GeoCue True View 250 User manual
True View 250 Hardware User Guide
2/26/2021
GeoCue Group, Inc
2/26/2021
Version 1.4.4
Updated for Firmware Version 3.0.5
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Contents
About GeoCue Group, Inc. ...................................................................................................................... 3
About True View® 250 ............................................................................................................................4
A True View Cycle ...................................................................................................................................4
True View 2DIS Hardware Integration Kit (DJI M200 v2) ......................................................................... 5
Installing the Controller Box Plate....................................................................................................... 5
True View 2DIS Installation (DJI M200 v2)............................................................................................. 10
True View 2DIS Power Supply............................................................................................................... 16
True View USB Mass Storage (UMS)..................................................................................................... 16
System Configuration File (SCF).........................................................................................................17
Core Configuration File (CCF).............................................................................................................17
True View 250 Field Operations ............................................................................................................ 18
Base Station...................................................................................................................................... 18
Pre-Flight.......................................................................................................................................... 18
True View EVO...................................................................................................................................... 21
Support.................................................................................................................................................22
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About GeoCue Group, Inc.
GeoCue Group was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers with extensive experience in developing
hardware and software solutions for primary remote-sensed data acquisition. Our initial products were
aimed at reducing schedule and cost risk in geospatial production workflows by providing
organizational, productivity and data management tools for base geospatial data production. These
tools have been realized as the GeoCue product family. Today GeoCue workflow management tools are
used by a majority of North American geospatial production shops. In 2005, GeoCue began selling and
supporting Terrasolid tools for kinematic LIDAR data production. This was followed in 2009 by our
acquisition of QCoherent Software LLC, the creator of the point cloud exploitation toolset, LP360.
Today GeoCue is the largest supplier of kinematic LIDAR processing tools in North America and LP360
is the world’s most widely used tool for exploiting point cloud data. In 2014, GeoCue Group started a
division focused on using small Unmanned Aerial Systems for high accuracy mapping. Leveraging our
expertise in production, risk reduction, and point cloud processing tools, we are continuing to bring new
services and products to market to provide surveyors and other geomatics professionals exciting tools
for geospatial data extraction using low cost drones including Loki, our plug-and-play PPK direct
positioning system, and now our new True View LIDAR/Imagery fusion sensors. To learn more, visit
www.geocue.com.
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About True View® 250
The True View® 250 features dual GeoCue mapping camera with a 120° fused field of view for efficient
and accurate photogrammetric data collection in a 1 kg package. The system is currently compatible
with the DJI M200 v2 and will soon be ready for use with the DJI M300RTK other aircraft may be
integrated in the future, custom integrations can be performed by GeoCue by contacting our sales
department.
A True View Cycle
All True View sensors write their various data streams to a standard file folder structure called a “Cycle.”
The original meaning of cycle was an on/off cycle of the sensor. It is possible to have multiple collections
(flights, in the case of a drone) in a single Cycle, so it is not necessarily correct to think of cycle as being
synonymous with a flight.
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True View 2DIS Hardware Integration Kit (DJI M200 v2)
The True View 250 was designed to be used with the GeoCue True View Integration kit, which includes
the Controller Box plate which hold the antenna mast base and the antenna mast. If you purchase a
compatible sUAS from GeoCue the integration kit will be installed by a technician. If you purchase a
compatible sUAS from a third party, you will need to install these components before using your True
View system. The following steps explain how to install your True View integration kit.
Installing the Controller Box Plate
1. To install the controller box plate and the controller box you will need the following
components:
a. Controller Plate (Figure 1)
Figure 1 - Controller Box Plate with Antenna Mast Base
b. Controller Box (Figure 2)
Figure 2 - Controller Box
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f. Loctite
g. Masking tape or non-adhesive tape
2. Place the controller box plate on top of the Skyport Assembly. Slots of the bottom will match
the width of metal arms and seat on top. Secure its position with masking tape to help hold the
plate while setting the screws. (Figure 6)
Figure 6 - Place Control Box Plate on Skyport Assembly
3. Flip the aircraft over and apply more masking tape if necessary, to secure the controller
plate.(Figure 7)
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Figure 7 - Masking Tape Securing the Controller Box Plate
4. Place the bottom mounting brackets over the screw hold on the controller box mounting place.
The center slot and angle will align with the metal arm of Skyport assembly which will let you
know it is placed correctly. (Figure 8)
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Figure 8 - Bottom Mounting Bracket –View from Below Aircraft
5. Apply Loctite to a screw and begin by threading the screw socket facing the inside. Be aware
the metal bar will partially obscure the access, this is the reason for the ball end hex driver, so
you can turn the screw at a slight angle. Do not completely torque down the screw yet, leave
some play to help align the outside facing screw. Repeat this on the other side.
