Capturing data using an external sensor: FAQ

What is data capture using an external sensor?

TerraFlex (Premium) combines data from an external sensor connected via Bluetooth with a GNSS location to calculate the location of an asset without the user in the field having to physically access it. This enables users to capture forms for assets that are in hard-to-reach or in inaccessible locations, such as up high or buried underground (e.g. buried cables or pipes).

Which TerraFlex edition do I need to use an external sensor?

The external sensor data capture workflow is available in TerraFlex Premium.

What platforms is the external sensor data capture workflow available on?

TerraFlex for Android, iOS, and Windows all support the external sensor data capture workflow.

What external sensors are supported in TerraFlex?

TerraFlex supports the following external sensors:

  • With Android devices:

    • LaserTech TruPulse 200 laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruPulse 200X laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruPulse 200i laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruPulse 360° laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruPulse 360i laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruePulse 360°R laser rangefinder

    • SPX Radiodetection RD8100 underground utility locator

    • SPX Radiodetection RD8200 underground utility locator

    • Vivax Metrotech vLoc3-Pro underground utility locator

  • With iOS devices:

    • LaserTech TruPulse 200X laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruPulse 200i laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruPulse 360i laser rangefinder

  • With Windows devices:

    • Vivax Metrotech vLoc3-Pro underground utility locator

    • LaserTech TruPulse 200 laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruPulse 200X laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruPulse 360° laser rangefinder

    • LaserTech TruePulse 360°R laser rangefinder

How do I connect to an external sensor in TerraFlex?

On all platforms (Android, iOS, Windows), depending on the sensor you are using, you may need to first pair the sensor with the device from the device's operating system or the sensor itself; Bluetooth Classic devices cannot be paired with the device from within TerraFlex. See Using utility locators / external sensors for details.

Once the sensor is paired with the device (if required), to connect to and use the sensor, in the TerraFlex Settings screen, do one of the following depending on the device you are using:

  • for underground utility locators (SPX Radiodetection RD8100 or RD8200, or Vivax Metrotech vLoc3-Pro), select External Sensor and choose the sensor you want to use.

  • for any of the LaserTech TruPulse laser rangefinders, select Laser Rangefinder and choose the sensor you want to use.