Bad Elf Flex: Collecting Points in a Projected Coordinate System
Introduction
While the Bad Elf Flex natively captures data in geodetic coordinates (Latitude and Longitude), many GIS workflows, CAD integrations, and surveying projects require projected grid coordinates, specifically northings and eastings.
Whether you are working with State Plane Coordinate Systems (SPCS) or UTM zones, the Bad Elf Flex app allows you to configure real-time transformations and export your field data in the exact format your downstream software requires.
The Bad Elf Flex app applies projections to coordinates, however, it does not transform coordinates between datums (i.e NAD83(2011) -> WGS84). Please apply any required transformations in the GIS software of your choice or by utilizing the HTDP tool-> offered by the NGS.
Steps
- Begin by navigating to App Settings (π) -> Installed coordinate systems:
If you are exporting orthometric (mean sea level) elevations in feet, change the elevation units to feet. - Tap β+β to install a new coordinate system. In this example, the EPSG code 2223 is entered corresponding to NAD83/Arizona Central (ft).Ensure you choose an appropriate projection for your survey location, corrections datum, and desired units. For help locating the EPSG code, we recommend using https://epsg.io/->.
- Go back to App Settings(π) , and select Coordinates > EPSG:xxxx.
Log exports-> now contain files with a points_EPSGxxxx.csv suffix, one for offset points (if present), and one for standalone points. These files contain projected coordinates in feet and the elevation in feet.
For CAD export, the necessary columns are LINE, POINT_NAME, EASTING, NORTHING, and FINAL_ORTHO_HEIGHT_FT corresponding to column A, AM, AN, AO, and AP respectively. For offset points, these are columns A, F, CL, CM, and CN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Latitude/Longitude and Northing/Easting?
A: Latitude and Longitude are geodetic coordinates (often called Geographic Coordinates) that define a position on the curved surface of the Earth, usually based on the WGS84 datum. Northing and Easting are projected grid coordinates that define a position on a flat 2D plane within a specific zone (like UTM or State Plane), making them essential for CAD and local surveying.
Q: Can the Bad Elf Flex export my points in Northing and Easting?
A: Yes, the Bad Elf Flex can export points in a projected Northing and Easting format. By configuring the appropriate EPSG code within the Bad Elf Flex app settings, the device applies a real-time projection transformation to your collected data before export.
Q: Does the Bad Elf Flex app handle coordinate datum transformations?
A: No, the Bad Elf Flex app handles projections (converting Lat/Long to Northing/Easting) but does not transform coordinates between datums (e.g., converting NAD83(2011) to WGS84). Any required datum transformations must be applied later using GIS software or external tools like the NGS's HTDP tool.
Q: How do I choose the correct coordinate system (EPSG code) for my project?
A: You must choose an EPSG code that matches your survey location, desired units (feet or meters), and the required corrections datum. If you need help locating the correct EPSG code for your region, the resource epsg.io is highly recommended.
Q: Where can I find the exported Northing/Easting data in the file?
A: When exporting logs with a projected coordinate system configured, the app generates files with a
points_EPSGxxxx.csv suffix.For Standalone Points, the necessary columns are:
- EASTING: Column AN
- NORTHING: Column AO
For Offset Points, the necessary columns are:
- EASTING: Column CL
- NORTHING: Column CM
Q: Which columns are required for importing my Bad Elf Flex data into CAD software?
A: For direct import into CAD software, the key columns from the
points_EPSGxxxx.csv file you'll need are:- LINE (Column A)
- POINT_NAME (Column AM or F)
- EASTING (Column AN or CL)
- NORTHING (Column AO or CM)
- FINAL_ORTHO_HEIGHT_FT (Column AP or CN)
Q: How do I export orthometric elevations in feet?
Before selecting your EPSG code, navigate to App Settings -> Installed coordinate systems. From there, change the elevation units to feet if you require orthometric (mean sea level) elevations in US Survey Feet for your export file.
Need Help?
Related Articles
Bad Elf Flex: Exporting to CAD
Bad Elf Flex: Exporting to CAD Problem When using the Bad Elf Flex or Flex Mini with CAD programs such as AutoCAD, the file format needs to be converted to import points successfully. Solution Follow this step-by-step guide to using your high ...Bad Elf Flex: Using the Bad Elf Flex with PIX4Dcatch
Overview This guide walks you through connecting, mounting, and configuring the Bad Elf Flexβ’ GNSS receiver with PIX4Dcatch on an iPhone or iPad. By combining high-accuracy GNSS with mobile 3D capture, this setup enables RTK-enabled workflows for ...Bad Elf Flex: Settings Feature
Flex Settings Feature The settings feature of the Bad Elf Flex provides the ability to modify some of the settings directly on the Bad Elf Flex. Correction source selection GNSS configuration Display settings Charging system status Flex information ...Bad Elf Flex: Collecting RINEX Data and Post-Processing with OPUS
Bad Elf Flex: Collecting RINEX Data and Post-Processing with OPUS Overview The Bad Elf Flex allows users to collect raw GNSS observation data in RINEX format for post-processing using the Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) provided by the ...Bad Elf Flex: Creating Topographic Elevation Surface in CAD
Bad Elf Flex: Creating Topographic Elevation Surface in CAD Problem When using the Bad Elf Flex or Flex Mini with CAD programs such as AutoCAD, individual points need to be processed to create topographic elevation surface. Solution Follow this ...