6. Apply Loctite to another screw and thread it through the outside facing screw socket threading
for both bottom mounting brackets. Once both screws are threaded on both sides continue to
screw them down while alternately each side, so the bracket secures evenly. Once all screws are
secured down you can apply a very light torque to fully tighten them.
7. Once the controller box plate is secured you can flip the aircraft up and remove the masking
tape. You can now secure the controller box on the controller box plate by pressing the feet
through the grommets. (Figure 9)
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Figure 9 - Controller Box with Plate, Side View
True View 2DIS Installation (DJI M200 v2)
Between operations with the True View 250 you may need to install and remove its components
although the controller box plate should be able to stay on a fit in a case. This section will detail all the
components for the True View 250 installation on a DJI M200 v2 the removal will be the reverse
process.
1. The following components are required for True View 250 operations.
a. Dual camera system mounted to gimbal.(Figure 10)
Figure 10 - Dual Camera System with Gimbal
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2. The controller box has feet that can be attached and removed to matching grommets on the
controller box plate. (Figure 16)
Figure 16 - Controller Box attached to Controller Box Plate
3. Screw the GNSS antenna screws on top of the antenna mast. Seat the antenna mast on the
antenna mast base on the controller box plate. Secure the GNSS coaxial cable to the controller
box coaxial port. (Figure 17)
Figure 17 - GNSS Antenna and Mast
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4. Connect the Skyport socket. Align the white dot on the dual camera gimbal with the red dot on
the aircrafts Skyport, press upward and turn right until the red dots on both ends align. To
remove press button on the left side of the Skyport turn left and pull downward. (Figure 18)
Figure 18 - Attached Gimbal to Skyport
5. Connect the Cat6 and barrel power connector to the dual camera system and the controller
box. Bind the two cables together every few inches with zip ties and clip the excess material.
Bind the cable pair with a Velcro tie to one of the arms of the Skyport mount. Allow enough
slack for the gimbal to turn 360° in each direction. When the aircraft is powered on the gimbal
will spin 360° both ways to calibrate its range. If this movement is impeded in any way the
gimbal may appear limp or hanging. In the situation power down the aircraft, adjust your cable
management so as not to impede the movement of the gimbal and power on the aircraft again
to test your configuration. (Figure 19)
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Figure 19 - Cable management and UMS
6. Ensure the UMS is inserted into the USB port of the dual camera system. (Figure 19)
True View 2DIS Power Supply
The True View 250 system is powered by the skyport interface which is powered by the aircraft
batteries. The only operation the pilot needs to perform is ensuring that the barrel connector to the
control box is connected, remains secure, and is not a safety hazard to the propellers or landing gears
normal operations. To power-on the True View 250 turn on the aircraft using the short-press long-press
pattern. To power down the True View ensure that your cycle is complete and repeat the same pattern.
If the aircraft were to lose power the True View system will lose power as well.
True View USB Mass Storage (UMS)
The True View 250 system includes a USB storage device we refer to as the UMS or Universal Mass
Storage. The UMS contain configuration files that hold operating parameters and well as user
configurable options. The UMS also store the cycle data for each flight which includes the image files,
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GNSS rover observation, and various other log file used for data processing and troubleshooting. The
UMS need to always be present in the True View system for both its operation and data storage. If you
need a replacement or backup the file system must be formatted as NTFS and contain the
SystemConfiguration.json as well as the CoreConfiguration.json file that came supplies on your original
UMS with your sensor. If you lost access to these files you can contact GeoCue support and we can get
your new copies.
System Configuration File (SCF)
The System Configuration file (SCF), SystemConfiguration.json, must reside on the True View USB
Mass Storage and is copied into the Cycle\System folder upon creation of each Cycle. The SCF contains
information on the calibration parameters of all components for each True View system and is used by
True View EVO to process True View data. The latest calibration file for each sensor is stored on the
True View Reckon portal.
Core Configuration File (CCF)
True View System settings are stored internally to the system, but can be changed by modifying the
CoreConfiguration.json file on the UMS. The system identifies if the file has been modified, then
operates accordingly. Features may be turned on or off by using a true or false Boolean in the Core
Configuration file. Other fields can be configured with a numeric value, such as the Battery Status
Percentage or Proximity Mode Distance.
Note: It is recommended to open and modify the Core Configuration file with Notepad++.
The following sections describe the most common sections of the Core Configuration file that a user
may wish to modify.
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True View 250 Field Operations
Base Station
The True View 250 records GNSS signals during flight which will be differentially corrected in True View
EVO software. This is a type of differential correction known as PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic). To
utilize PPK corrections a static observation from a nearby base station is required. There are various
options available for obtaining a base station static observation data.
1. Single Base- Single base, as the name implies, is a static recording from one single base station
which is close in proximity to the flight area. Corrections are computed at the base station, then
applied to the data collect collected by the True View. This local base station can be operated
by the pilot or obtained from another party operating a base station if they use the correct
collection parameters. CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations) can also be used for
single base processing if they are within 12 miles of the flight area. Any static base observation
must be collected at least a 1hz rate record both L1 and L2 signals. The base station must be in
operation of the entire duration of the flight. Single base is the only processing method if you
plan to process with the local option selected.
