Mapping & GIS - Data Collection & Navigation Using Terrasync

This support document will help users understand how to collect points and navigate to known features while using Trimble Terrasync software. For further information, see the help documentation for Terrasync.

Collecting Data

1.     Launch Terrasync.

     Start > Programs > Terrasync

2.     Verify you are connected to the GPS. You will hear a ‘ping’. You can also check at: Setup > GPS. The GPS button should be depressed.

3.     Go to: Status > Skyplot. The number next to the satellite icon will flash until enough satellites are collected. The radio icon will flash until a correction is received. When you hear a beep (if sound is enabled) and/or the radio icon changes to include an airplane and stays solid, you are ready to collect data.

4.     Go to: Data. Verify the following: File type: Rover. Location: Default (or SD card if you are using one.) Dictionary name: if you are using a specific dictionary, select it, otherwise the ‘generic’ will do. When these settings are verified, select ‘Create’. Note that the default file name includes a prefix “r” (rover), and the numbers represent the following: The first 4 represent the date. So, Jan 31 would be 0131. The next 2 represent the hour in military time. So 4:00 am would be 04, and 4:00 pm would be 16. The letter at the end represents which file was opened during that hour… A is the first file, B is the second, etc.

5.     After you select create you will be asked to confirm antenna height. Enter the approximate height if you are using a handheld, the measured height if you are using an external antenna. Select Ok.

6.     When you have reached your feature, hold the GPS over the feature and select Point_Generic and tap ‘Create’. The GPS may start collecting immediately if you are in ‘log later’. If not, select the ‘Log’ button to begin collecting points. The pencil icon will move and the number will count. When you have reached 10, tap ‘Ok’ You will receive the message “Feature Stored”.

7.     You have now saved the feature. To view coordinates of that feature, go to the map screen. If you are still near that feature, it will be in the center of the screen. Verify you are using the Arrow tool (select) and tap on the feature. An identity box will populate with coordinate information.

Navigating Back to Features

1.     Either use the same data file as above, or create a data file with the same steps as in steps 1-5.

2.     Go to Navigation (Nav). Change the ‘Navigation’ dropdown to waypoints.

3.     Create a new waypoint file by selecting ‘New’

4.     Confirm the waypoint name and select Ok. (the naming scheme is the same as described in step 4 above)

5.     Select Options > New. This will create a new waypoint.

6.     Give the waypoint a meaningful name and key in the Lat/Long or Northing/Easting. You must specify a height. If you are not using elevations, put an approximate height or zero. Select Ok.

7.     If coordinates were entered correctly, you will see your waypoint in the list. Select the waypoint and change back to ‘Navigation’ by selecting ‘Waypoint’

8.     You will now see a compass bearing. Start moving toward your target. When you are close, the handheld will warn you with beeping.