Help & Guides

Everything you need to get started with your STA device, configure your equipment, upload data and access your results.

Use the links below to jump to a section.

Getting Started
Device Setup
Wi-Fi & Uploads
Using Your Data
Explorer HA
Downloads
Troubleshooting

Getting Started

Before you begin

Your STA system includes the field hardware as well as the cloud-based processing and mapping platform used to turn collected field data into usable spatial information. Your onboarding email contains the details specific to your organisation, including your login and web application.

Before heading into the field for the first time:

Unpack your devices and confirm you have the required mounting hardware and accessories.
Fit the device to the equipment it will be used with.
Configure Wi-Fi for each device.
Sign in to your STA web application and confirm you have access.
Collect a small amount of test data.
Charge the device within range of its configured Wi-Fi network and confirm that the test data uploads successfully.

We strongly recommend completing a test upload before deploying devices into normal operations. This confirms the hardware, Wi-Fi, processing and user access are all working as expected.

Your STA account

Your onboarding email contains the login details and links required to access your STA system. Your organisation’s web application is the easiest way to view your processed data.

Depending on your setup, your onboarding information may also include links to your reporting form and data services for integration with GIS or other systems.

Tip: Bookmark your STA web application on the computers and mobile devices you commonly use.

The normal STA workflow

Day-to-day operation is designed to require very little data handling:

Set up → Work → Charge & Upload → Review

Use the device while completing your normal field activities. When work is complete, connect the device to power within range of its configured Wi-Fi. Data is uploaded and processed automatically before becoming available through your STA system.

Device Setup

STA Logger and STA Explorer

Setup varies slightly between the original STA Logger and the newer STA Explorer. Make sure you follow the instructions for your device.

The STA Explorer can be configured for both spraying and tree planting applications, allowing the same device to be moved between compatible workflows. The Explorer HA is intended for applications requiring higher positional accuracy.

Mounting your device

Fit the supplied mounting hardware appropriate to your equipment. STA supports a range of backpack and high-volume spraying equipment, while the Explorer can also be mounted to planting tools and other field equipment.

For tree planting, the Explorer sled is strapped to the shaft of the planting tool. This allows it to be used with tools including shovels, spades, dibble bars, Hamilton planters and planting tubes.

Important: Mount the device securely and check the mounting hardware before field use. Avoid overtightening fittings or placing unnecessary load on the device or its connectors.

Spraying setup

When configured for spraying, STA records the location and operation of the spray equipment. Trigger activity is used to identify spraying and generate spatial outputs such as spray zones.

Where a selector is fitted, it can be used to distinguish between up to three weed species or other categories. Names can be assigned to the selector positions through the device settings, for example:

0 – Blackberry | 1 – Thistles | 2 – Other

Alternatively, the selector can be left as general categories and additional project information added through the reporting workflow.

Tree planting setup

The STA Explorer uses its onboard sensors to detect planting activity when mounted to a planting tool. Because real planting techniques can involve more than one movement or strike for a single plant, planting data is processed to distinguish planting activity from general movement.

Before beginning a large planting project, complete a short trial using your normal planting technique and review the resulting data.

Device settings

Configuration mode provides access to settings stored on the device, including Wi-Fi configuration and relevant operational settings.

For the original STA Logger, configuration mode requires the dedicated Config Cable.

For the STA Explorer, move the rocker switch to position 1 and connect USB-C power.

Wi-Fi & Uploads

How uploading works

STA devices collect data offline, so an internet or mobile connection is not required while you are working.

When connected to normal charging power, the device searches for its configured Wi-Fi network. Once connected, it uploads its collected data for processing.

STA devices use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Ensure the network you configure supports 2.4 GHz.

Configure Wi-Fi

STA Logger

Connect the dedicated Config Cable to the STA Logger and a USB power source. The Config Cable is identified separately from the normal charging cable and places the device into configuration mode.

STA Explorer

Move the side rocker switch to position 1, connect a standard USB-C cable and connect it to power.

