TrackMaker601

The TrackMaker system for the Bartington Grad-601 consists of two separate but fully integrated programs:

• Nav601 – field data acquisition and real-time navigationmapping software for Windows 11/10–based tablets and field laptops
• TrackMaker601 – Windows-based data-processing and XYZ-file generation program

The Bartington Grad-601 fluxgate magnetic gradiometer is widely used for archaeological prospection, environmental magnetometry, forensic investigations, and near-surface magnetic surveys. Each Grad-601 console can operate with one or two probes, allowing flexible survey configurations and increased productivity on archaeological sites.

The NAV601 program provides precise navigation, real-time QA/QC, and synchronized magnetic + GPS data logging for Grad-601 surveys.
Survey coverage is displayed using:

• Dots representing individual measurement stations, or
• Swath bars representing the user-defined magnetic sensor footprint

This navigation-focused display allows operators to clearly control line spacing, coverage density, and survey progression, which is essential for systematic archaeological magnetometry.

NAV601 guides the operator along uniformly spaced survey lines, helping to:

• avoid skipped areas
• prevent unnecessary overlap
• maintain consistent archaeological grid geometry

Survey coverage remains visible at all times, even in poor visibility or at night.

In addition to the map view, NAV601 provides a profile display of the Grad-601 magnetic data.
This mode allows the operator to:

• assess data quality in real time
• identify spikes, noise, or saturation
• verify correct probe operation and sensor balance

Grad-601 channels (for one- or two-probe configurations) are displayed as moving graphic bars and numeric values, with continuous monitoring of instrument connection status.

NAV601 works with virtually any GNSS/GPS receiver supporting NMEA messages (GGA, POS, GLL, LLQ, LLK, GGK), as well as Trimble and Leica Robotic Total Stations.
The program records magnetic data and positioning data simultaneously into a single file, ensuring accurate synchronization between Grad-601 measurements and survey geometry.

Displayed GPS information includes:

• Latitude / Longitude or UTM coordinates
• differential correction mode (DGPS, RTK)
• PDOP (or equivalent)
• satellite count
• user-defined GPS Warning Mask status

NAV601 can also convert the field tablet or laptop into a stand-alone GPS/DGPS logger when the Grad-601 is disconnected, allowing mapping of site features, grid corners, or interpreted anomalies.

NAV601 is particularly well suited to archaeological investigations, where precise grid control and repeatability are critical:

• Supports standard archaeological grid layouts
• Allows reoccupation of previous grids or survey lines
• Displays external data files (previous surveys, excavation plans, interpreted anomalies)
• Enables precise continuation after interruptions or obstacles
• Operates reliably in low light or darkness

Up to 10 external files (from TrackMaker or other supported instruments) can be loaded to assist navigation and spatial context.

The TrackMaker601 program processes field data collected by NAV601 and accurately positions magnetic readings from each Grad-601 probe using:

• recorded GPS/RTS coordinates (if available)
• probe geometry and offsets
• survey line direction and instantaneous heading
• PDOP and differential-correction filters
• GPS Time Gap and GPS Minimum Interval refinement

The result is a clean, georeferenced dataset suitable for archaeological interpretation and mapping.

Position Using GPS Data

• Apply GPS antenna offsets in any direction (editable during processing)
• Include elevation data with antenna-height correction
• Filter positioned data using PDOP (or equivalent) and correction type
• Output coordinates in WGS84: Geodetic (Latitude / Longitude) or UTM (meters, feet, or US Survey Feet)

Position Without GPS (Grid-Based Surveys)
(Used when surveys are conducted without a GPS receiver)

• Position readings along S–N or W–E oriented survey lines
• Edit survey line geometry with instant 2-D view updates

This mode is particularly useful for traditional archaeological grid surveys.

• Export to general ASCII format
• Convert GXY → ASCII (positions and elevations)
• Retrieve and position field comments
• Apply system Time Constant (lag) corrections
• View, edit, and save full survey datasets

TrackMaker601 is compatible with data collected by NAV601 and earlier Windows Mobile TrackMaker versions, ensuring long-term continuity of archaeological projects.

---

The Nav601 demo operates the same as the full version except that the included data file is short. Monitoring mode runs without time limits, allowing verification of:

• Nav601 communication
• GPS/RTS integration
• screen modes and performance

Download Demo Data Acquisition Programs