Product User Guide - GuidEX

Machine navigation and field data capture for stakeless surveying. This guide covers the GuidEx Mobile App, GuidEx Manager, and GuidEx Connect for operators and support technicians.

1. Product Overview

GuidEx is a machine navigation and field data capture system designed for stakeless surveying in resource exploration operations and other field environments where precise machine positioning, navigation, and situational awareness are required.

The system eliminates the need for physical survey stakes by guiding machine operators to precise GPS-defined targets using a combination of GNSS positioning, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) data, and a touchscreen map interface. It records operator activity, logs positional data, and supports cloud-based project management across distributed field deployments.

2. System Architecture

GuidEx is a three-component system. Each component serves a distinct role, and together they form an end-to-end workflow from office project preparation through to field data capture and cloud sync.

3. GuidEx Mobile Application

The Android application is the primary field interface. All navigation, task tracking, and data logging occurs here.

3.1 The Run Screen

The Run Screen is the primary operational interface displayed when the app launches. It shows a map of the current location with all loaded project data (route lines, points, zones, terrain imagery). All field tasks are performed from here.

3.2 Map Display

• Supports 3D terrain display with raster imagery draped over a Digital Elevation Model (DEM).
• Loads any number and combination of point, polyline, and polygon SHP (shapefile) files.
• Supports any size or format of raster imagery.
• Map layers (route lines, other lines, areas, points, terrain) can be toggled on/off independently.
• Route line widths are configurable per line.
• Bread crumb trail (tracking points) logged to the database; toggleable in map layers.
• North-up and heading-up (machine-up) map orientation modes.

3.3 Navigation — Route Lines

Route lines are single-line SHP files defining a path for the machine to follow.

• All route lines in the project are listed in the Right Drawer.
• The operator selects a route line and taps Start Navigation.
• On starting, the operator is prompted for navigation direction (e.g. clear towards east / clear towards west).
• Navigation uses a crossline light bar — arrows indicate the direction and magnitude of deviation from the centreline.
• A user-specified corridor width is assigned to each route line; deviation beyond this width is clearly indicated on the steering display.
• Navigation progress (% of line completed) is shown beside the route line name.
• Distance to the next vertex (next turn) is shown at the bottom of the display.

3.4 Navigation — Point Targets

Point targets are individual GPS-defined locations the operator navigates to and records. There are three import sources:

• CSV File — Format: Station, Easting, Northing, (optional) Height, Descriptor.
• Point SHP File — Operator defines Point Identifier, Height, and Descriptor fields from the underlying DBF.
• GuidEx Pad Database — Structured database defining pads, tasks, and workflows (see 3.5).

Point navigation features

• Target tolerance circle — recording is enabled when the machine enters the circle; the indicator changes from yellow/black to green/black on arrival.
• Navigation aids: distance ahead/behind and distance left/right of target, relative to machine heading.
• "Arrived at Target" display when guidance inside tolerance is disabled.
• Warning prompt if recording is attempted outside tolerance (suppressible).
• Auto-sequencing to the next point after recording (configurable increment, positive or negative, integer or decimal).
• Search/filter tools: Nearest to Machine, Nearest to Tap Location, Targets Around Machine Radius, Targets Around Tap Location, Targets Within Bounding Box, Targets Within Projected Rectangle.
• Point offset tool — creates a new named point offset from a selected point by defined forward/back and left/right distances.
• Auto zoom to target, auto stop navigation on record, delayed record countdown, and target information entry on record (comment field).
• Configurable target icon colours based on descriptor field values.
• Rapid logging mode: track points logged every 1 second (moving); standard mode: every 10 metres.

3.5 Navigation — GuidEx Pad Database

A structured SQLite database used in more complex workflow environments (e.g. drilling and seismic exploration).

• Operator login with operator name, machine name, and machine hours at session start.
• Task selection from a defined task list; tasks may or may not require a pad target.
• Pad list navigation with search and filter (nearest, radius, bounding box, projected rectangle), plus pad status management.
• Pad status (azimuth, colour, sump assignment) configurable per pad.
• Pad move capability: move a pad to machine location or tap location, with azimuth control.
• Standby reason prompts when the machine is stationary in standby, with configurable re-prompt intervals.
• Auto-dismiss and screen flash options for standby alerts.
• Cancelled pad colour and opacity rendering control.
• Logout with daily log export.

3.6 Alert System

GuidEx provides visual and audible alerts for multiple event types. All events are recorded to the local log file.

