Connect the Geode to Android Devices

8 Feb 2021

If an app can connect directly to Bluetooth GPS receivers such as the Geode, that works best. An example is with ESRI ArcGIS apps as instructed at the following web page.

Connect ArcGIS Apps Directly to the Geode on Android Devices

Otherwise, follow the instructions below.

Geode Connect to Bluetooth

  1. Download and install Geode Connect from the Google Play store or the Juniper Systems Geode Downloads webpage.

  2. Power on the Geode.

  3. Make sure Bluetooth wireless is enabled on your Android device.

  4. Open Geode Connect.

  5. Tap the Geode icon with a slash through it in the top right corner.

            Geode Connect Android Bluetooth Connection

  1. The app will display a list of local Bluetooth wireless devices. Identify your Geode via the serial number printed on its bottom panel. Tap on the name of the Geode you wish to pair with.

Note: If your Geode doesn't show up in the list of devices, check to make sure it is turned on and not paired with another device. Then tap the refresh icon at the bottom of the list of devices.

  1. Follow the prompts to finish pairing the Geode with your device.

After the Geode has been paired to the Android device, you can disconnect from Geode Connect, and fully close/exit the app (by swiping it away and verifying the icon for it is no longer visible at the top, or uninstall it if desired). You can then use the Geode in a data collection app such as those listed at the following web page.

Recommended Mobile GIS Data Collection Apps

Configure Geode Connect as Mock Location Provider

The Geode provides real-time, sub-meter accuracy. However, if your app doesn't provide an option for choosing an external receiver, it may be collecting data via the consumer-grade reciever in your phone or tablet. To collect data via the Geode, you will need to activate it as a mock location provider. This requires you to enable the developer options in the Andriod OS and configure Geode Connect.

Enable Developer Options in the Android OS

  1. From the Android home screen, go to Settings > About phone (or About Tablet)

  2. Tap Build Number seven (yes, seven) times. This will unlock the Developer options.

           Geode Connect Android Mock Location Provider

Note: Build Number may not look like you can tap on it. Tap on it anyway. After three taps, Android will prompt you to continue becoming a developer.

  1. Once you are a developer, close Settings and open Geode Connect.

Configure Geode Connect

  1. In Geode Connect, go to Menu > Preferences.

  2. Select the box for Enable Mock Location Provider.

           Geode Connect Android Configure Geode Connect

  1. Tap the Save icon.

Geode Connect will prompt you to open Developer Options.

  1. Tap OK.

  2. Geode Connect will open Developer Options so that you can set the mock location provider.

  3. Tap Select mock location app. (In older versions of Android, the option will be Allow mock locations, and it will not ask you for a specific app.)

           Geode Connect Android Configure Geode Connect

  1. Tap Geode Connect in the list of possible apps.

  2. Tap the Android Back button to return to Geode Connect.

  3. Ensure Improve Location Accuracy is turned off.

    • In older versions of Android, tap Settings > Location > Mode > Device Only.

    • In Android version 9:

      • Go to Settings > Security & location > Location. Confirm Use Location is enabled. 

      • Select Google Location Accuracy. Confirm Improve Location Accuracy is disabled.

    • In Android version 11:

      • Go to Settings > Location. Ensure Use Location is enabled.

        • Under Location, select Advanced > Google Location Accuracy. Confirm Improve Location Accuracy is disabled.

        • Under Location, select Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning. Turn off Wi-Fi scanning. Turn off Bluetooth scanning.

Test Mock Location Provider

Both of the following tests require that the Geode is on and has had time to build its initial almanac, usually 25 minutes after it has been turned on for the first time outside.

One-Person Test

  1. Connect the Geode to your Android device via Bluetooth wireless technology in Geode Connect.

  2. Verify that Geode Connect has been set as the mock location provider.

  3. Leave Geode Connect open.

  4. Place the Geode in one stationary position. Do not move it.

  5. Open your mapping or data-collection app.

  6. Holding your phone or tablet, walk five to ten paces out and then walk in a circle around the Geode.

If the position in the data-collection app does not change significantly (remember, the Geode is just sitting there), the app is drawing its data from the Geode. You can continue to use the app and the Geode without any worries. If the position moves in a circle, the app is drawing its data from your Android device’s internal GPS receiver. 

Two-Person Test

  1. One person holds the Geode, and the other person holds the Android device.

  2. Connect the Geode to your Android device via Bluetooth wireless technology in Geode Connect.

  3. Verify that Geode Connect has been set as the mock location provider.

  4. Leave Geode Connect open.

  5. Open your mapping or data-collection app.

  6. The person holding the Android device remains stationary.

  7. The person holding the Geode walks five to ten paces out and then walks in a circle around the person holding the Android device.

If the position moves in a circle, the app is drawing its data from the Geode. Mock location provider is functioning as it should. If the position does not change, the app is drawing its data from your Android device’s internal GPS receiver.

Avoid App Conflicts and Limitations of Location Services

Using Geode Connect as a Mock Location Provider can potentially cause conflicts with other apps that try to connect directly to the Geode. Also, because Mock Location goes through the Location Services of the operating system, this can potentially cause accuracy issues as described at the following web page.

OS Location Services vs. Direct Connection to a GPS Receiver