SW Maps

The best mobile app that we’ve found is the powerful, free, and easy-to-use SW Maps by Softwel. It is compatible with Android and iOS, either phone or tablet with Bluetooth. What makes SW Maps truly powerful is its built-in NTRIP client. This is a fancy way of saying that we’ll be showing you how to get RTCM correction data over the cellular network.

tip

Make sure the FPM-T is switched on and operating in Rover mode. Also, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled in the settings of your mobile device.

To connect to the FPM-T press the () survey pole icon on the main display. Another way is to click on the () SW Map logo to open main menu then select External GNSS Connection menu under Instruments.

List of BT Devices — Available `Bluetooth LE` devices listed in the GNSS Connection menu.

The (External) GNSS Connection menu displays a list of available devices that the app can connect to. Select Bluetooth LE option from the Connection Mode drop-down menu to see a list of available Bluetooth devices. Connecting over BLE removes the requirement to pair over bluetooth. If you don't see your device listed, click on the () refresh icon to re-scan for devices.

Device connected — The FPM-T connected to SW Maps.

Select SparkPNT FPM-T-###### from the listed devices. Then, click on the Connect button to connect to the FPM-T. Assuming the FPM-T is outside, you should immediately have a location fix displayed next to the Disconnect.

tip

If you are taking height measurements (altitude) in addition to position (lat/long) be sure to enter the Instrument Height (m) of your antenna. See ARP and NRP for more information.

GNSS data with RTK Fix — SW Maps with RTK Fix

You can open the GNSS Status sub-menu from the main menu to view the current data. This menu is also accessible by clicking on the () satellite icon from the main display.

NTRIP Client

We'll need to send RTCM correction data from the phone back to the FPM-T so that it can improve its fix accuracy. This is the amazing power of the SparkPNT products and SW Maps. From the main SW Maps menu select the () cloud with a pin icon to open the NTRIP Client menu.

NTRIP client menu — Setup an NTRIP client

If this is your first time creating an NTRIP connection, you will be prompted to create one, click on the Yes button. Otherwise, click on the () plus icon next to NTRIP Connections, to create a new connection.

NTRIP credentials — Entering the credentials to access the NTRIP caster.

Enter your NTRIP Caster credentials and Save.

tip

Users may need to select a Mount Point. After the Address and Port have been configured, click on the () refresh icon to access the list of available mount points. Some service may also require the Username and Password credentials to be configured, before the list of mount points can be accessed.

NTRIP mount points — Access the list of mount points.

NTRIP Client showing data rate more than zero — Data rate is more than 0 bytes per second

Once saved, click on the Connect button to connect to the NTRIP caster and pass the corrections to the FPM-T. You will see bytes begin to transfer from your phone to the FPM-T.

tip

NTRIP with connection failed — NTRIP connection failure due to incorrect credentials

If you get a 'Connection Failed' error it is likely that username or password was incorrect. Double check you credentials and try again.

RTK fix — Green dot indicate high-precision RTK Fix

Close the NTRIP Client menu and on the main display, the () survey pole and () cloud with a pin icons should be green indicating that SW Maps is connected to the FPM-T and the NTRIP caster. The () satellite icon and position indicator will turn green once an RTK fix has been established.

Just for fun, move rover monopole around. You'll see your location accurately reflected in SW Maps. Millimeter location precision is a truly staggering thing.