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Integration of Reach RS3 with Mergin Maps for Android

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to integrate your Reach RS3 with Mergin Maps for Android via Bluetooth.

Overview​

Mergin Maps is a mobile app for Android devices that allows you to collect, share, and publish geodata and collaborate with teams using instant sync with QGIS.

To integrate your Reach RS3 with Mergin Maps via Bluetooth, you will need the following:

  • Reach RS3
  • A device on Android
  • Mergin Maps mobile app installed on your Android device
  • Mergin Maps account

Workflow​

To integrate your Reach RS3 with Mergin Maps follow the steps below.

Access Reach using Emlid Flow​

You can connect to your Reach in two ways:

  • Using the BLE connection option. Using the BLE connection option. This is the recommended connection method. It is especially useful when working with corrections from an NTRIP provider. In this setup, the receiver uses your mobile device’s internet connection, so you only need to select the NTRIP over BLE option when configuring the receiver’s correction input.
  • Using the Wi-Fi connection option. In this case, your device and Reach must be in the same Wi-Fi network.

To connect to your Reach, follow the steps below:

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet.

  2. Open Emlid Flow. When prompted, tap Configure access and allow location permissions. This is required for full receiver functionality.

note

Reach prioritizes the current connection when using BLE, regardless of type:

  • If Reach is connected via Bluetooth Classic to third-party software, disconnect it before using BLE in Emlid Flow.
  • If another device is connected to Reach, disconnect it before reconnecting using BLE in Emlid Flow.

After granting permissions, your receiver will appear in the list. The app will connect to it automatically.

tip

For more information on connecting to your Reach device, refer to the Connecting to Reach guide. A Bluetooth connection is the recommended method.

note

Reach name is displayed just above its MAC. In this guide, we used the unit named as Reach.

Configure corrections in Emlid Flow​

Check the following guides to configure receiving corrections on your Reach RS3 rover:

Configure Bluetooth connection in Emlid Flow​

Enable Bluetooth discoverability, so your device can be found by other devices. To do so, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to Settings in Emlid Flow and tap Bluetooth.

  2. Tap Discoverability and turn on the Discoverability option. Tap Save to apply changes.

Enable tilt compensation​

Reach RS3 supports IMU-based tilt compensation, allowing you to collect and stake out points even when the survey pole is tilted. The software calculates the tilt angle and distance to determine the pole tip position on the ground. To enable tilt compensation, follow the How to enable tilt compensation guide.

Set up NMEA stream in Emlid Flow​

To send position data to external applications, configure position streaming in NMEA format as follows:

  1. In Emlid Flow, go to Settings.

  2. Tap Position streaming 1 and select Bluetooth.

  3. To configure position streaming, tap the Edit button in the Bluetooth cell.

    note

    When connected to your Reach via Bluetooth, Emlid Flow will prompt you to connect to the Reach hotspot to access the streaming configuration settings.

  4. Tap Format and choose NMEA.

  5. Apply necessary changes.

  6. To send compensated NMEA messages, you need to enable it in Emlid Flow.

  7. Set the antenna height. You only need to enter the pole height. Emlid Flow automatically applies the antenna phase center offset and adjusts the measurements accordingly.

    caution

    When sending compensated NMEA messages, set the antenna height only in Emlid Flow. Setting it in third-party apps as well may cause discrepancies.

Now you can start receiving the corrected position in a third-party GIS or data collection application.

Pair Reach RS3 and Android device​

To find your Reach RS3 in the list of devices in Mergin Maps, you need to pair it with the Android device as follows:

  1. Navigate to the Bluetooth configuration screen on your Android device and enable Bluetooth.

  2. Wait for your Reach RS3 to be listed as an available device.

    tip

    Keep Reach within a few meters from the device.

  3. Tap the name of your Reach in the list of available devices on the Android device.

    note

    If your device requires a PIN code, enter 123456.

  4. Pair Reach with the Android device.

Configure communication between Mergin Maps and Reach RS3​

To set up communication between Mergin Maps and your receiver, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Mergin Maps app and create an account if you don’t have it yet to access the app.

  2. Open or create a new project.

  3. On the opened screen in the lower right corner, tap More and Settings.

  4. In Settings, tap Manage GPS receivers.

  5. Tap Connect new receiver.

  6. Choose your GPS receiver from the list of Bluetooth devices and wait until it's connected.

  7. This step is only required when you don’t stream compensated NMEA position. Go back to Settings and set the antenna height. Antenna offset is not added automatically in Mergin Maps. The value you enter should be the sum of the pole height and 134 mm.

  8. Go to the GPS tab and check the RTK status and accuracy on the map. To check the detailed GPS info, tap the tab one more time.

Now you are ready to start collecting data!