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With the latest Emlid Flow and Emlid Flow 360 updates, you can perform a range of new jobs in land surveying and construction. Available on iOS, Android, and web, the app offers efficiency improvements for earthworks, topographic, and as-built surveys. Check out our brief overview, not to miss a thing.
What’s new
One of the most important tools introduced earlier this month is Surfaces support. You can now add Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) to the project and perform real-time calculation of cut-and-fill volumes during stakeout. Excavation, grading, terracing, and any earthwork is now a breeze: upload a surface file in the LandXML format with Emlid Flow 360 and stake it out in Emlid Flow.
Other updates cover a range of tools for topo and as-built surveys:
- Linework and polygons. Collect, stake out, and edit.
- Auto collection mode. Automatically save points based on time or distance intervals.
- WMS/WMTS layers. Add georeferenced maps over the internet, such as drone, cadastral, or soil maps, to your background for better context.
- Localization and base shift. Ensure compatibility with older datasets or external sources by calculating coordinate system parameters based on known points.
- Stakeout reports. Generate detailed stakeout reports directly from the app, making it easier to track and document your fieldwork.
- Inverse/traverse calculations. Perform geometry calculations to enhance accuracy and improve workflow for complex surveys.
Our objective was to create a streamlined surveyor interface that preserves all essential controls. With intuitive navigation and real-time cloud synchronization, Emlid Flow allows surveying professionals to accomplish their tasks more efficiently, using their device of choice—whether it’s a rugged Android smartphone or an iPad.
Field and office, fully connected
As the native app for Reach receivers, Emlid Flow guarantees perfect compatibility, removing connectivity issues and saving valuable time in the field. The software stack includes the Emlid Flow mobile app and its cloud version, Emlid Flow 360. Data is instantly backed up and synchronized between the two, enabling smooth workflows from the field to the office.
Prepare and manage projects
Prepare your project using any browser with Emlid Flow 360. This includes creating a project, adding coordinate systems, code libraries, or WMS background layers, uploading data, and calculating geometry for stakeouts. The prepared project is immediately available in the Emlid Flow mobile app.
Survey in the field
To survey any objects with less effort, the Emlid Flow app supports advanced survey workflows:
- Configuring Reach receivers as a base and rover
- Collecting points and lines
- Staking out points and lines
- Auto collection
- Applying survey codes
- Localization and base shift
- Inverse & Traverse calculations
- Cut & fill calculations
- Using background maps and WMS layers
- Stakeout reports
- Export/import data in CSV, DXF, SHP, and KML
- Using customized CSV, and more.
The mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Even if a smartphone is discharged in the field, a surveyor can log into their Emlid account on another device to access all survey data right away.
Once the job is complete, the data is ready for export in Emlid Flow 360 right away.
Use cases and community feedback
All the tools have been tested by Emlid’s community prior to release, both in terms of functionality and user experience. Here are some of the features that our users highlight:
Stake-out tools for me are the biggest benefit. We use a drone to get field contours, process that into our CAD package, design Farm Ponds and effluent fields, and then re-use the Emlid base and tools to mark these designs accurately back into the field for construction. So much faster and accurate than what we ever used to do! The turn around times are so much quicker now!
Brian, Emlid community member
The versatility of changing and converting coordinate systems is very helpful for projects with older coordinate systems.
Fidel Martinez Hernandez, Emlid user from Mexico
Today I was using auto collection. By far the best thing to create great detailed boundaries for agriculture.
Sean Schrapel, Emlid user from South Australia
The overall Emlid Flow is a good software, but the Auto Collection is the best feature, as it allows me to collect points automatically, very useful for contour points. It saves a lot of time and do not need to manually calculate the grid distance, but the Flow does it for me.
Rohit Sharma, Emlid user from India
I really like the Inverse tool. This has allowed me to get various properties including distance, direction, grade, etc. Great insights for in the field!
Chris Ross, Emlid user from Canada
To join the discussion and see some real-life use cases, jump in our Facebook user group or Community Forum. We have already shared useful tips on how to use Emlid Flow for boundary surveys, drone mapping, and archaeology.
Ready to get started?
Emlid Flow offers Free and Survey plans. The receiver configuration and basic features for data collection and stakeout come for free. The advanced features are available with the Survey plan.
Download the app and get a subscription with a free trial at emlid.com/emlid-flow/.
Whether you’re new to land surveying or a seasoned professional, the Emlid Flow app is designed to make your projects smooth and efficient. Learn more, and explore the new Emlid Flow features for your next project.
FAQ
What devices are compatible with Emlid Flow?
Emlid Flow mobile app is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Its cloud version, Emlid Flow 360, is available from any PC and web browser.
What is Surfaces support, and how does it benefit my work?
Surfaces support allows you to import Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) for precise cut-and-fill calculations during stakeout operations, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in earthwork projects.
How do I transfer data from field to office with Emlid Flow?
Emlid Flow syncs seamlessly with its Emlid Flow 360 cloud version. Once field data is collected in the app, it automatically becomes available for editing, export, or further processing in the office. By creating a free Emlid account, you can access both the mobile app and cloud platform, ensuring all your data is securely stored and accessible across devices.
What’s the difference between the Free and Survey plans?
The Free plan offers basic receiver configuration, data logging, point collection and stakeout tools. The Survey plan unlocks advanced features such as linework, polygon tools, and Surfaces support, which are essential for more complex survey projects.
Is it possible to use Emlid Flow offline?
Yes, Emlid Flow can store data locally on your device when offline. Once you regain internet access, all data will sync to the cloud.
What formats can I export my data in?
Emlid Flow supports various export formats, including CSV, DXF, SHP, and KML, making it compatible with other GIS and CAD tools.