices, and collecting accurate spatial data with depth measurements and GPS positioning. The Utility Mapper combines electromagnetic locator technology with GPS to create comprehensive as-built utility records in the field.
Core Topics Overview
1. Utility Mapper Setup
Configuring TerraFlow Mobile for optimal utility mapping workflows
Field technicians configure TerraFlow Mobile with recommended settings to ensure accurate data collection and smooth device synchronization. The setup process covers fundamental parameters including save mode (manual control over when data is saved), automatic sync settings (5-minute intervals for continuous data backup), and device connections for both locators and GPS units. Critical configuration includes selecting the appropriate locator device from supported manufacturers, determining whether to use the locator's built-in GPS or an external high-accuracy GPS receiver, and configuring coordinate transformation settings based on region (NAD83 CSRS for Canada or NAD83 2011 for United States). Technicians also configure surveyor height for accurate elevation measurements and, when applicable, real-time correction settings for RTK-enabled devices.
Key concepts: Manual save mode, 5-minute auto-sync, locator device selection, GPS source configuration (locator vs. external), coordinate transformation by region, surveyor height (antenna height), RTK/NTRIP correction settings for enhanced accuracy
2. Utility Mapper Data Collection
Collecting asset data using GPS or locator units
The data collection workflow provides two distinct methods tailored to different field scenarios. Manual Collection uses GPS/GNSS positioning alone and works well for visible surface assets like manholes, valve boxes, and hydrants where the technician can stand directly over the feature. Locator Collection combines GPS with electromagnetic locator measurements for buried utilities, providing both horizontal positioning and depth/signal strength data in a true "map-as-you-locate" workflow. The collection process begins by selecting a workflow and asset type, with the interface adapting based on whether the technician is in manual or sensor mode. Three save options accommodate different collection scenarios: Save and New for discrete individual assets (each point starts fresh), Save and More for continuous features like pipelines or cables (points connect into lines), and Save and Finish for the last asset in a session (closes the collection form entirely).
Key concepts: Manual vs. locator collection methods, workflow and asset type selection, sensor tab activation for locator mode, locator measurement triggering (varies by manufacturer), three distinct save strategies, continuous feature mapping, form behavior patterns, GPS accuracy monitoring before saving
3. Radiodetection Locator Setup
Configuring Radiodetection RD8100, RD8200, RD8200SG, and MRX SG locators
Radiodetection locators require model-specific menu navigation to enable Bluetooth connectivity and configure the correct ASCII communication protocol. Standard models (RD8100 and RD8200) provide locator data only and rely on the mobile device or external GPS for positioning, while advanced models (RD8200SG and MRX SG) include integrated high-accuracy GPS receivers that require dual Bluetooth connections—one for locator data and one for RTK GPS positioning. Configuration involves navigating the locator's menu system to enable SMLOG (survey measurement logging), set the protocol to ASCII format 2, and activate Bluetooth pairing mode. On Android devices, technicians must pair both connections for SG models, while iOS handles pairing directly within TerraFlow. In TerraFlow settings, users select the appropriate locator model and, for SG models, enable "Use locator GPS" and configure U-Blox as the location provider. RTK-enabled models require correction settings provided by the user's RTK service provider.
Key concepts: Model-specific menu navigation, ASCII protocol configuration, SMLOG enablement, Bluetooth pairing code (1234), dual connections for SG models, U-Blox location provider for RTK models, RTK correction configuration, SurveyMeasurement button for data logging
4. Rycom Locator Setup
Configuring Rycom locators (Pathcom devices)
Rycom locators offer streamlined connectivity with automatic pairing mode—no manual locator configuration is required. The locator continuously broadcasts its Bluetooth availability under the device name "Pathcom" in most cases. Technicians simply enable Bluetooth scanning on their mobile device, locate the Pathcom device in the available devices list, and complete pairing using the manufacturer's pairing code if prompted. In TerraFlow Mobile settings, users select the Rycom locator from the Sensor Settings dropdown, which establishes the connection for data collection. Rycom locators use the Depth button to trigger measurements that transmit depth, signal strength, and frequency data to TerraFlow. Testing the connection before field deployment ensures the depth button successfully logs measurements within the app's sensor collection mode.
Key concepts: Automatic pairing mode, "Pathcom" device name, simplified setup process (no locator menu configuration), Depth button for measurement logging, pre-field connection testing, sensor tab activation required for data capture
5. Vivax-Metrotech Locator Setup
Configuring Vivax-Metrotech vLoc2 Pro, vLoc3 Pro, and vLoc3 RTK Pro locators
Vivax-Metrotech locators require menu navigation to activate Bluetooth pairing mode, after which they connect to mobile devices for data transmission. Standard models (vLoc2 Pro and vLoc3 Pro) provide locator measurements only and rely on the mobile device or external GPS for positioning, making setup straightforward with simple locator selection in TerraFlow's Sensor Settings. The advanced vLoc3 RTK Pro model includes integrated high-accuracy RTK GPS, requiring additional configuration to utilize its positioning capabilities. For RTK Pro users, technicians enable "Use locator GPS" in Sensor Settings, select NMEA as the location provider, and choose the locator as the location device—transforming the locator into both a utility detector and precision GPS receiver. Data logging uses a specific button sequence: press i then +, and RTK Pro users may need to tilt the device if tilt mode is enabled for depth measurement. The vLoc3 RTK Pro requires proper coordinate transformation settings to align its GPS output with TerraFlow's mapping system.
Key concepts: Menu-based pairing activation, model-specific configuration (standard vs. RTK Pro), NMEA location provider for RTK models, "Use locator GPS" setting for integrated positioning, i then + button sequence for measurements, tilt technique for RTK Pro depth capture, coordinate transformation configuration for RTK accuracy
Common Themes Across All Topics
Device-Specific Configuration: Each locator manufacturer requires unique setup procedures—from menu navigation to pairing codes to measurement button sequences.
Bluetooth Pairing is Universal: All locators connect via Bluetooth, requiring pairing in device settings before TerraFlow configuration can begin.
Standard vs. RTK Models: Basic locators provide utility detection only (relying on device GPS), while RTK-enabled models (RD8200SG, MRX SG, vLoc3 RTK Pro) offer integrated high-accuracy positioning requiring additional setup.
Save Strategy Matters: Understanding when to use Save and New vs. Save and More vs. Save and Finish determines whether assets are captured as discrete points or continuous features.
Manual vs. Sensor Collection: The choice between GPS-only collection (manual) and locator-enabled collection (sensor) fundamentally changes the workflow and data richness.
Coordinate Transformation is Critical: Regional settings (Canada vs. United States) must match the user's coordinate system to prevent positioning errors.
Pre-Field Testing: All setup guides emphasize testing locator connections and measurement buttons before leaving for the field to avoid configuration issues on-site.
Manufacturer Button Sequences Vary: Radiodetection uses SurveyMeasurement, Rycom uses Depth, and Vivax-Metrotech uses i then +—technicians must know their equipment's specific triggers.
Connection Distance: All Bluetooth locators require the mobile device to remain within approximately 10 feet for stable data transmission during field collection.
Battery Management: Bluetooth connectivity reduces both locator and mobile device battery life, requiring full charges before field sessions and battery monitoring during data collection.