Proximity / Zone Alerts

• Exclusion Zone Proximity — Yellow caution when approaching an exclusion zone boundary within the defined proximity distance.
• Exclusion Zone Breach — Red stop sign when the machine enters an exclusion zone.
• Inclusion Zone Proximity — Orange caution when approaching an inclusion zone boundary.
• Inclusion Zone Breach — Red stop sign when the machine exits an inclusion zone.
• Zone Lockdown — If "Allow Override" is disabled, the operator must enter a password to acknowledge a breach; the screen is blocked until the password is entered.

GNSS Precision Alerts

• Triggered when horizontal or vertical precision falls outside configured thresholds.
• The Precision Info dialog shows age of correction, threshold values, and actual precision.
• The operator can suppress re-alerting for a configurable number of minutes.
• A separate icon indicates the "no GNSS positions being received" state.

IMU Roll/Pitch Threshold Alert

• Fires when machine pitch or roll exceeds configured threshold levels.
• Appears regardless of the active task.

UI Lockdown

• Password-protected lockdown mode activated by a long-press on the map.
• In lockdown: Right Drawer target settings are disabled; the Left Drawer is limited to Export Log and View PDF Files only.
• Use the same long-press + password sequence to unlock.

3.7 Left Drawer — Settings

Map Layers

Toggle visibility of route lines, other lines, areas, points, and terrain. Route line widths are editable and the point layer includes a scaling slider. Zone warnings apply regardless of layer visibility.

Project Setup

• Lists all projects stored on the tablet; the current project is highlighted.
• Import a project via USB (folder or zip) or cloud.
• Project grouping hierarchy (groups and sub-groups) synced from GuidEx Connect; use Refresh Project Grouping when internet is available.
• Projects flagged as archived or deleted in Connect are warned on load.
• Per-project actions: Export Log, Export Project Data, Delete Project, Update Project, Load Project, Sync Cloud Files, Cloud Sync Details.
• Advanced (tap "Project Setup" header 7 times): Delete Log, Delete Backup Log, Export Backup Log.
• Multi-select (long press) to export logs for multiple projects simultaneously.
• Log export options: Export Outstanding, Export All, Export Today, Export By Date (calendar picker).
• Exported data is saved to USB in a folder named ProjectName_DD_MM_YYYY, including log data and all images captured during that project.

Machine Management (locked — tap 7 times)

• Select, import, export, or delete machine configurations.
• A machine config is defined by XML + PNG files. The XML specifies machine name, antenna height, GNSS antenna position, IMU position and orientation, Position Reference Point (PRP), and four machine outline boundary points.
• Machine outline boundary points are used to trigger zone alerts.
• IMU Calibration routine: a two-orientation process (drive forward, record Orientation 1, turn 180°, record Orientation 2); up to three calibrations for improved averaging. Calibration values are tied to the machine name.

GNSS Setup (locked — tap 7 times)

Initially configured via the Config_machinename.xml file. Correction sources are selectable in-app — see the GNSS correction reference in section 4.3.4. Horizontal and vertical precision thresholds apply regardless of correction source. An Enable Machine Simulation toggle provides simulation mode (no live GNSS).

Message Setup (locked — tap 7 times)

• Record Trigger — An external voltage signal (2V via the "Event" lead on cable P/N 122205) triggers a point record; polarity is configurable. Only active when a point target list is loaded.
• PPS Output — A Pulse Per Second signal sent from the receiver to a third-party device via the PPS lead.

Other Left Drawer items

• Reset Setup — Change machine, GNSS, and messaging settings via XML config selection. Required after updating project and machine XML files.
• User Documents — Opens PDF files included in project data (via the Foxit PDF viewer).
• User Manual — Opens the GuidEx User Guide.
• System Settings — Opens Android tablet system settings.
• Diagnostics — View hardware serial numbers and firmware versions; export the system log to USB or via GuidEx Connect (file: GuidEx_SysLogs_Build_****.zip).
• Cloud Setup (locked) — View and manually override cloud credentials and sync settings (see section 5.5).
• Logout — Available when logged in via a Pad Database; triggers a daily log export.

3.8 Widgets

Configurable, semi-transparent, moveable panels displayed over the map. All widgets except the Compass can be toggled on/off.

3.9 GuidEx Simulator

A fully-featured version of GuidEx locked to simulation mode only — no live GNSS is accepted. Used for importing and verifying project settings before deploying to field tablets, and for training operators in the office. The Simulator is freely available for download at any time, with no other hardware required.

3.10 Supported Hardware Platforms

Hardware communication between GuidEx components (tablet, GNSS receiver, Internet Gateway) is via 4-wire Ethernet, typically on the 192.168.89.* network.

GNSS receivers

• BX992 — Current receiver platform.
• NAV900 — Legacy receiver platform (some features, e.g. RangePoint RTX, are NAV900-only).

