Note: The following are instructions for the Trimble DA2 Catalyst GNSS Systems with 1centimeter accuracy level.
The Trimble Catalyst DA2 GNSS system delivers positioning-as-a-service to Android and iOS devices. With the addition of the simple, lightweight Trimble DA2 GNSS receiver and an on demand accuracy-based subscription, turn your smartphone or tablet into a precision mapping, navigation, and measurement tool you can use with any location enabled app or service.
The following instructions provides initial setup guidelines and there may be exceptions, so please discuss your project setup with the Geospatial Lab staff.
The DA2 receiver antennae can be attached with a simple handle accessory to an Android mobile device that doesn’t require a survey pole. If you’re looking for a more convenient and comfortable way to collect data in the field this may be a preferable option.
The Cat2- DA2 receiver antennae can be attached to the top of the survey pole with the Android mobile device clipped to the pole as well. If you’re planning on collecting data in a more densely forested area, perhaps a survey pole would be preferable.
Note: Cat1,2, 3 and 4 designations are associated with the DA2 receiver antennae. You can look on the underside of the receiver antennae where it should be labelled.
Preparation before you go out to the field:
- Make sure the Android device and the power packs for the DA2 receiver antennae are fully charged. Always bring extra power packs with you just in case you start running low.
- While connected to the WiFi in the office, open up the Trimble TerraFlex app on the Andoid device (pass code 32312) and make sure your map project is synced up with your device. It should start syncing right when you open the TerraFlex app.
Note: If you need to sign in to the Terraflex app using the email account that corresponds to the DA2 receiver antennae that the handheld is with ( look on the underside of the receiver antennae where it should be labelled). Enter the password provided to you by the Geospatial Lab.
| Unit | Email address |
| Cat1 | cat1@talltimbers.org (TTRScat1!) |
| Cat2 | cat2@talltimbers.org (TTRScat2!) |
| Cat3 | ttcatgps2@gmail.com(TT!catgps123) *Note: sign in through Google account |
| Cat4 | ttcatgps@gmail.com (TT!catgps123) *Note: sign in through Google account |
If not, you can also select the top menu and go to Settings, then Sync.
3.On the Home page, you can select Projects and open up the map projects that are available. You should hopefully see the one made for your project in Trimble Connect.
4. Open up your project to make sure it has the data template you created with it as well.
5. Test to make sure the DA2 receiver antennae working okay and connected to Android device via Bluetooth as well. Press and hold the Power button on the bottom of the DA2 receiver until the LED starts blinking blue.
6. Again go to Menu> Settings and make sure the ‘Location Service’ connects to the DA2. If it says ‘None’ or ‘Internal’, click on the Location Services. If it looks like it is trying to connect to the DA2, restart the Android.
For more information on Terraflex and setting up with the DA2 antennae, please go to the 'Connecting to a DA2 or R series receiver'.
Trimble data collection out in the field:
- Open up the Trimble TerraFlex app on the Android device and your map project should be open by default. If not, go to Projects and select your map.
- Go to Menu, Location Status and check the accuracy (make sure it is CM-level) and there are more than 7 satellites (the more the better). Do not collect data until Centimeter-level accuracy is attained. If it doesn’t seem to be connecting to the DA2 receiver after waiting 5 minutes or more, try rebooting the Android.
- Once you have obtained Centimeter-level accuracy, return to the home page with your map and select the data type you wish to start collecting and fill out the data form.
- Once the form is filled out, select the Map icon (make sure the accuracy is still in cm). The orange point indicates your location, then select the check mark in the upper right corner.
It will return to your text form. If okay with the form, again select the check mark in the upper right corner. Once submitted, you should see the number increase in the number of forms.
- When you are done make sure you have synced your data with Trimble Connect before you download.
- Turn off both the Android device and the DA2 receiver.
- To download your data, consult Part1: Trimble GPS Connect and Map Setup page 10 (Steps 23-26).
Please see the Trimble TerraFlex Help Portal for more information on TerraFex for the field.
Background Layers
If background layers have been set for your map. Go to the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the map and turn on “Vector layers” where you can then turn on and off each layers by clicking on the eye.
For more information, go to 'Collecting data and working with forms in TerraFlex'.