Mapping and GIS Solutions Community

Hello,

I am setting up a new Geo 7X for my office. We will be using the laser rangefinder to do offsets from TerraSync (version 5.90 - Professional Edition). 

I am wondering if the coordinates of a feature (stored using an laser rangefinder offset from TerraSync) will be different between using "True" North Reference and "Magnetic" North Reference. 

I have read that Declination is applied automatically when TerraSync is running and a GNSS position being recorded. So:

1. Does it matter if I set North Reference in TerraSync to True/Magnetic
2. Which setting would i then use for Magnetic Declination (0/Auto)?
3. Does the TerraSync North Reference setting overide the Rangefinder North Reference Setting? (I would set them to be the same anyway)

Thank you,

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------

Esha,

This is a good question. I have always been taught to use True North with Magnetic declination set to Auto (based on your location). See the following support note that Trimble released in 2013. This may shed some light on your question.

PROBLEM
The Geo 7 series rangefinder may not use the correct magnetic declination angle for your location.
This issue occurs if you run the Rangefinder application prior to the Geo7X receiver calculating a GNSS position for
your current location. The first calculated position each time the GNSS receiver is connected to is used to set the
correct magnetic declination for your location.
SOLUTION
Best practice is to ensure that a GNSS position is collected prior to running the rangefinder application. Alternatively,
if your field software supports "Magnetic North" headings, you can set the Rangefinder utility to ignore the magnetic
declination value and use only output magnetic north (rather than True North) values.

------------------------------
Zach Edwards
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2022 08:47
From: Esha Minchin
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hello,

I am setting up a new Geo 7X for my office. We will be using the laser rangefinder to do offsets from TerraSync (version 5.90 - Professional Edition). 

I am wondering if the coordinates of a feature (stored using an laser rangefinder offset from TerraSync) will be different between using "True" North Reference and "Magnetic" North Reference. 

I have read that Declination is applied automatically when TerraSync is running and a GNSS position being recorded. So:

1. Does it matter if I set North Reference in TerraSync to True/Magnetic
2. Which setting would i then use for Magnetic Declination (0/Auto)?
3. Does the TerraSync North Reference setting overide the Rangefinder North Reference Setting? (I would set them to be the same anyway)

Thank you,

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 4/22/2022 11:38:00 AM
From: Zach Edwards
Subject: RE: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Esha,

This is a good question. I have always been taught to use True North with Magnetic declination set to Auto (based on your location). See the following support note that Trimble released in 2013. This may shed some light on your question.

PROBLEM
The Geo 7 series rangefinder may not use the correct magnetic declination angle for your location.
This issue occurs if you run the Rangefinder application prior to the Geo7X receiver calculating a GNSS position for
your current location. The first calculated position each time the GNSS receiver is connected to is used to set the
correct magnetic declination for your location.
SOLUTION
Best practice is to ensure that a GNSS position is collected prior to running the rangefinder application. Alternatively,
if your field software supports "Magnetic North" headings, you can set the Rangefinder utility to ignore the magnetic
declination value and use only output magnetic north (rather than True North) values.

------------------------------
Zach Edwards
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2022 08:47
From: Esha Minchin
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hello,

I am setting up a new Geo 7X for my office. We will be using the laser rangefinder to do offsets from TerraSync (version 5.90 - Professional Edition). 

I am wondering if the coordinates of a feature (stored using an laser rangefinder offset from TerraSync) will be different between using "True" North Reference and "Magnetic" North Reference. 

I have read that Declination is applied automatically when TerraSync is running and a GNSS position being recorded. So:

1. Does it matter if I set North Reference in TerraSync to True/Magnetic
2. Which setting would i then use for Magnetic Declination (0/Auto)?
3. Does the TerraSync North Reference setting overide the Rangefinder North Reference Setting? (I would set them to be the same anyway)

Thank you,

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------

Good point Joel. Thanks for your input here!

------------------------------
Zach Edwards
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2022 09:10
From: Joel Cusick
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Zach, and originally poster.

Be very careful using Auto declination.  That value, say in a place where declination changes rapidly (look at Alaska), means the LOOKUP table in TerraSync refers to from a geographic location pulls in a stale, declination value.  Never do this if you really want precise nav back to a location, say a survey point (x) and your at (y).  Trimble has not updated the declination table in TerraSync since 2017, and it cannot predict the value of today.  Refer to a Mag declination calculator, and if using True, set that value yourself.

