There are two ways to use a rangefinder with Survey123. The rangefinder can be launched from the rangefinder tile in the Survey123 gallery, or from a button located on a survey form. These methods are configured by the survey author. To learn more, see Prepare for rangefinder data collection.
Before using either of these methods, you must choose, configure, and connect to a rangefinder.
Choose a rangefinder
Rangefinders designed for GIS data collection typically measure distance and inclination, while more expensive rangefinders also measure bearing. You can choose to use a rangefinder which only measures distance, or which measures a combination of distance plus inclination and or bearing.
Rangefinder accuracy
Although rangefinders report measurements to at least one decimal place it is important to understand that there is some amount of error inherent in these measurements. A number of factors contribute to this error, including the quality of the rangefinder, the distance to the target, stability of the rangefinder when taking the measurement, magnetic interference, characteristic of the target, poor weather, and daytime solar conditions. Some rangefinders have options to minimize error, such as a poor weather setting to minimize the impact of rain, snow, smoke, or airborne dust particles. The best approach to minimizing errors, however, is to be aware of the above factors, and to select a rangefinder that is appropriate for your application needs.
The three most important factors for introducing error are:
- The quality of the rangefinder—The quality of the rangefinder can impact measurement results. Some models may include different components, or meet different precision specifications. The inclusion of a built in compass will effect what measurements can be taken—models that do not include a built in compass will measure distance only.
- The distance to the target—The measurement error increases as the distance from the observer to the target increases. For example, a compass error of 1 degree for a bearing measurement results in a horizontal error of 1.75 feet at a distance of 100 feet, and 8.73 feet at a distance of 500 feet.
- The pointing stability—To achieve maximum accuracy, it is recommended that you use a range pole, monopole, or tripod to stabilize the rangefinder—especially when measuring large distances. It can sometimes be difficult to target small objects at large distances when holding the rangefinder in your hand without any stabilizing support.
Rangefinders supported on iOS
To connect a Bluetooth rangefinder with an iOS device, the rangefinder must be part of the MFi Program.
The Laser Tech TruPulse 200X can be used directly with Survey123.
Rangefinders supported on Android and Windows
The Laser Tech TruPulse 200, 200X, 360 and 360R can be used directly with Survey123.
Configure a rangefinder
Before connecting, ensure that the rangefinder's Bluetooth is turned on. The factory default is typically off. To learn more see Laser Tech TruPulse Series.
Connect a rangefinder to a device
The follow steps illustrate how to connect to a rangefinder:
- Verify that the rangefinder is compatible with Survey123
- Turn on the rangefinder and place it near a device or computer.
Go to the Bluetooth settings and view the available devices. Wait for the rangefinders name to appear in the list.
Tip:
If the rangefinder doesn't appear in the list, ensure that it isn't connected to another device.
- To disconnect a rangefinder from an iOS device, in the device's Bluetooth settings, tap the information button next to the rangefinder, tap Forget This Device, and tap Forget Device.
- To disconnect a rangefinder from an Android device, in the device's Bluetooth settings, tap the settings button next to the rangefinder, and tap Unpair or Forget.
- To disconnect a rangefinder from a Windows device, in the device's Bluetooth settings, tap the rangefinder's name, tap Remove device, and tap Yes.
- Tap the rangefinder's name to pair it with the device.
Configure Survey123 to use a rangefinder
Before you begin the following steps, ensure that the rangefinder is connected to a device with Bluetooth.
- Open Survey123.
- On the main menu, choose Settings.
- On the settings menu, choose Sensors.
- Choose Rangefinder.
- Choose Select rangefinder.
If a rangefinder has already been configured, it connects. To configure a different rangefinder, choose Remove this rangefinder.
- Choose Add rangefinder.
- Enable Discover.
- Select a rangefinder to connect to.
Once an rangefinder is selected, it connects and you are taken to the Select rangefinder page. Tap the back arrow to return to the Rangefinder page, where you can enable Remember measurement mode, or leave the Survey123 settings.
Use the rangefinder tile to capture an offset
Before you begin the following steps, ensure that you have access to a survey that was created from the Rangefinder Workflow Offset sample that is available in Survey123 Connect. To learn how to create your own survey that can be launched from the rangefinder tile, see Prepare a survey for use in a workflow.
