Request: Make Field Maps compatible with GNSS receivers with tilt compensation

[KyleMcCormick]

In our experience GNSS receivers with tilt compensation more than double the efficiency of data collection.

Many (most?) of the more recent ones include tilt compensation, from the Trimble R780 and R12i receivers, the Hemisphere S631, the Emlid Reach RS3, all the way down to the $1300 SparkFun RTK Torch.

Currently we are using Microsurvey FieldGenius Android for data collection but some departments here at the City would like to use Field Maps. The only thing stopping us is the lack of tilt compensation compatibility.

Please bring this enhancement into active status.

I am sure many others would concur. If you do, add a request to the thread below.

[Debert]

Hi Kyle,

Curious what exactly you are referring to here, as I'm in the process of configuring Trimble receivers to Field Maps? I have successfully paired a few DA2s and next will be pairing a few R12i's.

Are you saying Field Maps doesn't recognize the tilt compensation (meaning the R12i needs to be level before storing points)?

If this is indeed what you are referring to, I would agree this is a valid enhancement request.

[KyleMcCormick]

Hi Debert.

My understanding is that field Maps will not recognize the tilt compensation of the R12i.

What is interesting is that the free app SW Maps does handle the tilt compensation of the Sparkfun RTK Torch.

Regards,

Kyle

[Jacbrod]

Hello,

It appears that many receivers now have tilt option as standard, such as the Leica Zeno.

Will ESRI integrate the transfer of these measurements into ESRI Fields Map, or should we consider other data capture applications ?

Regards

[Debert]

There are many receivers incorporating the tilt compensation- yes.

However, I think this is more of an Esri Field Maps issue as the Trimble R12i has tilt-compensation but Field Maps only recognizes the tilt-compensation on an Android device (not iOS).

Android is more prominent in other counties, so I believe the idea is to roll out those integrations first- but I could be wrong.

[CWCalPoly]

Hi Debert,

I'm trying to figure out purchasing GNSS receivers for my company.  We use Field Maps to gather points/lines/polygons in the field.  Hoping to use receivers like the Reach RX2 to improve our workflow + get tilt correction. 

I'm surprised to see you mention that Field Maps works with compensation, in the Dec 2025 update it reads as if that functionality still hasn't been rolled out yet.  Link to Dec 2025 update. 

So you or your teams have used tilt compensation w/ a receiver in the field via Field Maps? 

[Debert]

To clarify- Field Maps has enabled tilt compensation for Android Devices only. We run iOS devices in the field and even though we have a Trimble R12i (with tilt compensation) we are unable to utilize that feature currently.

If your GNSS receiver offers tilt comp and you have Android Devices- you should be good to go!

[CWCalPoly]

Thank you for the clarification, helps a bunch!

[Y_Chau]

Hardware has to be built around Esri. Not the other way around.

[Debert]

@CWCalPoly @Y_Chau I reached out to Support and inquired further about this. Per their reply, with the latest Field Maps update (included the Trimble Mobile Manager integration), tilt compensation is compatible with, and sending positions from, Trimble Mobile Manager on Android and iOS.
With the latest integration between TMM & Field Maps, if you have a calibrated tilt enabled unit connected in TMM, it will send that position into Field Maps.
Field Maps, however, does not know any better. The issue is the metadata is not set up in ArcGIS to accept tilt information, so there is no way to verify that you're receiving a tilt enabled position.
They expect to see tilt metadata fields in the next Field Maps release in Q1 2026.

Assuming Trimble can enable tilt on both Android and iOS- other GNSS's will be able to as well.
Hope this helps with clarity.