Bad Elf Flex: ArcGIS Field Maps Depth Calculation

Bad Elf Flex: ArcGIS Field Maps Depth Calculation


Overview

Accurately capturing depth of cover in ArcGIS Field Maps requires configuring custom fields and calculations to derive elevation differences from multiple GNSS observations. This document outlines the required setup and workflow using the Bad Elf Flex and ArcGIS Field Maps to ensure precise and reliable data collection. The horizontal location where you'd like the feature to appear when viewed on a 2D map is required to be collected last.
Info
The workflow below requires using the Flow Points to Third Party App feature on the Bad Elf Flex App.  Please consult this guide for instructions→.

What You’ll Need

To measure depth of cover, please ensure you have:
  1. Bad Elf Flex→
  2. Bad Elf Flex App→
  3. ArcGIS Online Creator License→
  4. ArcGIS Field Maps→
Info
A Bad Elf Flex in Extreme mode connected to a corrections network for RTK is highly recommended for capturing accurate elevations.

Configuring your layers

1. Open your map in Field Maps Designer.
2. If the field does not already exist, create a field titled "BADELF_FINAL_ORTHO_HEIGHT_M", a field for depth, and a field for both elevation shots (ex: "rim" and "invert").  All fields should be the data type "Double" or "Float".
InfoReference this guide for instructions→ on how to add Bad Elf custom metadata field for the Flow Points to Third Party App workflow. "BADELF_FINAL_ORTHO_HEIGHT_M" is the only required field for this workflow.
3. Create a field calculation for the first field: 
Quote
IIf(IsEmpty($feature.YOUR_FIRST_FIELD), $feature.BADELF_FINAL_ORTHO_HEIGHT_M, $feature.YOUR_FIRST_FIELD)
4. Create a field calculation for the second field: 
Quote
IIf(IsEmpty($feature.YOUR_FIRST_FIELD), $feature.YOUR_SECOND_FIELD, $feature.BADELF_FINAL_ORTHO_HEIGHT_M)
Notes
The second field should always be the location you need the feature to appear on a 2D map.  Horizontal coordinates are overwritten when auto-flow is used.
5. Create the depth calculation: 
QuoteIIf($feature.YOUR_SECOND_FIELD != null, $feature.YOUR_FIRST_FIELD-$feature.YOUR_SECOND_FIELD, $feature.DEPTH_FIELD)

Field Maps Workflow

1. Locate the Flow Points to Third Party App→ checklist under the Data Collection menu in the Bad Elf Flex App, and enable auto-flow.
Alert
Please confirm the antenna height is set as the height of the survey pole in use on the Bad Elf Flex app. In Field Maps, the antenna height of the location provider should be set to 0.0. The antenna height offset is applied automatically.
2. Collect a new feature in ArcGIS Field Maps to open the data collection form.  Do NOT submit.
3. Log an instant point on the Flex to save the first elevation.
Idea
An instant point can collected either within the Standalone Data Collection screen on the Bad Elf Flex app, or by double tapping the enter button directly on the receiver when viewing the accuracy screen.
4. Log another instant point to save the second elevation.
Info
The second elevation should always be the location you want your latitude/longitude coordinates to represent on the map.  Horizontal coordinates are updated when auto-flow is activated.
5. Submit the point.

Troubleshooting

Auto-flow is not Functioning

  1. Update ArcGIS Field Maps, Bad Elf Flex app, and Bad Elf Flex firmware to the latest version.
  2. Restart ArcGIS Field Maps and the Bad Elf Flex app.

Fields Fail to Calculate

  2. Verify all relevant fields are set as the data type float or double.

Need Help?

Please share the software and firmware versions along with the feature class and the Arcade functions used in Field Maps Designer to assist us in troubleshooting.
  1. Email: support@bad-elf.com
  2. Explore: Bad Elf Flex Documentation→ 
  3. Field Maps Setup: Integration: Pairing with Esri Field Maps→