- Select the Rangefinder tile from the gallery.
- Tap the options button for the Offset only (1-shot) measurement mode, and select the survey from the list that will store the measurement.
- Tap the Offset only (1-shot) measurement mode card.
The Offset only (1-shot) listening page will display.
- Aim the rangefinder at the target and take a single shot.
After the shot has been taken, the survey will open with measurements populated.
- Complete any other questions in the survey that are required, and send the survey.
Use the rangefinder tile to capture a height
Before you begin the following steps, ensure that you have access to a survey that was created from the Rangefinder Workflow Height sample that is available in Survey123 Connect. To learn how to add rangefinder questions to a survey, see Appearance.
- Select the Rangefinder tile from the gallery.
- Tap the options button for the Height only (3-shot) measurement mode, and select the survey from the list that will store the measurement.
- Tap the Height only (3-shot) measurement mode card.
The Height only (3-shot) listening page appears.
- Aim the rangefinder at the target and take three shots. Take the first shot horizontally to the target, the second to the base of the target, and the third to the top of the target.
After the three shots have been taken, the survey will open with measurements populated.
- Complete any other questions in the survey that are required, and send the survey.
Use the rangefinder tile to capture multiple heights
Before you begin the following steps, ensure that you have access to a survey that was created from the Rangefinder Workflow Multiple Heights sample that is available in Survey123 Connect. To learn how to add rangefinder questions to a survey, see Appearance.
- Select the Rangefinder tile from the gallery.
- Tap the options button for the Height only (3-shot) measurement mode, and select the survey from the list that will store the measurement..
Capturing multiple heights does not have its own measurement mode. You can use either the Height only (3-shot) or Height and offset (3-shots) measurement mode to capture multiple heights.
- Tap the Height only (3-shot) measurement mode card.
The Multiple heights (4+ shots) listening page will display.
- Aim the rangefinder at the target and take three shots. Take the first shot horizontally to the target, the second to the base of the target, and the third to the target height.
- For each subsequent height measurement on the same target, tap the arrow button on the rangefinder to repeat the third shot.
Note:
The third shot is identified as Angle 2 on the viewfinder display of the rangefinder.
- After all shots have been taken, click Done.
- Complete any other questions in the survey that are required, and send the survey.
Use the rangefinder tile to capture an offset and a height
Before you begin the following steps, ensure that you have access to a survey that was created from the Rangefinder Workflow Height and Offset or Rangefinder Workflow Multiple Heights and Offset samples that is available in Survey123 Connect. To learn how to add rangefinder questions to a survey, see Appearance.
- Select the Rangefinder tile from the gallery.
- Tap the options button for the Height and offset (3-shot) measurement mode, and select the survey from the list that will store the measurement.
- Tap the Height and offset (3-shot) measurement mode card.
The Height and offset (3-shot) or Multiple heights (4+ shots) listening page appears.
- Aim the rangefinder at the target and take three shots. Take the first shot horizontally to the target, the second to the base of the target, and the third to the top of the target.
- For each subsequent height measurement on the same target, tap the arrow button on the rangefinder to repeat the third shot.
Note:
The third shot is identified as Angle 2 on the viewfinder display of the rangefinder.
- After all the shots have been taken, click Done.
- Complete any other questions in the survey that are required, and send the survey.
Use the rangefinder appearance in a survey
Before you begin the following steps, ensure that you have access to a survey that was created from the Rangefinder Appearance sample that is available in Survey123 Connect. To learn how to add rangefinder questions to a survey, see Appearance.
- Open the survey.
- Click the Rangefinder button.
- If measurement=azimuth is configured in the survey, the Offset only (1-shot) listening page appears.
- If measurement=multipleHeight is configured in the survey, the Multiple heights (4+ shots) listening page appears.
- If any other combination of measurement properties are configured in the survey, the Height only (3-shot) listening page appears.
- Aim the rangefinder at the target and take the required number of shots. Take the first shot horizontal to the target, the second to the base of the target, and the third to the top of the target.
- Complete any other questions in the survey that are required, and send the survey.