Capturing remote features (offsets) with a laser rangefinder: FAQ
What is remote feature capture?
Remote feature capture combines a GNSS location with a measurement from a laser rangefinder 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 dangerous environments.
Which TerraFlex edition do I need to use remote feature capture?
The remote feature capture workflow is available in all TerraFlex editions.
What platforms is the remote feature capture workflow available on?
TerraFlex for Android, iOS, and Windows all support the remote feature capture workflow.
What laser rangefinders are supported in TerraFlex?
On Android devices, TerraFlex supports the Trimble HPS2 handle, LTI TruPulse 200, 200i, 200X, 360°, and 360i Series laser rangefinders.
On iOS devices, the Trimble HPS2 handle and TruPulse 200X, 200i, and 360i laser rangefinders are supported.
On Windows devices, TerraFlex supports the LaserTech TruPulse 200, 200X, and 360° laser rangefinders.
How do I connect to a TruPulse laser rangefinder in TerraFlex?
In the TerraFlex Settings screen, select Laser Rangefinder, select the laser type, then select the specific laser you want to connect to.
On Windows you will need to choose the correct COM port the laser is connected to.
What types of offsets are supported in TerraFlex?
TerraFlex supports both a distance-bearing and distance-distance offset type.
How does TerraFlex calculate laser measurement errors?
TerraFlex has an algorithm to combine the bearing and distance errors specified by LTI for the TruPulse lasers and scale them based on the distance to the target. TerraFlex is not able to account for the impact of any magnetic interference on the bearing measurement for the TruPulse 360° Series lasers. It is important that users who are doing distance-bearing type offsets ensure they are away from any sources of magnetic interference.
How do I ensure I am capturing the height of features correctly in the remote feature capture workflow?
To ensure the height of features captured with the remote feature capture workflow is accurate, it is important to set both the Antenna Height and the Laser Rangefinder Height correctly in TerraFlex. Both of these values are calculated by measuring the distance between the bottom of the antenna or laser and the ground. These options can be found under Antenna Settings and Laser Rangefinder Settings in the TerraFlex Settings screen.
When the laser is mounted to a pole, does TerraFlex account for any horizontal offset from the pole?
The magnitude of error introduced by this offset will be insignificant compared to other sources of error from GNSS and the laser measurements themselves. There is no way to account for a horizontal offset in TerraFlex.
