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Tips & Tricks

How can we help you?

Select from the list and we will offer you a step-by-step solution.

GPS connection problems?

Groundhawk requires an exact location in order to conduct the mapping.

There are two requirements for getting a good GPS signal: satellite visibility, i.e. outdoor open space,
mobile data network to receive GPS correction data i.e. RTK.

In normal conditions, a GPS signal is gained in 30-90 seconds. If it takes more than 3 minutes, there is a problem with getting the signal. 

If you have problems getting a clear GPS signal, take the following steps:

  1. Ensure that you are in an open area and that you have a good visibility of the horizon in most directions. If not, walk to a nearby place that is more open where you can start the mapping even if there is no trench there.

  2. Ensure that you have a mobile data connection in the device. If not, you can try sharing WIFI from a mobile phone with another mobile network provider. If there is no mobile network, you cannot map with Groundhawk.

  3. Ensure that the USB cable is connected. You can take it out and insert again to ensure it works.

  4. Try restarting the application if none of the above works.

  5. If you are still not getting a clear GPS signal, please contact support immediately.

Upload problems?

Groundhawk collects a lot of data and sometimes the mobile data connection is insufficient to transfer it.  

If you encounter a problem during the upload, Groundhawk will give you an option to either retry or save the mapping for later upload.  

When you saved the mapping for later upload, the next time you log in you will be asked to upload all the mappings that were not uploaded completely. In this way you can upload mappings by just logging in on the device when you are back at the office.

Mapping roadcrossings?

If cable uses pipes which existed already in the trench or pipes are drilled under the road, select "Roadcrossing" from the list of point mapping objects to conduct the mapping.

1. Click the point measurement
UI PointsCam
2. Aim at the end of the pipe and select the road crossing point type from the drop down menu.

3. Document the cable by mapping both ends of the pipe. You don't have to map both ends at the same time but you can map the other end later.

Mapping points/features?

Some features like cabinets, continuation pieces, sonds etc. need to be mapped by point mapping.

This is how it is done:

1. Press the point mapping button on bottom right of the screenUI PointsCam

UI feature menu

2. Point at the feature

3. Press again Point mapping -button and select the feature. Optionally give a text explanation for it.


Different types of points:

Cabinets. Map the cabinets by pointing at the center of the cabinet at ground level. It is a good idea to give the cabinet a number in the text field. Take also some photos of the cables and connections in the cabinet!

Continuation piece. Map the exact point where the continuation piece is in the ground

Transformer stations. Map each of the 4 corners at ground level

Road crossings. Point at the end of the pipe under the road

Street lights. Point at the center of the pole at ground level

 

Mapping multiple cables?

Groundhawk supports mapping of multiple cables. When you start mapping you are asked to select the cables in the trench. You are limited to 3 different cable types and corresponding protections.

You should always ask project management for instructions on what to map, but a general rule of thumb is that if there are more than 3 cables, it's needed to map the different types of cables.

When you encounter e.g.:

1) a new cable joining or ending,
2) a protection is added or removed,

press the cable selector

UI Cable sel

UI Cable menu

and map the point from where the new configuration takes place.

Good to know: 

For each cable selection you make, a photo is also automatically captured.

Groundhawk best practices

After over hundreds of thousands of meters mapped and over ten thousand mappings conducted we have made this short memory list for Groundhawk users to get the best results.

 

Best practices:

 
  • Unplug the USB cable if the device is not used for the next 10 min.

  • Store the device in the Groundhawk box when not used and it will be protected from bumps, dirt and rain.

  • Charge the device at night and in the car when possible.

  • Use the handle for standing and
    as a telescopic arm.

  • Measuring in the dark may require additional lighting.

  • Record the bottom of the trench and the adjacent flat land area by gently turning the device from side to side. You can see the saved points on the screen momentarily.

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Data and documentation with Groundhawk (2)