Joel Cusick

GIS Specialist

Region 11 - Alaska Regional Office

240 W. Fifth Ave.

Anchorage, AK 99501-2327

cell:907 280-9724  wk:907 644-3549 

Help Desk: akro_gis_helpdesk@nps.gov

AK GPS Rental and Training Calendar

Original Message:
Sent: 4/22/2022 11:38:00 AM
From: Zach Edwards
Subject: RE: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Esha,

This is a good question. I have always been taught to use True North with Magnetic declination set to Auto (based on your location). See the following support note that Trimble released in 2013. This may shed some light on your question.

PROBLEM
The Geo 7 series rangefinder may not use the correct magnetic declination angle for your location.
This issue occurs if you run the Rangefinder application prior to the Geo7X receiver calculating a GNSS position for
your current location. The first calculated position each time the GNSS receiver is connected to is used to set the
correct magnetic declination for your location.
SOLUTION
Best practice is to ensure that a GNSS position is collected prior to running the rangefinder application. Alternatively,
if your field software supports "Magnetic North" headings, you can set the Rangefinder utility to ignore the magnetic
declination value and use only output magnetic north (rather than True North) values.

------------------------------
Zach Edwards

Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2022 08:47
From: Esha Minchin
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hello,

I am setting up a new Geo 7X for my office. We will be using the laser rangefinder to do offsets from TerraSync (version 5.90 - Professional Edition). 

I am wondering if the coordinates of a feature (stored using an laser rangefinder offset from TerraSync) will be different between using "True" North Reference and "Magnetic" North Reference. 

I have read that Declination is applied automatically when TerraSync is running and a GNSS position being recorded. So:

1. Does it matter if I set North Reference in TerraSync to True/Magnetic
2. Which setting would i then use for Magnetic Declination (0/Auto)?
3. Does the TerraSync North Reference setting overide the Rangefinder North Reference Setting? (I would set them to be the same anyway)

Thank you,

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------

Hi Esha

Are you using the Trimble Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory to do offsets, or are you using an external bluetooth laser rangefinder?

If using an external laser rangefinder, setting the North Reference to be the same on rangefinder and on TerraSync (your point 3) is critical.  If using the Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory with TerraSync, the interface between rangefinder and TerrSync don't use NMEA and TerraSync knows what the Rangefinder app is supplying (in fact, when using the Geo 7x rangefinder accessory, the magnetic sensor which is used is the Geo 7x internal magnetic sensor, the rangefinder does not contain a magnetic sensor).

On Geo 7x I believe TerraSync actually gets the local magnetic declination value from the Geo 7x GNSS firmware rather than from a TerraSync compiled-in table - but all the same, the magnetic declination model used in Geo 7x GNSS has not been updated since 2017 so while it does try to account for yearly drift it might be better to do as Joel suggests, set rangefinder heading to "Magnetic" in TerraSync then set the magnetic declination value yourself using an online Mag declination calculator.

I don't understand this sentence "Alternatively, if your field software supports "Magnetic North" headings, you can set the Rangefinder utility to ignore the magnetic declination value and use only output magnetic north (rather than True North) values." in the Trimble Support Note which Zach quotes (I think the support note is wrong, but it's a bit late to point out errors in a 2013 Support Note) - if you are capturing a feature using a distance / bearing offset, there will ALWAYS be a conversion from Magnetic heading to True heading somewhere in the system, otherwise TerraSync can't calculate a position.

A few final points:

• If you can spare the time when doing your data collection, Distance-Distance Offsets almost always give significantly better feature accuracy than Distance-Bearing Offsets.
• If you will be doing Distance-Bearing Offsets, make sure you do a magnetic sensor calibration on the Geo 7x (if using Geo 7x Rangefinder Accessory) or on your Laser Rangefinder
• There were unresolved performance issues with TerraSync 5.90 on Geo 7x and other Windows Embedded platforms.  If you notice slow response from TerraSync 5.90 on the Geo 7x, the recommended work-around was to remove TerraSync 5.90 and install TerraSync 5.86.

