Using ArcGIS Apps on Android with the Geode

10 Aug 2021

Note: This information is provided as a reference and does not imply that Juniper Systems will provide full support for the use of any specific third-party device or software with a Juniper Systems product.

This article describes how to create a direct connection to the Geode in ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Collector running on Android (see the separate instructions for iPhone and iPad). Additionally, it covers how to set up datum in ArcGIS Field Maps.

Create a Direct Connection with Geode

Why a Direct Connection

A direct connection to the Geode in the ArcGIS app is the only way to guarantee that the positioning data collected by the app is coming 100 percent from the Geode Real-Time Sub-Meter GPS Receiver. Use the following link If you are instead wanting to use Geode Connect as an NTRIP client for the ESRI ArcGIS apps.

Disconnect and Close Geode Connect

If you are or have recently been using Geode Connect with your Geode, you will need to open the app, disconnect the Geode, and then close the app. This prevents Geode Connect from competing with the ArcGIS app for a connection with the Geode.

  1. Open Geode Connect.

  2. On the app Home screen, tap the orange Geode icon in the top left corner.

  3. Select Disconnect.

  4. Return to your Home screen.

  5. Swipe up halfway or slowly to reveal which apps are currently open on your device (or tap on the Square button when using in Button Mode).

  6. Swipe up on the Geode Connect preview to completely close the app.

Connect ArcGIS App Directly with the Geode

The following steps and GIF were created using ArcGIS Field Maps, but the process is the same in ArcGIS Collector. 

  1. Open ArcGIS Field Maps or ArcGIS Collector. 

  2. On the app Home screen, tap the Profile icon in the top right corner. 

  3. Tap the current Provider. In the GIF above, the provider is Integrated. 

  4. On the Location Providers screen, tap Add Provider. 

  5. Select the Geode based on its serial number (e.g., Juniper Systems Inc. #224107). Tap Next.

  6. Enter the height of the antenna.

  7. Tap Done.

  8. On the Location Providers screen, select the Geode you just added.

The Geode will then be listed as the current provider. 

Set Up Datum in ArcGIS Field Maps

If you have background aerial imagery or other data that is using a projection other than WGS84 (or NAD83 if using NTRIP), then you will need to setup a datum transformation using these steps.

  1. In ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps on Android, tap on the Profile icon Profile..
  2. In the Location section, tap on Profile > Add profile.

Add Profile.

  1. On the GNSS coordinate system screen, when connecting directly to the Geode select “GCS WGS 1984” (epsg code 4326). Tap Next.

GNSS Coordinate System.

  1. On the Map coordinate system screen, you should now be able select the same one as you set for the map that you created in ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Online before importing it to Field Maps or Collector. An example is shown in the image below. Tap Next.

Map Coordinate System.

  1. If the Area for data collection screen appears, zoom in to the state or even more local area for the map. Tap Next.

Area for Data Collection.

  1. On the Horizontal datum transformation screen, as an example it is common to need to select “WGS_1984_(ITRF00)_To_NAD_1983” (USA – CONUS and Alaska; PRVI). Or, if needed, select whatever would fit the conversion of the GPS/GNSS data to your map. Such a conversion is not survey (centimeter) grade but should not matter much for a meter-grade receiver such as the Geode (60 centimeter with just SBAS). Tap Next.

Horizontal Datum Transformation.

  1. Enter a profile name. Tap Add.

Profile Name.

  1. Back at the Location profiles, tap on the newly added profile to select it for use.