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5.6 | Surveying & Field Data Collection

The Survey tool records GNSS-referenced terrain and feature data for design creation, project verification, and archival purposes. Collect a survey before grading to capture existing ground, or after grading to verify completed work. Survey data can be exported in T3RRA project format or FieldLevel XML for compatible design software.

Starting a Survey

Before recording, confirm that the GNSS receivers have an RTK fix. Survey accuracy depends on GNSS positioning quality. Raise the blade to full height when prompted.

  1. Press More → Start Survey.
  2. Select where the survey project will be saved.
  3. Press Save.
  4. In the Survey window, press Start Survey to open the survey-type selector.
  5. Choose Boundary, Drains/Paths, or Full Field. You can also collect a benchmark from the survey controls.

A new blank survey project is created and displayed in the Work Area. The first Start Survey button opens the selector; after a type is chosen, the same button starts or resumes recording.

Survey Types

Select the type of feature to collect before recording begins.

Boundary

Records the perimeter of a field or work area. Drive around the complete perimeter and collect enough points to represent the boundary accurately.

Drains / Paths

Records a linear feature such as a drain, channel, road, or access track. Follow the feature from one end to the other. When the survey is stopped, Level COMMAND prompts for a drain name.

Full Field

Records terrain data across the work area. Drive a consistent pattern with adequate overlap between passes to reduce gaps in the collected data.

Recording Survey Data

  1. After choosing a survey type, press Start Survey to begin recording.
  2. Drive through the area while maintaining RTK positioning and following the route for the selected survey type.
  3. Press Pause to temporarily suspend recording.
  4. Press Start Survey again to resume after pausing.
  5. Press Stop when the current survey is complete.

If you decide to discard the current collection before completing it, press Cancel in the survey-type selector and begin again. Use Pause when you intend to continue the current collection.

After stopping, press Start Survey again to collect another Boundary, Drains/Paths, or Full Field survey.

Recording Markers

Markers can be recorded while surveying to identify important locations such as gateways, fence corners, irrigation equipment, hazards, or drain inlets and outlets. For the full distinction between general markers and benchmark markers, see 5.7 | Markers & Benchmarks.

Exporting Survey Data

Stop surveying before exporting. Press Export, select the format and destination, then press Export again.

Format Purpose
.tci Native T3RRA project format.
FieldLevel XML Export for compatible third-party design software.

Exporting requires the appropriate product permission. If the export option is unavailable or permission is denied, contact your administrator or T3RRA support.

Operator Tip: Survey quality directly affects design quality. Obtain RTK before recording, keep a consistent speed, cover the complete area, and use adequate overlap between passes. If a section is missed or GNSS quality is poor, collect that section again before exporting.

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