Connect to the settings page

Once the device is in configuration mode:

On a phone, tablet or computer, open the available Wi-Fi networks.
Connect to TerraLab GPS using the configuration passphrase supplied with your onboarding information.
Your browser may automatically open the settings page. If it does not, enter 192.168.4.1 in your browser.
Select Configure WiFi.
Select your 2.4 GHz network and enter its password.
Save the settings and allow the device to test the connection.

After configuring Wi-Fi, collect some test data and perform a normal upload.

STA Logger users: the Config Cable is for configuration only. It does not charge the device or upload data. Use the normal charging cable after configuration is complete.

Normal uploads

At the end of fieldwork:

Bring the device within reliable range of its configured Wi-Fi network.
Connect it to normal charging power.
Allow the device time to connect and upload.
Once processed, review the data in your STA web application.

Keeping the device connected to power after fieldwork also ensures it is ready for its next deployment.

Using a phone hotspot

A mobile hotspot can be used instead of a conventional Wi-Fi network. The hotspot must provide a compatible 2.4 GHz connection and the phone itself needs sufficient mobile coverage to reach the internet.

For iPhones, we recommend:

Turn on Personal Hotspot and Allow Others to Join.
Enable Maximise Compatibility, where available.
Keep the phone unlocked with the Personal Hotspot screen open while the STA device connects.
Start the STA upload.
Keep the phone awake until the connection and upload have completed.

If a previously working hotspot is not immediately detected, check the phone first rather than immediately reconfiguring the STA device.

Using Your Data

Accessing your web app

Your STA web app is the main place to view, review and report on data collected by your STA devices. Your organisation’s web app link and login details are provided during onboarding.

The app runs in a web browser, so no additional software is required. It can also be opened on a mobile device when you need to review STA data in the field.

Once your devices have uploaded and the data has been processed, new results will automatically become available in the web app.

Understanding your STA data

The map displays the different spatial outputs generated by STA. Depending on your equipment, workflow and subscription, these may include:

Tracklogs show the path travelled by the device while it was operating.
Spray zones show the estimated area treated when spraying occurred.
Mapping and point data provide the individual locations and information recorded by the device.
Planting data shows detected planting locations when using an STA Explorer for tree planting.

Different categories or weed species recorded using the selector can also be displayed separately, allowing them to be identified and compared on the map.

Viewing information on the map

Click or tap a feature on the map to view the information associated with it. This allows you to inspect individual records and see details such as the device, date and other information recorded or associated with that activity.

Use the normal map controls to pan and zoom to the location you want to review.

Showing and hiding data

Use the Layers control to choose which types of STA data are visible on the map.

Turning a layer off only hides it from the current map. It does not delete or modify the underlying data.

This can be particularly useful when several STA outputs overlap. For example, you may choose to display spray zones while temporarily hiding tracklogs or individual points.

Selecting devices

Where multiple STA devices are used by your organisation, the Filter controls can be used to show data from selected devices.

This allows you to review an individual device or operator without the results from the rest of your fleet obscuring the map.

Clear or change the filter when you want to return to viewing data from other devices.

Filtering data by date

Use the Timeline to focus the map on a particular period.

This is useful for reviewing work from an individual day, project period or season, and for comparing activities completed at different times. The web app can therefore be used not only to see where work occurred, but also to review how treatment or other field activities have changed over time.

Project and herbicide reporting

STA automatically records the spatial activity captured by the device. The optional reporting form can be used to associate additional information with that work, such as project details, operator information, weed species, herbicide use and weather conditions.

Your reporting form can be accessed from within the web app or from the link or QR code supplied during onboarding.

Complete the form when the additional project or treatment information is relevant to your reporting requirements. The device data will still be collected where a report is not required.

Viewing STA data in the field

The web app can also be opened through the browser on a phone or tablet.

This allows field staff to view previous work while on site, including locating earlier treatment areas or weed infestations and reviewing where work has already occurred. The timeline and other web app tools remain available from a mobile device.

A shortcut to the web app can also be saved to your device’s home screen for quicker access.

Printing and creating maps

Use the Print tool to create a map of the area currently being reviewed.

Before printing, set the map extent, visible layers, device filters and date range to show the information you want included. The resulting map can then be used in reports, project updates or supplied to clients and other stakeholders.

STA supports map outputs for inclusion in reports and other project documentation.

