Global Positioning Systems (GPS): Field Survey using Juno (Trimble)

 

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What is Trimble?

Trimble is a private company specializing in surveying, mapping services and geospatial technologies. Web site: http://www.trimble.com/

Their technology uses two main software: TerraSync and Pathfinder.

TerraSync provides tools to log data in datalogger and manage their collection and use in field work.

Pathfinder is a set of tools to download data, map, edit, export in GIS and other formats, improve data precision using differential correction, etc.

TerraSync: http://www.trimble.com/mappingGIS/TerraSync.aspx?tab=Overview

Pathhfinder: http://www.trimble.com/mappingGIS/PathfinderOffice.aspx?tab=Overview

GPS Tutorial: http://www.trimble.com/gps_tutorial/index.aspx

 

GPS we use: Juno

Juno is a mid-grade GPS device that combines receiver and data logger in one unit. It uses TerraSync software to log data and then communicate with Pathfinder software to download data in computer and use for differential correction, export in GIS format (shapefiles) and mapping.

 

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Trimble Tutorial on TerraSync:

Trimble, TerraSync, Getting Started (chapter 3, page 40): http://trl.trimble.com/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-730848/TerraSync_GSG.pdf

 

Field Work:

Data Collection Technique and Considerations (see chapter 4): http://trl.trimble.com/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-3823/24177-03-ENG%20(MapSys_Jan2002_GenRef).pdf

Helpful Videos on YouTube to learn about Juno settings and Pathfinder Office use:

Video Series @ Calvin College (see 1 – 6 for setting Juno and using Terrasync; 10 – 12 on using Pathfinder Office):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7JjY6q4bfg&list=PLZEpkLO5x2h42fXssKDTZYCCYXuklLunL

 

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Abbreviated Yuri’s version of how to use Juno in the field to collect and store data:

Start:

1. Turn on Juno (button is located on the upper left side of the unit)

 

2. Pull out the stylus (located in the right corner of the unit)

 

3. Using stylus press Start -> TerraSync. You should see TerraSync interface.

 

 

If GPS units were not used for a while or you are not sure about it reset almanac:

Setup -> Options -> Reset NGSS receiver

Takes up to 30 min to update almanac. Improves finding satellites

 

 

Some useful tips for the data collection:

1. Look at distribution of satellites and turn in the direction of “clusters”. This helps to get better signal.

2. Know where antenna is and keep it as close as possible to the object.

 

 

General GPS settings, adjust if necessary using stylus and menu choices:

4. Using stylus, select menu (click in the upper left corner) ‘Setup”

5. Click “Coordinate System” button

System: Latitude/Longitude

Datum: WGS 1984

Altitude Reference: MSL

Altitude Units: meters

6. Click OK

7. Click “Units” button

Distance: meters

Area Units: square meters

Velocity: kilometers per hour

Angle units: degrees

Lat/Lon Format: DD.ddd (i.e. decimal degree)

8. Click OK

9. Click “Logging Settings” button

Scroll down to “Between Feature Logging” and select Interval: 1 s (i.e. one second)

10. Click OK

Start collecting data

11. Click with stylus on “Data” (upper left corner menu)

You should see automatic appearance of “New” (under “Data”). If not, select “New”

Under “Create New Data File” you should see:

File type: Rover

Location: Default

File Name: R xxxxxxx

Dictionary name: Generic

12. Click button “Create” (in upper right corner)

You should see “Confirm Antenna Height” pane

Height: select height according to the height of your right/left hand that holds your Juno (in meters)

Measure to: Bottom of antenna mount

13. Click OK

Notice that “Collect” appeared in the upper left corner. You are now ready to collect your data.

14. Make choice with stylus: Point _generic, Line_generic or Area_generic. (in our case choose Point_generic for point measurements or Line_generic for linear (distance) measurements.

15. Click blue button “Create”. Juno will start collecting points (see upper right corner). At this point you should stay and not move if you are collecting Point_generic feature OR you should start walking if you are collecting Line_generic feature.

16. In Comment: pane write down the name/code for the site that you survey. Can be number, text or both.

17. After collecting at least 30 points (see their count in upper right corner) click red button OK. This will stop collection of data at this specific location.

18. Move to the next location, stabilize and press blue button “Create”. After finishing collecting 30 points click red button OK.

19. Move to the next location and repeat “Create” and “OK” sequence.

End collecting data:

When you are done with your survey press button “Close” and answer “Yes” to the question if you would like to close this file.

Exit Terrasync:

Exit TerraSync by pressing cross mark in the upper right corner.

Congratulations! You are done.

NOTES:

During the data collection you can always switch between menus in the upper left corner, i.e. Status, Map, Data, etc. This will allow you to see various information about your data collection parameters, such as number of satellites, PDOP, coordinates, elevation, etc. Map menu will show you your current position (as a cross) and also positions that you already collected (as little dots).

Make sure that on each new position that you survey, you see “Collect” menu in the upper left corner.

 

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