Field Equipment — GeoVue
Field acquisition guide

Simple equipment. Reliable field data.

Prepare a USB-C device, tested cable pack, two firmly installed ground pegs and the correct impact hammer. Then follow a consistent ten-impact recording sequence at every field point.

Create your account ↗ Open the cable guide
Place the seismic impact approximately 150 mm from the recording peg, as illustrated.
Two stainless steel ground pegs connected by a two metre rope, with red and black cable clips and a marked seismic impact zone approximately 150 millimetres from the recording peg.
What you need

The complete field kit

GeoVue is designed around low-cost, readily available equipment. The quality of each connection and the consistency of the field setup are more important than carrying complex instrumentation.

USB-C phone or tablet

Use a late-model device with a functioning USB-C port, GPS capability, adequate battery charge and the GeoVue app or web interface available.

Tested cable pack

Purchase the components listed on the Cables page, build the cable carefully and complete both cable tests before field use. Carry a spare set.

Two stainless steel pegs

Use two approximately 16 mm diameter, 750 mm long stainless steel rods linked by a two metre nylon separation rope.

Impact hammer

Select the hammer size for the planned investigation depth and maintain a consistent, controlled ground impact at every field point.

Ground peg specifications showing two stainless steel rods, approximately 16 millimetres in diameter and 750 millimetres long, connected by a two metre nylon rope.
Ground contact

Install the pegs firmly and keep the spacing fixed

Drive both pegs into the ground so they are stable and in good electrical contact with the soil. The two metre nylon rope maintains the correct separation. Approximately 150 mm of each peg is shown in the ground, leaving enough exposed metal for secure crocodile-clip attachment.

2 mpeg separation
750 mmpeg length, approximately
16 mmrod diameter, approximately
Connection order: attach the black cable to the main recording peg and the red cable to the second peg. Keep clips clear of soil and ensure they grip clean metal.
Seismic source

Choose the hammer for the target depth

The hammer provides the impulse used to create the electro-seismic response. Use a deliberate, repeatable strike on the ground surface—not on the peg, cable or connector. The illustrated equipment guide associates larger hammers with deeper investigations.

4 lbillustrated for about 50 m
10 lbillustrated for about 250 m
12 lbillustrated for about 400 m
Use the project settings and GeoVue guidance for the required depth. Ground conditions, impact consistency and signal quality can affect the usable result.
Three impact hammers labelled 4 pounds for 50 metre depth, 10 pounds for 250 metre depth and 12 pounds for 400 metre depth.
Preparation to recording

Field workflow

Complete these steps in order. A repeatable setup makes results easier for the app to assess and reduces avoidable re-recording.

Prepare a USB-C device

Use a late-model phone or tablet. Charge it fully, confirm GPS access and make sure the USB-C port is clean and undamaged.

Create your GeoVue account

Register at geovue.cloud, sign in and confirm that the account is ready before travelling to the site.

Build your job

Create the project and field points in advance. Save the job and prepare any offline requirements before leaving internet coverage.

Purchase the cable components

Use the equipment specified under Cables, including the correct USB-C DAC adapter, leads, plug and clips.

Make your cables

Assemble either the hard-wired or screw-terminal option. Add strain relief and ensure the red and black connections match the cable guide.

Test every cable

Complete the voice-recorder and Bluetooth cancellation checks described in the cable guide. Do not take an untested cable into the field.

Install and connect the pegs

Place the pegs two metres apart, drive them firmly into the ground, then attach the black and red clips securely to clean exposed metal.

Connect the recording device

Connect the cable pack to the device through the USB-C DAC adapter. Open the correct job and navigate to the planned field point.

Recording sequence

Ten impacts, two seconds apart

Once recording has commenced, hit the surface of the ground ten times. Maintain an approximately two-second gap between impacts and keep the strength and position of each strike as consistent as possible.

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2
3
4
5
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10
Impact → wait about 2 seconds → impact again, until all 10 impacts are complete.
Approved

Pack and move on

Watch the device screen. When the data is approved, remove the clips and pegs, pack the equipment and navigate to the next field point using the guide in the GeoVue app.

Declined

Shift one metre

Move the entire field point approximately one metre, reinstall both pegs with the same separation, reconnect the equipment and repeat the ten-impact sequence.

Declined data

Keep shifting. A clean position can usually be found.

Declines are normally caused by local subsurface or electrical noise rather than a problem with the GeoVue process. Move the complete setup one metre at a time and retry. Keep both peg spacing and cable connections unchanged.

1
Data or communication servicesBuried data cables and other active infrastructure can introduce interference into the recording.
2
Power lines and buried electrical servicesOverhead or underground electrical systems may create noise that causes the app to decline the data.
3
Electric fences, pumps or nearby equipmentSwitching devices and energised fencing can produce strong local electrical signals. Increase distance where practical.
4
Cable or connection problemsIf repeated moves do not help, inspect the clips, connectors and strain relief, then test a spare cable pack.
!

Field safety comes first

Wear suitable eye, hand and foot protection. Check for buried services before driving pegs or striking the ground, maintain safe clearance from overhead lines and electric fences, and keep other people outside the impact area. Follow all local site procedures and equipment manufacturer instructions.