------------------------------
Norman Smart
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2022 08:47
From: Esha Minchin
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hello,

I am setting up a new Geo 7X for my office. We will be using the laser rangefinder to do offsets from TerraSync (version 5.90 - Professional Edition). 

I am wondering if the coordinates of a feature (stored using an laser rangefinder offset from TerraSync) will be different between using "True" North Reference and "Magnetic" North Reference. 

I have read that Declination is applied automatically when TerraSync is running and a GNSS position being recorded. So:

1. Does it matter if I set North Reference in TerraSync to True/Magnetic
2. Which setting would i then use for Magnetic Declination (0/Auto)?
3. Does the TerraSync North Reference setting overide the Rangefinder North Reference Setting? (I would set them to be the same anyway)

Thank you,

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 4/22/2022 7:12:00 PM
From: Norman Smart
Subject: RE: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hi Esha

Are you using the Trimble Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory to do offsets, or are you using an external bluetooth laser rangefinder?

If using an external laser rangefinder, setting the North Reference to be the same on rangefinder and on TerraSync (your point 3) is critical.  If using the Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory with TerraSync, the interface between rangefinder and TerrSync don't use NMEA and TerraSync knows what the Rangefinder app is supplying (in fact, when using the Geo 7x rangefinder accessory, the magnetic sensor which is used is the Geo 7x internal magnetic sensor, the rangefinder does not contain a magnetic sensor).

On Geo 7x I believe TerraSync actually gets the local magnetic declination value from the Geo 7x GNSS firmware rather than from a TerraSync compiled-in table - but all the same, the magnetic declination model used in Geo 7x GNSS has not been updated since 2017 so while it does try to account for yearly drift it might be better to do as Joel suggests, set rangefinder heading to "Magnetic" in TerraSync then set the magnetic declination value yourself using an online Mag declination calculator.

I don't understand this sentence "Alternatively, if your field software supports "Magnetic North" headings, you can set the Rangefinder utility to ignore the magnetic declination value and use only output magnetic north (rather than True North) values." in the Trimble Support Note which Zach quotes (I think the support note is wrong, but it's a bit late to point out errors in a 2013 Support Note) - if you are capturing a feature using a distance / bearing offset, there will ALWAYS be a conversion from Magnetic heading to True heading somewhere in the system, otherwise TerraSync can't calculate a position.

A few final points:

• If you can spare the time when doing your data collection, Distance-Distance Offsets almost always give significantly better feature accuracy than Distance-Bearing Offsets.
• If you will be doing Distance-Bearing Offsets, make sure you do a magnetic sensor calibration on the Geo 7x (if using Geo 7x Rangefinder Accessory) or on your Laser Rangefinder
• There were unresolved performance issues with TerraSync 5.90 on Geo 7x and other Windows Embedded platforms.  If you notice slow response from TerraSync 5.90 on the Geo 7x, the recommended work-around was to remove TerraSync 5.90 and install TerraSync 5.86.

------------------------------
Norman Smart
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2022 08:47
From: Esha Minchin
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hello,

I am setting up a new Geo 7X for my office. We will be using the laser rangefinder to do offsets from TerraSync (version 5.90 - Professional Edition). 

I am wondering if the coordinates of a feature (stored using an laser rangefinder offset from TerraSync) will be different between using "True" North Reference and "Magnetic" North Reference. 

I have read that Declination is applied automatically when TerraSync is running and a GNSS position being recorded. So:

1. Does it matter if I set North Reference in TerraSync to True/Magnetic
2. Which setting would i then use for Magnetic Declination (0/Auto)?
3. Does the TerraSync North Reference setting overide the Rangefinder North Reference Setting? (I would set them to be the same anyway)

Thank you,

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------

Thanks Joel.

I thought Trimble had officially dropped TS 5.90 support on WEHH because of performance issues but I couldn't find anything in the Product Compatibility matrix or in a quick search of Support Notes.

------------------------------
Norman Smart
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2022 16:28
From: Joel Cusick
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Excellent source of info Norman.  This really explains things very well.

I always thought the 2013 support note was squirrely.

