Why Reach RX is the perfect GNSS receiver for ArcGIS Field Maps integration

If you work in GIS, chances are you’re already using ArcGIS Field Maps to collect, edit, and analyze spatial data. Choosing the suitable GNSS receiver is critical to elevating your workflow and ensuring your location data is as accurate as possible. Enter the Emlid Reach RX—a lightweight, easy-to-use receiver that integrates seamlessly with ArcGIS, delivering centimeter-level accuracy for all your GIS needs.

In this article, we’ll explain why Reach RX is the perfect choice for GIS professionals and how it integrates effortlessly with ArcGIS Field Maps, helping you achieve more accurate results in your projects.

Why do ArcGIS users need Reach RX?

If you rely on ArcGIS Field Maps to gather and manage data in the field, without a high-precision GNSS receiver, your data might not be as accurate as it could be. Reach RX solves this problem by delivering centimeter-accurate GNSS data straight into your ArcGIS workflows. Streaming data in the NMEA format, Reach RX is fully compatible with the ArgGIS Field Maps app, ensuring you get the reliable, high-quality data you need to make informed decisions.

Here’s why integrating Reach RX with ArcGIS Field Maps is the best choice for GIS users:

1. Boost your data accuracy. Reach RX significantly improves the accuracy of your field data. Instead of relying on your smartphone’s built-in GPS, which offers meter-level accuracy at best, Reach RX ensures your data is accurate to within a few centimeters. This level of precision is critical for GIS tasks that require exact location data, such as infrastructure planning, environmental studies, and asset management.
   
2. Real-time data collection and sharing. When integrated with ArcGIS Field Maps, Reach RX allows you to collect and view high-precision data in real-time. You can share this data instantly with your team, enabling collaborative decision-making while you’re still in the field. This real-time capability enhances project efficiency and ensures everyone works with the most accurate, up-to-date data.
   
3. Easy setup and use. Reach RX is incredibly easy to set up and use with ArcGIS Field Maps. There’s no complicated configuration required. Simply pair it with your mobile device via Bluetooth, configure corrections through the Emlid Flow app, and you’re ready to start collecting accurate data. Whether you’re using an Android, iOS, or Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) device, the integration process is straightforward and seamless.
   
4. Portability. Reach RX is ideal for GIS professionals working across various field conditions, from bustling urban landscapes to more isolated locations where mobile signal is available. Designed with portability in mind, Reach RX is as compact as a remote controller, fitting easily in a pocket so you can bring it anywhere.

How to integrate Reach RX with ArcGIS Field Maps

Getting started with Reach RX in ArcGIS Field Maps is simple. Here’s a quick guide to show how easily you can integrate the two:

For Android users

1. Pair Reach RX with your device: Turn on Bluetooth on your Android device or WSA and select Reach RX from the list of available devices.
2. Configure NTRIP corrections: Use the Emlid Flow app to set up NTRIP corrections. This allows Reach RX to achieve centimeter-level accuracy by receiving real-time corrections via the Internet.
3. Set up in ArcGIS Field Maps: Open the ArcGIS Field Maps app, add Reach RX as your location provider, and adjust settings such as antenna height to optimize accuracy.

Learn more about the integration on Android in the Emlid documentation section.

For iOS users

1. Pair with Reach RX MFi: Connect your iOS device to the Reach RX MFi receiver via Bluetooth. Once connected, the device will begin streaming high-precision GNSS data directly into ArcGIS Field Maps. Learn more about upgraded Reach RX MFi.
2. Configure сorrections: As with Android, set up NTRIP corrections through the Emlid Flow app for accurate real-time data. 
3. Configure in ArcGIS: Finalize the setup by selecting Reach RX as the primary GNSS provider in ArcGIS Field Maps, and fine-tune settings like antenna height for improved accuracy.

Find more information about iOS integration in the Emlid documentation section or watch the step-by-step tutorial. 

After this simple setup, you’re ready to start collecting centimeter-level data with ease.

Real-world applications for GIS professionals

With Reach RX integrated into your ArcGIS workflow, the possibilities are endless. Due to its long battery life (up to 16 hours), reliability in challenging environments, such as dense forests or urban areas with limited satellite visibility, and weighing just 250 grams (0.55 lbs), Reach RX is highly appreciated in different industries. 

Read Reach RX reviews from construction industry professionals who share first-hand experiences with Reach RX high-precision GPS rover.

Conclusion

For GIS professionals who rely on ArcGIS Field Maps, Reach RX is the perfect GNSS receiver to take your data accuracy to the next level. With centimeter-level precision, real-time data collection, and seamless integration into the ArcGIS ecosystem, Reach RX offers everything you need for accurate and efficient field data collection.

Ready to enhance your GIS workflows? Start collecting precise data in the field today.

FAQs

What is ArcGIS?
ArcGIS, developed by Esri, is a robust Geographic Information System (GIS) platform used to visualize, analyze, and interpret spatial data. It’s widely used across industries like land surveying, urban planning, environmental management, and agriculture. ArcGIS Field Maps is a mobile app within the ArcGIS ecosystem, designed to help fieldworkers collect, view, and edit geographic data in real-time.

Is Reach RX compatible with Field Maps on both Android and iOS devices?
Yes, Reach RX works seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices. It pairs via Bluetooth and can be easily integrated with ArcGIS Field Maps on both platforms, ensuring real-time, high-precision data collection. Just make sure your Reach RX has MFi support for iOS. All devices from batch 2414 (the last four digits in the serial number) or later include MFi compatibility.

Do I need to configure NTRIP corrections for Reach RX to work with ArcGIS  Field Maps?
Yes, to achieve centimeter-level accuracy, it’s recommended to configure NTRIP corrections from an NTRIP service or a local base station via NTRIP protocol. This setup ensures that your Reach RX is receiving real-time corrections to provide the highest level of accuracy.

Is it possible to use Reach RX with other GIS software apart from ArcGIS Field Maps?
Yes, Reach RX streams its position in NMEA format, which is widely compatible with many GIS applications, not just ArcGIS Field Maps. This makes it a versatile receiver for a variety of software environments.

What is Emlid Flow?
Emlid Flow is a mobile app designed for efficient field data collection and GNSS receiver management. It supports users in setting up coordinate systems, recording points, managing projects, and configuring correction sources like NTRIP for real-time kinematic (RTK) applications. Emlid Flow is compatible with Emlid’s Reach receivers, including Reach RX, and provides an intuitive interface for both Android and iOS devices, making it a versatile tool for fieldwork across various conditions.