Optional hardware

• UHF radio for RTK corrections (SNR43*).
• GuidEx Connect Internet Gateway for wireless data sync.

3.11 Data & Logging

GuidEx generates extensive logs based on time/distance intervals, exclusion/inclusion zone ingress and egress events, point recordings, route line navigation progress, task/pad workflow events, and culture point recordings.

Log export options: via USB, via GuidEx Connect cloud upload, or backup log export (from the advanced Project Setup menu). Log data is stored in an SQLite database. The GPSQL application can import both primary and backup log files and append them to a database LOG table.

4. GuidEx Manager

GuidEx Manager is the office-based Windows application used to create and manage all project configuration before deploying to field tablets. It outputs the three principal sets of operating parameters: the Exchange (Project) Database, the Machine Configuration XML File, and the Pad/Task Database.

4.1 What is a GuidEx Project?

A GuidEx project is a folder containing a collection of mandatory and optional files. Once prepared, the project folder is either copied to a USB drive (zipped or unzipped) and loaded onto the tablet, or uploaded as a zip file to GuidEx Connect for wireless distribution.

Notes on file types

• Only .SHP and .DBF files are used from shapefiles. PRJ, SBN, SBX etc. can be omitted. GuidEx Manager also creates a .CBD file for polygon SHP files — this is required.
• Route line SHP files must contain exactly one line (single DBF record) and must NOT be specified as a map layer in the Exchange Database — they are placed in the project folder and automatically detected.
• PDF files placed in the project folder are accessible via the User Documents item in the Left Drawer.

4.2 Exchange (PROJECT) Database

The Exchange Database is a required SQLite database created via the INA GuidEx → Exchange Database... utility. It specifies geodetic parameters (local grid coordinate system and optional geoid model), map parameters (raster and shapefile layers and how they render), and an optional Digital Elevation Model for 3D terrain.

Map and Geodesy — geodetic parameters

The coordinate system, datum, and unit of measure must match all map files in the project. GuidEx uses these parameters to transform live GNSS positions into the local grid system. Key inputs include the Coordinate System (Group, System, Datum, Units), Local Systems (import a Trimble DC or CAL file via Add Local System To Geodetic DB), an optional Geoid Model (.GGF), an optional DEM (.GRD), and the Map Preparation Tile Size (suggested: 50 m, 150 ft, or 1000 for large/low-relief areas).

Map Layers

Press Map Layers to add and configure layers via a spreadsheet interface. Supported layer types: polygon shape files (exclusion zones, inclusion zones, or render-only, with optional proximity buffer), polyline shape files (map display, with line width/style), point shape files (map display with custom symbols), and raster images (tiled into an Images sub-folder on exit). Use bitmaps for polygon surfaces rather than solid colours, as some solid colours can mask other layers.

Boundary File

A boundary file is a single polygon SHP file that encompasses the project area. GuidEx Manager uses it to clip all other shape files (improving rendering efficiency) and to define the extents for the Zoom to Extents button. Press Create Boundary File — four creation methods are available (existing polygon SHP, registered raster extents, shapefile header extents, or the all-project-files utility). The file is saved automatically as <ExchangeDatabaseName>_boundary.shp.

Lockdown Passwords

• UI Lockdown password — Enables the long-press-to-lockdown gesture on the tablet. Optionally start in locked mode as soon as the project loads.
• Zone Lock password — When set, a zone breach takes over the full screen and requires the operator to enter a password (contact a supervisor) before continuing. Can be disabled per-layer via Allow Override.

4.3 Configuration XML File (Vehicle Configuration)

Created via the INA GuidEx → Machine Config XML File... utility. The file must be named Config_MachineName.xml where MachineName matches the machine name entered in the utility. The utility has six tab sections: Machine, GNSS Correction Source, Target, Messaging, Cloud Setup, and Pad DB. When launching, select the receiver platform (BX992 for current systems).

4.3.1 Machine Geometry

Press Machine Geometry to open the interactive designer, select the machine type tab, and press Load This Vehicle In Designer. All measurements are in metres relative to the PRP.

4.3.4 GNSS Correction Sources

Select a correction source from the dropdown. Suggested precision thresholds are auto-populated and can be adjusted.

4.3.5–4.3.8 Other XML sections

• Target — Target tolerance, auto-sequence and increment, sequence tolerance, auto-stop on record, delayed record (15–300 s), guidance inside tolerance, auto-zoom, rapid logging, and target-tolerance recording (Event Type 11).
• Messaging — Record Trigger (external voltage on the "Event" lead) and PPS Output.
• Cloud Setup — ClientID, Password (Secret), Project Name, File Sync Interval, and which events to send to Connect (machine position, zone alerts, GNSS precision, target recordings, etc.).
• Pad DB — Default prompt timings for Pad DB workflows (standby re-prompt, stationary standby prompt, auto-dismiss, screen flash, cancelled pad characteristics).