Glad you brought up the 5.90 version of Terrasync.  On multiple accounts (including this issue and Data Dictionary use where 5.9 prevents using even moderately sophisticate DDF's) always use 5.86.  I have not seen a problem in the last 4 years to use the combo TerraSync 5.86 and PFO 5.90.

Joel Cusick

GIS Specialist

Region 11 - Alaska Regional Office

240 W. Fifth Ave.

Anchorage, AK 99501-2327

cell:907 280-9724  wk:907 644-3549 

Help Desk: akro_gis_helpdesk@nps.gov

AK GPS Rental and Training Calendar

Original Message:
Sent: 4/22/2022 7:12:00 PM
From: Norman Smart
Subject: RE: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hi Esha

Are you using the Trimble Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory to do offsets, or are you using an external bluetooth laser rangefinder?

If using an external laser rangefinder, setting the North Reference to be the same on rangefinder and on TerraSync (your point 3) is critical.  If using the Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory with TerraSync, the interface between rangefinder and TerrSync don't use NMEA and TerraSync knows what the Rangefinder app is supplying (in fact, when using the Geo 7x rangefinder accessory, the magnetic sensor which is used is the Geo 7x internal magnetic sensor, the rangefinder does not contain a magnetic sensor).

On Geo 7x I believe TerraSync actually gets the local magnetic declination value from the Geo 7x GNSS firmware rather than from a TerraSync compiled-in table - but all the same, the magnetic declination model used in Geo 7x GNSS has not been updated since 2017 so while it does try to account for yearly drift it might be better to do as Joel suggests, set rangefinder heading to "Magnetic" in TerraSync then set the magnetic declination value yourself using an online Mag declination calculator.

I don't understand this sentence "Alternatively, if your field software supports "Magnetic North" headings, you can set the Rangefinder utility to ignore the magnetic declination value and use only output magnetic north (rather than True North) values." in the Trimble Support Note which Zach quotes (I think the support note is wrong, but it's a bit late to point out errors in a 2013 Support Note) - if you are capturing a feature using a distance / bearing offset, there will ALWAYS be a conversion from Magnetic heading to True heading somewhere in the system, otherwise TerraSync can't calculate a position.

A few final points:

• If you can spare the time when doing your data collection, Distance-Distance Offsets almost always give significantly better feature accuracy than Distance-Bearing Offsets.
• If you will be doing Distance-Bearing Offsets, make sure you do a magnetic sensor calibration on the Geo 7x (if using Geo 7x Rangefinder Accessory) or on your Laser Rangefinder
• There were unresolved performance issues with TerraSync 5.90 on Geo 7x and other Windows Embedded platforms.  If you notice slow response from TerraSync 5.90 on the Geo 7x, the recommended work-around was to remove TerraSync 5.90 and install TerraSync 5.86.

------------------------------
Norman Smart

Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2022 08:47
From: Esha Minchin
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hello,

I am setting up a new Geo 7X for my office. We will be using the laser rangefinder to do offsets from TerraSync (version 5.90 - Professional Edition). 

I am wondering if the coordinates of a feature (stored using an laser rangefinder offset from TerraSync) will be different between using "True" North Reference and "Magnetic" North Reference. 

I have read that Declination is applied automatically when TerraSync is running and a GNSS position being recorded. So:

1. Does it matter if I set North Reference in TerraSync to True/Magnetic
2. Which setting would i then use for Magnetic Declination (0/Auto)?
3. Does the TerraSync North Reference setting overide the Rangefinder North Reference Setting? (I would set them to be the same anyway)

Thank you,

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------

I was also looking recently and the only formal acknowledgment I could find was it's conspicuous absence from the TerraSync download page. Every other version is available inc 5.90 Desktop.

------------------------------
John Winkler
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2022 16:42
From: Norman Smart
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Thanks Joel.

I thought Trimble had officially dropped TS 5.90 support on WEHH because of performance issues but I couldn't find anything in the Product Compatibility matrix or in a quick search of Support Notes.

------------------------------
Norman Smart

Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2022 16:28
From: Joel Cusick
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Excellent source of info Norman.  This really explains things very well.

I always thought the 2013 support note was squirrely.

