Using GPS/GNSS
(Throughout this help file, the term "GPS" is used to refer to any GPS or GNSS device.)
If your phone or table has GPS capabilities or if you have a external GPS device with Bluetooth capability then the map can track your location. Use the GPS Point button on the right edge of the screen to control this. When you click this button the system will zoom to and highlight your location on the map.
GPS Accuracy
If you are going to use your GPS location to mark points on the map then we strongly recommend that you do NOT use the GPS built into your phone or tablet. The uncertainty produced by these devices is about 15ft (on a good day). We recommend that you interface your phone or tablet with an external GPS device that has an uncertainty of 1 meter or better (ie "submeter" device). Even if you can't afford an external GPS device, you can probably mark your points on the map by visually pointing and clicking with more precision than your phone's built in GPS. .
GPS Status
For more details or to troubleshoot your GPS connection, select "GPS Status" from the main menu. This will display a screen showing additional details such as error messages and the uncertainty of your current location.
Datum Correction
By default, Diamond Maps assumes your GPS is broadcasting WGS84 Lat/Lon coordinates. This is the case with most GPS devices. However, some GPS devices broadcast NAD83 coordinates. This is usually the case if you are using a higher precision device that uses RTK correction. If this is the case, go to the GPS Status item on the menu and change the source datum to NAD83. The correction amounts to about a 3ft shift for most of North America.
Status Color
When the GPS is in ON the background color of the button will indicate the status. Green indicates that the GPS has a fix on you with an uncertainty of less than 200 meters. Red indicates no fix.
Uncertainty
A translucent yellow circle will be shown surrounding your location indicating the uncertainty of the GPS fix. The smaller the circle the more precisely your location is known.
Importing GPS Data
Most of this help article relates to doing a live interface with your GPS. If you have previously collected data points stored in your GPS device then there is probably a way to transfer those to your map. Most GPS devices have a way to export their data to one or more file formats that can be imported into a GIS application. This may require the use of some companion software that comes with the GPS hardware. Some common GPS file formats that can be imported into Diamond Maps include CSV, SHP, or GPX. See the Import article for more details.
"User Denied Location"
If you get the error message 'User Denied Location' that indicates a permissions issue. Click here for troubleshooting instructions.
Marking Points With GPS
See Draw New Features for instructions on how to get the most from your GPS device when marking points on the map.
Moving Existing Points To Align With GPS Location
If you have some existing features on your map that were marked by hand and you now want to use a GPS to correct their location, see Move To GPS option on Feature Form's Action Menu.
Connecting To An External Bluetooth GPS Device:
Using The Arrow 100 by Eos
Using The Geode by Juniper Systems
Using The R1, R2, DA2 or any Trimble GNSS device
Using The GNSS Surveyor by Bad Elf
See here for a list of other common GPS devices
Connecting Diamond Maps Offline To An External Bluetooth GPS Device
One advantage of the offline version of Diamond Maps is that it can communicate more directly with an external GPS device. For more information see Offline App.