4.4 Pad / Task Database

Created via the INA GuidEx → GuidEx Pad Database... utility — an optional but principal parameter set used in structured workflow environments (seismic, drilling). The utility supports four import modes: Open database, Import CSV, Import shape, and Update master. There is no Save button — the database is created on first import and all subsequent edits are written immediately.

The database consists of interrelated tables, including the core PadList (pad locations, dimensions, orientation, design vs. updated vs. supervisor coordinates), plus PadStatus, Sump, Azimuth, Operator, StandbyReasons, CancellationReasons, Tasks, and TaskPrompts tables that together define the field workflow logic.

Updating the master Pad Database

1. Open the master Pad DB in the GuidEx Pad DB utility.
2. Select Update master from the dropdown and click Open.
3. Choose whether to back up the master database before proceeding.
4. Browse to a folder containing one or more machine pad DB files (no limit on the number).

The utility uses the UpdatedDateTime field to apply the most recent record per pad.

4.5 Deploying the Project

Copying to USB

1. Once the Exchange Database, Config XML, and Pad/Task Database are complete, copy the entire project folder (including the Images and Geodesy sub-folders) to a USB drive.
2. Optionally reduce folder size by removing the shape file backup ZIP and the original raster image (the Images tiles are what GuidEx uses).
3. The USB drive must be formatted as FAT32.
4. On the tablet: Left Drawer → Project Setup → Import via USB.

Uploading to GuidEx Connect

1. Log in to the GuidEx Connect account.
2. For new projects, click Add Project using the same name as the project folder.
3. Navigate to Initial_project_import and click Upload to upload the project zip.
4. For updates, navigate to the project folder → Common → Updates and upload the update files.

5. GuidEx Connect

GuidEx Connect is the cloud-based web portal that serves as the data transfer and machine tracking platform between GuidEx field devices and the office. It is accessed at https://www.guidex.inapl.com/.

5.1 Account Setup and Activation

An Information Alignment account (INAID) is required. If you don't have one, select Sign up now at the login screen (sign-in via a Microsoft social account is also supported).

• First in the organisation — Contact support@inapl.com to set up a company profile. The INA team configures an organisational account to suit your needs.
• Not the first in the organisation — Contact your organisation's GuidEx Connect supervisor to be added to the existing account.

5.2 Setting Up a Project

1. Open the 3-bar menu (upper left) and navigate to the Files section.
2. Tap Add Project (upper right).
3. Enter the project name — this must match the GuidEx project name defined by the Exchange Database in GuidEx Manager.

Each project is created with a predefined subfolder structure:

• Initial_project_import — Place the project folder as a zip file here for first-time import. On the tablet, go to Project Setup → Import Project and select the cloud option.
• Common → Uploaded — Destination for all log files transmitted from field machines.
• Common → Updates — Destination for updated project files distributed to all machines. Tap the Upload arrow (upper right) to upload.

5.3 Syncing to Groups or Specific Machines

• Group folders are created in the project root, alongside the common directory. A maximum of 10 group folders per project is supported.
• Within each group folder, individual machine folders are created. The machine folder name must exactly match the Machine Name in the Config XML.
• Upload to a group folder → files go to all machines in that group. Upload to an individual machine folder → files go only to that machine.
• Log files always go to Common → Uploaded regardless of group assignment.

5.4 Machine & Event Tracking

GuidEx Connect can display real-time machine position and event data. Tracking is configured per machine in the Config XML (Cloud Setup tab) and is optional. Open the 3-bar menu and expand the Track section.

Track Machine

Track Target

5.5 Cloud Setup (On-Tablet)

Cloud credentials and sync settings can be viewed and managed on the tablet via Left Drawer → Cloud Setup (tap the item 7 times to unlock). Two use cases:

1. View / override XML settings — When a Config XML is loaded, this screen shows its credentials and settings; individual settings can be toggled to override the XML values.
2. Manual credential entry (no XML loaded) — Tap the pencil icon next to Client ID, enter the Client ID and Secret (from Connect → profile icon → Application Details), tap Login, then Done. Then import a project from initial_project_import.

5.6 User Management

To manage users (Admin I or Admin II): open the 3-bar menu → Manage → Users.

6. Key Terminology

7. Support & Licensing

GuidEx is licensed software. Customers can purchase a non-transferable, non-exclusive license from SITECH Construction Systems for internal use, governed by the laws of Australia, with a 90-day post go-live warranty period for software conformance. The GuidEx Simulator is freely downloadable with no license requirement.