Glad you brought up the 5.90 version of Terrasync.  On multiple accounts (including this issue and Data Dictionary use where 5.9 prevents using even moderately sophisticate DDF's) always use 5.86.  I have not seen a problem in the last 4 years to use the combo TerraSync 5.86 and PFO 5.90.

Joel Cusick

GIS Specialist

Region 11 - Alaska Regional Office

240 W. Fifth Ave.

Anchorage, AK 99501-2327

cell:907 280-9724  wk:907 644-3549 

Help Desk: akro_gis_helpdesk@nps.gov

AK GPS Rental and Training Calendar

Original Message:
Sent: 4/22/2022 7:12:00 PM
From: Norman Smart
Subject: RE: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hi Esha

Are you using the Trimble Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory to do offsets, or are you using an external bluetooth laser rangefinder?

If using an external laser rangefinder, setting the North Reference to be the same on rangefinder and on TerraSync (your point 3) is critical.  If using the Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory with TerraSync, the interface between rangefinder and TerrSync don't use NMEA and TerraSync knows what the Rangefinder app is supplying (in fact, when using the Geo 7x rangefinder accessory, the magnetic sensor which is used is the Geo 7x internal magnetic sensor, the rangefinder does not contain a magnetic sensor).

On Geo 7x I believe TerraSync actually gets the local magnetic declination value from the Geo 7x GNSS firmware rather than from a TerraSync compiled-in table - but all the same, the magnetic declination model used in Geo 7x GNSS has not been updated since 2017 so while it does try to account for yearly drift it might be better to do as Joel suggests, set rangefinder heading to "Magnetic" in TerraSync then set the magnetic declination value yourself using an online Mag declination calculator.

I don't understand this sentence "Alternatively, if your field software supports "Magnetic North" headings, you can set the Rangefinder utility to ignore the magnetic declination value and use only output magnetic north (rather than True North) values." in the Trimble Support Note which Zach quotes (I think the support note is wrong, but it's a bit late to point out errors in a 2013 Support Note) - if you are capturing a feature using a distance / bearing offset, there will ALWAYS be a conversion from Magnetic heading to True heading somewhere in the system, otherwise TerraSync can't calculate a position.

A few final points:

• If you can spare the time when doing your data collection, Distance-Distance Offsets almost always give significantly better feature accuracy than Distance-Bearing Offsets.
• If you will be doing Distance-Bearing Offsets, make sure you do a magnetic sensor calibration on the Geo 7x (if using Geo 7x Rangefinder Accessory) or on your Laser Rangefinder
• There were unresolved performance issues with TerraSync 5.90 on Geo 7x and other Windows Embedded platforms.  If you notice slow response from TerraSync 5.90 on the Geo 7x, the recommended work-around was to remove TerraSync 5.90 and install TerraSync 5.86.

------------------------------
Norman Smart

Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2022 08:47
From: Esha Minchin
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hello,

I am setting up a new Geo 7X for my office. We will be using the laser rangefinder to do offsets from TerraSync (version 5.90 - Professional Edition). 

I am wondering if the coordinates of a feature (stored using an laser rangefinder offset from TerraSync) will be different between using "True" North Reference and "Magnetic" North Reference. 

I have read that Declination is applied automatically when TerraSync is running and a GNSS position being recorded. So:

1. Does it matter if I set North Reference in TerraSync to True/Magnetic
2. Which setting would i then use for Magnetic Declination (0/Auto)?
3. Does the TerraSync North Reference setting overide the Rangefinder North Reference Setting? (I would set them to be the same anyway)

Thank you,

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------

Thank you for the responses and all the information. It seems like the best way for us is to set the TerraSync north reference to "Magnetic" and look up the magnetic declination for my area. It would probably be okay to use "True" and the declination provided from Trimble - we will be using it to pick up trees and other features for a municipal GIS - however, it's always good to be as accurate as possible.

In reply to Norman: 

• We are using the Trimble Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory. Noted that the TerraSync north reference is the one used for the offset.
• We will see if using Distance-Distance Offsets makes sense for our work.
• We will make sure to do calibrations
• TerraSync 5.90 seems to work okay. I haven't compared, so we'll try that if we have issues.

Again, thanks everyone for all the info.

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2022 17:50
From: John Winkler
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

I was also looking recently and the only formal acknowledgment I could find was it's conspicuous absence from the TerraSync download page. Every other version is available inc 5.90 Desktop.