2. SmartBase –SmartBase is a cloud processing option that uses multiple CORS stations to
compute base corrections for your flight. Smart base processing allows for longer baselines
from the flight area and the user does not have to setup a base station or download CORS data
from a nearby station. This option still requires an existing CORS network in the area of
flight. Users can go online to the Applanix SmartBase website and determine if their flight
location is covered by the SmartBase network and estimate the quality of the results.
3. PP-RTX –PP-RTX is a cloud processing option that does not require a base station or CORS
network. PP-RTX corrections can be computed anywhere. Accuracy is reduced using this
method, but can be used as a last resort option in the event of base station failure or lack of
CORS network.
More information can be found in our knowledge base
articles: https://support.geocue.com/positioning-options-in-true-view-workflows/
https://support.geocue.com/single-base-vs-smartbase-vs-pp-rtx
Pre-Flight
1. Ready the drone for flight in accordance with the manufacture’s instruction. Install the True
View 250 components as detailed in the installation section of this manual.
2. Ensure your base station is recording static data if this is the method you intend to process the
data with.
3. Place the aircraft in an open area where you intend to takeoff. The True View will need an
unobstructed view of the sky. Avoid placing the drone near large metal objects, trees, or tall
buildings to minimize multi-pathing error.
4. Power-on the aircraft.
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5. After the aircraft is powered on the True View will go through its startup procedure and all
lights on the controller box will flash yellow. After a few seconds, each LED light begin to show
a sequence of colors indicating status.
a. BAT: Flashes until the battery percentage is known, then turns a solid color.
i.Green LED indicates battery is above 50%.
ii.Yellow LED indicates battery is between 30 and 50%.
iii.Red LED indicates battery is below 30%.
b. GNSS: This LED will flash yellow until GNSS signal is received, then turn solid green.
c. SYS: The system light will flash yellow until the system is ready for operation. When
the system is ready, it will begin flashing green if proximity mode is active.
i.Proximity mode is a feature added in firmware version 2.0.3. When the system is
powered on, its position is recorded, and this position is used as the home point
for the system. Once the sensor travels a specified distance (25 meters by
default) from the home point, the system automatically begins recording
data. This feature can be disable by setting the “ProximityMode” flag to false in
the Core Configuration file on the UMS. If the feature is disabled, you will have to
manually start recording data by pressing and holding the green button until the
SYS light turns solid green.
Figure 20
9. When the SYS LED is flashing green, this means the proximity mode is active and you are ready
for takeoff.
a. If proximity mode was disabled by the user, wait for a solid yellow SYS light then press
and hold the green button until the SYS light turns solid green.
10. Turn the drone and transmitter on and connect to the drone on the iPad.
11. Arm the drone and take off and climb to the mission altitude.
12. Once the system travels 25 meters from takeoff (X,Y, and Z), it will begin recording data.
Figure 60 shows all the lighting sequences, LED messages, and their meanings. Figure 61 shows how to
interpret the symbols in the table.
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BAT
GNSS
SYS
LED Readout
Meaning
GeoCue Group
True View
True View Initializing …
Firmware Updating
Updating Firmware
Firmware Updated
Firmware Updated Successfully
Battery Check
True View checking battery
Insert UMS,
Press Cycle
Cannot recognize UMS. Plug-in or re-seat UMS and press Cycle
⚫
Battery %
Battery level
⚫
UMS Mounted
UMS is mounted and recognized by True View
⚫
Copying Old File
Recovering cycle from improper shutdown
⚫
Init. GNSS
Checking GNSS Signal
⚫
GNSS Ready
GNSS has initialized, ready to set location
⚫
System Starting
Getting Location
Setting location
⚫
⚫
Location Set
Location is set
⚫
⚫
Init. Camera
Checking cameras
⚫
⚫
Cameras Ready
Cameras are ready
⚫
⚫
Init. Lidar
Connecting to Lidar
⚫
⚫
Lidar Connected
Lidar is connected
⚫
⚫
Lidar Ready
Lidar has started
⚫
Proximity Mode
Proximity mode ready, satellites below 4
⚫
Proximity Mode
Proximity mode ready, GNSS signal lost
⚫
⚫
Collecting Data
Collecting data
⚫
⚫
Wind Down
Cycle wind down, do not power off
⚫
⚫
Copying Images
Copying images, do not power off
⚫
⚫
⚫
Flight Complete
Wind down complete, ready to turn off
⚫
⚫
Proximity Mode
Proximity mode active, ready for takeoff
⚫
⚫
⚫
Recording Data
Data recording in progress, to override proximity mode press cycle
⚫
Wind-down
GNSS completely lost during cycle
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