Exporting data

STA data can be exported when you need to analyse it elsewhere, provide it to a client or incorporate it into another system.

The web app supports exporting selected data to common formats including:

CSV provides a simple option for working with data in spreadsheet software, while the spatial formats are suitable for use in GIS applications.

For larger datasets or more advanced GIS workflows, connect directly to your STA data using desktop GIS rather than repeatedly downloading data from the web app.

Using STA data in GIS

Organisations with GIS capabilities can connect directly to their STA data in applications such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS.

This provides greater control over filtering, analysis, symbology and exporting, and allows STA data to be incorporated directly into existing organisational GIS projects.

Because the connection references the online STA data, the layer can remain current as new information is uploaded rather than requiring a new download after every field deployment.

Explorer HA

What is Explorer HA?

The STA Explorer HA adds high-accuracy GNSS data collection to the standard Explorer workflow. It is intended for projects where the automated STA workflow is still required but greater positional accuracy is important.

The device can still participate in the normal STA collection, upload and mapping workflow. High-accuracy results require an additional post-processing workflow.

Before collecting HA data

For best results:

Mount the Explorer HA securely to the equipment.
Give the device a clear view of the sky wherever practical.
Complete a short test before beginning a large project.
Confirm that suitable reference/base-station data will be available for the location and time of your survey.
Keep a record of the date, location and device used.

Collecting data

Use the Explorer HA normally during fieldwork. The device records the information required for the STA workflow while also collecting the GNSS observations required for high-accuracy post-processing.

After fieldwork, complete the normal STA upload so your operational data is available through the STA system.

Post-processing HA data

High-accuracy positioning is achieved by post-processing the Explorer HA GNSS observations against suitable reference data.

Downloads

STA Tools for ArcGIS Pro

STA Tools is a collection of ArcGIS Pro geoprocessing tools designed to simplify common STA data-management tasks.

Current tools include:

Export by Area – select and export STA data within an area of interest.
Export by Date Range – export data from a defined period.
STA Data to NVA – prepare STA point data for upload to Tasmania’s Natural Values Atlas.
Weed Cover Calculator – calculate the proportion of a defined site represented by STA spray data.

Download STA Tools

Troubleshooting

Device will not turn on

Connect the device using its normal charging cable and allow it to charge before trying again.

If it still does not respond, check the device, cables and fitted accessories for obvious damage or moisture and contact STA Support with the device number and a description of what occurred.

Device will not connect to Wi-Fi

Check that:

the network supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
the network name and password have not changed
the device is within good Wi-Fi range
your organisation’s network security is not preventing unknown devices from connecting

If using a phone hotspot, make sure the hotspot is currently active and visible before changing the STA device’s saved settings.

Data has not appeared in the web application

First confirm that the device has had an opportunity to upload:

Connect it to normal charging power.
Place it within good range of the configured Wi-Fi network.
Allow sufficient time for the upload and processing to complete.
Refresh the web application and check the relevant date and device filters.

If data is still missing, contact STA Support with the device number and approximate date/time the data was collected. This gives us the information needed to investigate the upload and processing history.

Spray zones are missing

Check that the spray attachment is fitted correctly and that all connections are secure. If you have another compatible attachment available, testing it can help determine whether the issue relates to the attachment or device.

GPS is taking a long time to establish a position

Move to an open location with a clearer view of the sky and allow the device another opportunity to establish its position. Buildings, dense vegetation and other obstructions can reduce satellite visibility.

If the problem continues consistently in open conditions, contact support.

Understanding device beeps

1 beep: the device may require charging or may be retrying an upload. Check battery/power and Wi-Fi conditions.

2 beeps: commonly indicates a completed upload or entry into configuration mode.

3 beeps: device powering off.

For repeated or unfamiliar beep sequences, contact STA Support and tell us the number of beeps, device number and what the device was doing at the time.

Still need help?

Your STA subscription includes support. If the steps above do not resolve the problem, contact support@terralabgis.com.

When contacting support, please include:

Device number | What you were doing | Approximate date/time | What you expected to happen | What happened instead

Photos of the device or installation are also useful where the issue may relate to mounting, connections or physical setup.