TrackMaker38MK2

The TrackMaker system for the Geonics EM38MK2 consists of two separate but fully integrated programs:

• Nav38MK2 – field data acquisition and navigation software for Windows 11/10–based tablets and field laptops
  (For Windows Mobile/CE versions, please see Windows Mobile Programs section.)
• TrackMaker38MK2 – Windows-based data-processing and XYZ-file generation program

The Geonics EM38-MK2 is an electromagnetic conductivity meter widely used in agriculture, archaeology, environmental investigations, and near-surface geophysical mapping.
It measures simultaneously:

• Apparent conductivity (mS/m)
• Inphase component (ppt)

The EM38-MK2 supports two inter-coil spacings: 1.0 m and 0.5 m, allowing investigation of different depth ranges within a single survey.

The NAV38MK2 program provides precise navigation, real-time QA/QC, and synchronized EM38-MK2 and positioning data logging for EM38 surveys.
NAV38MK2 displays survey coverage using:

• Dots representing individual recorded positions, or
• Swath bars representing the user-defined EM38-MK2 instrument footprint

This navigation-focused display gives operators continuous control over coverage density, survey-line spacing, and survey progression, helping prevent skipped areas and unnecessary overlap.

The software supports loading up to 10 external background files, including site boundaries, excavation plans, infrastructure layers, or (if previously collected Nav or RTmap data files are loaded as external background files) survey lines layouts from previous projects—enhancing navigation accuracy and contextual interpretation during data acquisition.

In addition to the map view, NAV38MK2 provides a Profile View of the collected EM38-MK2 data to support field QA/QC.
Both Conductivity (mS/m) and Inphase (ppt) values are displayed as moving graphic bars and numeric readouts for both inter-coil spacing (1.0 m and 0.5 m), with continuous monitoring of instrument status, connection, and employed dipole mode.
This allows immediate identification of noise, coupling effects, or acquisition issues during the survey.

NAV38MK2 works with virtually any GNSS/GPS receiver supporting stream of NMEA messages (GGA, POS, GLL, LLQ, LLK, or GGK), and with selected robotic total stations streaming pseudo-GGA statements.
The software records EM38-MK2 and positioning data simultaneously into a single synchronized field file, while monitoring key GNSS/GPS parameters including:

• Latitude / Longitude or UTM coordinates
• DGPS/RTK correction modes
• PDOP/HDOP (or equivalent) and satellite count
• user-defined GPS Warning Mask and related alerts

NAV38MK2 can also convert the field tablet or laptop into a stand-alone GPS/DGPS/RTK/RTS logger allowing mapping of site features, grid corners, or interpreted anomalies. This function eliminates the need for dedicated GPS logging equipment.

NAV38MK2 supports practical field operation under demanding conditions.
If survey lines are interrupted by obstacles or pauses, operators can resume at the correct location without tapes, stakes, or visual markers. Surveys can be completed reliably under low visibility or in darkness while maintaining full control over coverage and EM38-MK2 data quality.

The TrackMaker38MK2 program processes data collected by NAV38MK2 and accurately positions EM38-MK2 readings using:

• recorded GPS coordinates
• GPS antenna offset geometry (any direction)
• instantaneous heading and survey configuration
• PDOP and differential correction filters
• GPS Time Gap and GPS Minimum Interval refinement

This workflow produces high-accuracy, georeferenced datasets suitable for conductivity mapping, archaeological interpretation, agricultural analysis, environmental studies, and reporting.

Please try the Nav38MK2 demo program. The demo version operates like the standard program, except that the recorded data file is intentionally short. Monitoring mode operates indefinitely—sufficient to verify instrument communication, GPS/RTK/RTS integration, display modes, and overall performance with your system configuration.

Download Demo Data Acquisition Programs