Common Questions

Check out the supported device list below to find out.
Last Updated: April 15, 2024

On February 5th, 2018, ikeGPS launched premium features and updates to the Spike Cloud. These updates include the launch of the Spike Pro Plan and related premium features. You can find answers to the most asked questions about the Spike Pro Plan in the document below.

Currently, Spike is available in the following languages:

• Danish
• Deutsch (German)
• Dutch
• English
• Finnish
• French
• Greek
• Italian
• Korean
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Swedish
• Turkish

The Spike User Manual is available in other languages, and can be found here.

For future versions of the Spike App and support documentation, we are prioritizing language support based on customer demand and will begin releasing language support for documentation.

No. Dropping Spike in water will damage the device. Using Spike in the rain is not recommended.

Spike connects to your Smartphone via Bluetooth Smart (Low Energy). To pair Spike with your Smartphone, first mount Spike to the back of your Smartphone case and install the App. Download the Spike User Manual to view step-by-step instructions for pairing Spike with your Smartphone via Bluetooth.

Yes, you can take accurate measurements indoors.  Spike has a Laser Rangefinder supporting 6-600 feet (2-200 m) range with a ± 3% accuracy for both inside and outside measurements.

To ensure accurate measurements with your Spike indoors or outdoors please make sure:

• Your target is a flat surface and is all on the same plane.
• Your target is or has a rectangular shape on it (to align the object).
• Your laser (crosshair on the screen) is pointed at your target.
• Your laser (crosshair on the screen) is not pointed at a transparent (ie. window) or reflective point.
• You are perpendicular to your target (or as close to 90°, but not more than 45°).
  
  

Yes. A photo can be uploaded to the online, cloud-based Spike tools. By uploading a photo to the cloud, you can view, edit, measure, and download Spike photos using your browser.

An account can be created from the Settings screen or by selecting the Cloud tab within the Gallery of the Spike app. Once a photo has been uploaded to the cloud, the photo can be accessed from the Spike Customer Login button here.

Note: We recommend using Google Chrome when accessing the cloud-based tools.

Device & OS

Spike works with commercial Google Android and Apple iOS Smartphones and Tablets. To view a list of recommended devices that have gone through camera calibration procedure and provide the highest level of accuracy, see the list of supported devices.

Connectivity

The Spike device connects with your Smartphone or Tablet via Bluetooth. Your device must support Bluetooth Smart 4.0 low energy technology.

Battery

The Spike device has an Internal Li-ion battery that is charged via a micro USB charging port (a USB cable is included in the box with Spike). Battery life is 4 hours of continuous use.

Laser

Spike’s eye safe laser rangefinder supports ranges between 6-650 feet (2-200 meters). The accuracy of Spike’s laser rangefinder is ± 5cm (2in)

Accuracy

The accuracy of Spike’s laser rangefinder is ± 5cm (2in); the accuracy of Photo Measurements is ± 1% (if positioned perpendicular to the target); and the accuracy of Point-to-Point Measurements is ± 3%​.

Units

Spike supports measurements in feet + inches, inches, meters, or centimeters. Unit settings may be changed at any time via the Spike app settings.

Output Formats

Measurements are stored with the photo and can be shared as a PDF, JPG, Spike File (XML), or KMZ. For Android devices only, additional output includes HMTL. The Spike File is a compressed .ZIP file, which contains the Spike photos and XML file with measurement and location data.

Of course! Use the links below to download the Spike User Manual in English, German, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

ikeGPS the makers of Spike have partnered with Esri to integrate with their ArcGIS Survey123 app. 

To ensure proper Spike functionality with ArcGIS Survey123, please refer to the Quick Start Notes, Support Documents, and direct links to the Esri site for Survey123 use.

Quick Start Notes for use of Spike with ArcGIS Survey123

• An Esri ArcGIS Online subscription or account is required in order to access Survey123.
• Download the Survey123 app onto your mobile device from the iOS App Store or the Android Google Play Store.
  For more information see Esri Survey123 Resources: Launch and Downloads
• Ensure your Spike app is up to date.
  
• Bluetooth connect Spike inside Spike app before opening Survey123 app
• If you are using Spike to collect GPS points be sure to calibrate the compass within the Spike app

Links for Esri and ArcGIS Survey123 

• Esri Technical Support
  • Find answers and connect with ArcGIS experts
• Survey123 for ArcGIS
  • Accurate Field Data Collection Made Easy
    Replace unreliable paper-based data collection with a trustworthy digital solution that fits the needs of field personnel in diverse environments.
• Survey123 for ArcGIS: Knowledgebase
  • Reference
  • How to create Surveys
  • Get Answers: FAQ’s
  • Analyze Results
• Survey123 How to Measure objects using Spike
  • To learn how to add Spike supported questions to your own survey see Appearances and Media.

Links to ikeGPS Survey123 Support Documents

• Sample Spike Survey123 Form in xls format DOWNLOAD for collecting Spike Data
• How to Collect Spike Data from Survey123
  
  For further information on using Survey123 and the Spike functionality with your Survey123 forms, please see Esri’s complete technical reference information.