The Streaming Data Output feature allows Siteworks to send real-time positioning and measurement data to external applications, devices, or systems through a serial (COM) port connection. This functionality is available with the Advanced Measurement Module and can be used for integrations that require live survey or GNSS positioning data.

Requirements

Before using Streaming Data Output, ensure:

The Advanced Measurement Module is licensed and activated.
A valid COM port is available on the device.
The COM port is recognised by the operating system and displayed in Windows Device Manager under Ports (COM & LPT).
Android devices are connected using a compatible USB-to-Serial adapter.

Both physical and virtual COM ports can be used, provided they are recognised by the operating system.

Accessing Streaming Output Settings

Select Home.
Open Data Management.
Select Streaming Output.

The Streaming Output Settings screen allows you to configure all streaming parameters.

Streaming Output Options

Streaming Output Mode

Choose how and when data is transmitted.

Streaming Only

Continuously outputs positioning information at the selected output rate.

Best suited for:

Real-time monitoring applications
Third-party software integrations
Machine guidance systems

Streaming + Measured Point

Continuously streams positioning data and additionally outputs data whenever a point is measured and stored.

Note: Stored points are sent using the same output format as continuously streamed positions.

Measured Point Only

Only measured points are transmitted when they are stored.

Suitable for:

Data logging requirements
Point-by-point integrations
Custom survey workflows

Off

Disables all streaming output.

Output Rate

Select how frequently data is transmitted.

Available settings include:

3 Hz
2 Hz
1 Hz
Every 2 seconds
Every 3 seconds
Every 4 seconds
Every 5 seconds

Higher frequencies provide more frequent position updates, while lower frequencies reduce communication traffic.

COM Port

Select the COM port used for data output.

Only ports recognised by the operating system are available for selection.

Examples include:

COM1
COM2
Virtual Bluetooth COM Ports
USB-to-Serial Adapters

Baud Rate

Select the communication speed required by the receiving device.

Available options:

38400
19200
9600
4800
2400

The baud rate must match the settings of the connected device or software.

Encoding Format

Choose the text encoding format for the output stream.

Options include:

ASCII
UTF-8

UTF-8 is generally recommended for broader compatibility.

When Streaming Is Available

Streaming occurs only when:

✅ Siteworks is displaying the main measurement screen.
✅ A valid position is available.
✅ A GNSS receiver is connected, or a robotic total station has prism lock.
✅ The main Siteworks window is active.

When Streaming Is Not Available

Streaming is paused when:

Entering COGO functions
Selecting workflows
Entering point codes
Using workflow selection maps
Siteworks is not displaying the main measurement screen

Although plan view and 3D view panels do not need to be active, the device must remain on the primary Siteworks measurement screen.

Streaming Status Indicator

A status icon in the top status bar shows the current streaming state.

The icon indicates whether streaming is:

Active
Paused
Interrupted

Tap the icon to quickly access the Streaming Output Settings screen.

Customising the Output Format

Output formats are configured using Streaming Style Guides.

Style guides allow you to customise:

Output fields
Field order
Delimiters
Prefixes
Suffixes

This makes it possible to create output formats that meet the requirements of third-party software and custom integrations.

Streaming Configuration Definition

The Streaming Configuration Definition screen provides full control over the output format.

You can configure:

Which data fields are included
The sequence of fields
Delimiters between fields
Optional prefixes and suffixes for each field

This functionality is similar to the style guides used for point import and export operations.

Available Data Fields

The following data types can be included in a streaming configuration:

Antenna/Target Height
Cut/Fill
Date
Delta Easting
Delta Elevation
Delta Northing
Easting
Elevation
Horizontal Angle (HA)
Latitude
Longitude
Nothing (blank field)
PDOP Value
Point Code
Point Name
Point Type
Slope Distance (SD)
Site Bearing (tilt-enabled GNSS receivers only)
Tilt Pitch
Tilt Roll
Time
Vertical Angle (VA)
WGS Height

Understanding Delta Values

The following fields represent stakeout guidance information:

Delta E
Delta N
Delta Elv

These values correspond to the Go distances displayed during stakeout operations and represent the difference between your current location and the selected stakeout point or line station.

Known Issue

When opening the Streaming Output Settings screen, Siteworks may automatically select the lowest available COM port number.

For example:

On a TSC7 controller, this is typically COM1, which usually causes no issues.
On other devices, the required COM port may be different.

Recommended Practice

Each time you open the Streaming Output Settings screen:

Verify the selected COM port.
Confirm that the correct port is still selected.
Change the port if required before starting streaming.

This helps prevent communication issues with connected devices and software.

Best Practices

✅ Confirm the correct COM port before starting a survey.
✅ Match baud rate settings with the receiving device.
✅ Test custom streaming formats before field deployment.
✅ Use descriptive style guide names for different integration requirements.
✅ Verify live data reception in the target application before commencing work.