------------------------------
John Winkler

Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2022 16:42
From: Norman Smart
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Thanks Joel.

I thought Trimble had officially dropped TS 5.90 support on WEHH because of performance issues but I couldn't find anything in the Product Compatibility matrix or in a quick search of Support Notes.

------------------------------
Norman Smart

Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2022 16:28
From: Joel Cusick
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Excellent source of info Norman.  This really explains things very well.

I always thought the 2013 support note was squirrely.

Glad you brought up the 5.90 version of Terrasync.  On multiple accounts (including this issue and Data Dictionary use where 5.9 prevents using even moderately sophisticate DDF's) always use 5.86.  I have not seen a problem in the last 4 years to use the combo TerraSync 5.86 and PFO 5.90.

Joel Cusick

GIS Specialist

Region 11 - Alaska Regional Office

240 W. Fifth Ave.

Anchorage, AK 99501-2327

cell:907 280-9724  wk:907 644-3549 

Help Desk: akro_gis_helpdesk@nps.gov

AK GPS Rental and Training Calendar

Original Message:
Sent: 4/22/2022 7:12:00 PM
From: Norman Smart
Subject: RE: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hi Esha

Are you using the Trimble Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory to do offsets, or are you using an external bluetooth laser rangefinder?

If using an external laser rangefinder, setting the North Reference to be the same on rangefinder and on TerraSync (your point 3) is critical.  If using the Geo 7x laser rangefinder accessory with TerraSync, the interface between rangefinder and TerrSync don't use NMEA and TerraSync knows what the Rangefinder app is supplying (in fact, when using the Geo 7x rangefinder accessory, the magnetic sensor which is used is the Geo 7x internal magnetic sensor, the rangefinder does not contain a magnetic sensor).

On Geo 7x I believe TerraSync actually gets the local magnetic declination value from the Geo 7x GNSS firmware rather than from a TerraSync compiled-in table - but all the same, the magnetic declination model used in Geo 7x GNSS has not been updated since 2017 so while it does try to account for yearly drift it might be better to do as Joel suggests, set rangefinder heading to "Magnetic" in TerraSync then set the magnetic declination value yourself using an online Mag declination calculator.

I don't understand this sentence "Alternatively, if your field software supports "Magnetic North" headings, you can set the Rangefinder utility to ignore the magnetic declination value and use only output magnetic north (rather than True North) values." in the Trimble Support Note which Zach quotes (I think the support note is wrong, but it's a bit late to point out errors in a 2013 Support Note) - if you are capturing a feature using a distance / bearing offset, there will ALWAYS be a conversion from Magnetic heading to True heading somewhere in the system, otherwise TerraSync can't calculate a position.

A few final points:

• If you can spare the time when doing your data collection, Distance-Distance Offsets almost always give significantly better feature accuracy than Distance-Bearing Offsets.
• If you will be doing Distance-Bearing Offsets, make sure you do a magnetic sensor calibration on the Geo 7x (if using Geo 7x Rangefinder Accessory) or on your Laser Rangefinder
• There were unresolved performance issues with TerraSync 5.90 on Geo 7x and other Windows Embedded platforms.  If you notice slow response from TerraSync 5.90 on the Geo 7x, the recommended work-around was to remove TerraSync 5.90 and install TerraSync 5.86.

------------------------------
Norman Smart

Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2022 08:47
From: Esha Minchin
Subject: Geo 7X True vs Magnetic Bearing

Hello,

I am setting up a new Geo 7X for my office. We will be using the laser rangefinder to do offsets from TerraSync (version 5.90 - Professional Edition). 

I am wondering if the coordinates of a feature (stored using an laser rangefinder offset from TerraSync) will be different between using "True" North Reference and "Magnetic" North Reference. 

I have read that Declination is applied automatically when TerraSync is running and a GNSS position being recorded. So:

1. Does it matter if I set North Reference in TerraSync to True/Magnetic
2. Which setting would i then use for Magnetic Declination (0/Auto)?
3. Does the TerraSync North Reference setting overide the Rangefinder North Reference Setting? (I would set them to be the same anyway)

Thank you,

------------------------------
Esha Minchin
------------------------------