> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://withforerunner.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Location sharing

> Share your location with teammates for coordination and safety

Location sharing lets your teammates see where you are while working in the field. This helps with team coordination, safety monitoring, and efficient task assignment. Your location is only shared when you explicitly enable it.

## How location sharing works

When location sharing is enabled:

1. The app tracks your GPS position while you're using the map
2. Your location updates every 15 seconds and sends to the server
3. Teammates with access can see your position on the map
4. Location history is stored so managers can review where team members have been

Location sharing requires:

* Location permissions granted on your device
* Location sharing enabled in the app settings
* The map to be open and your location displayed
* An internet connection (locations aren't shared when offline)

<Note>
  Your location is only tracked when the app is open and you're actively using the map with location display enabled. The app does not track your location in the background.
</Note>

## Enable location sharing

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Tap the **Settings** tab in the bottom navigation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to Location Sharing">
    Find and tap **Location Sharing** in the settings list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable the toggle">
    Tap the toggle to turn on location sharing. If prompted, grant location permissions.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Once enabled, your location shares automatically whenever you have the map open with your location displayed.

## Grant location permissions

The app needs location permission from your device to share your position:

### If prompted when enabling

When you turn on location sharing, the app may request permission. Tap **Allow While Using App** (iOS) or **Allow** (Android) to grant access.

### If previously denied

If you previously denied location permission:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open device settings">
    Go to your device's Settings app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find Forerunner">
    Navigate to the Forerunner app in your privacy or app settings.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable location access">
    Set location permission to **While Using the App** or equivalent.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Return to the app">
    Go back to Forerunner and try enabling location sharing again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  The app shows a helpful message if location permissions aren't granted. Tap the message to go directly to your device's settings.
</Tip>

## Disable location sharing

To stop sharing your location:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Tap the **Settings** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to Location Sharing">
    Tap **Location Sharing**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn off the toggle">
    Tap the toggle to disable sharing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Your location immediately stops being sent to the server. Teammates will no longer see your current position on the map.

## View your location on the map

To see your own position while working:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Map tab">
    Tap the **Map** tab in the bottom navigation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap the location button">
    Find the location button (navigation icon) in the map controls.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Center on your position">
    The map centers on your current GPS location, shown as a blue dot.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Location button states

The location button shows different states:

| State         | Appearance        | Meaning                                                    |
| ------------- | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Off**       | Gray, crossed out | Location display is off                                    |
| **Showing**   | Gray, normal      | Your location is displayed but the map isn't following you |
| **Following** | Blue, filled      | The map automatically centers on your location as you move |

### Toggle following mode

* **First tap** (from off): Enables location display and following
* **Second tap** (while following): Keeps display on, but stops auto-centering
* **Third tap** (while showing): Turns off location display

When following is enabled, the map automatically pans to keep your position centered. If you manually pan the map, following automatically turns off so you can explore other areas.

## How teammates see your location

When you have location sharing enabled:

* Your position appears on the map for teammates with access
* Your location updates approximately every 15 seconds
* Teammates see your device name and last updated time
* Managers can view location history for coordination and reporting

## When location is shared

Location sharing only occurs when all of these are true:

| Condition              | Requirement                                          |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Permission**         | Location permission granted on your device           |
| **Setting**            | Location sharing enabled in app settings             |
| **Map active**         | Map tab is open                                      |
| **Location displayed** | Your location is shown on the map (blue dot visible) |
| **Online**             | Device has internet connectivity                     |

If any condition isn't met, your location isn't sent to the server.

## Offline behavior

When you're offline:

* Your location still displays on the map for your own reference
* Location updates are **not** sent to the server
* Teammates won't see your current position
* When you reconnect, location sharing resumes automatically

<Note>
  Location sharing automatically pauses when offline and resumes when you're back online. You don't need to re-enable it.
</Note>

## Use cases for location sharing

### Team coordination

* Dispatchers can see where field team members are working
* Assign tasks to the nearest available team member
* Coordinate coverage across a service area
* Avoid sending multiple people to the same location

### Safety

* Know where team members are during severe weather
* Confirm team members are in safe areas
* Track last known location if someone is unresponsive
* Provide location context during emergency calls

### Efficiency

* Plan routes based on where team members already are
* See who's closest to an urgent request
* Understand daily coverage patterns
* Reduce drive time by better distributing work

## Privacy considerations

Your location data is handled with care:

* Location is only shared when you explicitly enable it
* You can disable sharing at any time
* Location is only tracked while the app is actively in use
* Background tracking is not performed
* Only team members with appropriate access can see your location
* Location history retention is managed by your organization's policies

<Tip>
  If you need privacy while working, simply turn off location sharing in Settings. You can turn it back on at any time.
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My location isn't showing on the map">
    **Possible causes:**

    * Location permission not granted
    * Location services disabled on device
    * GPS signal is weak

    **Solutions:**

    * Check Forerunner's location permissions in device settings
    * Enable location services (GPS) on your device
    * Move to an open area with clear sky view
    * Tap the location button to enable location display
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Location sharing toggle is disabled">
    **Why this happens:** Location permission must be granted before sharing can be enabled.

    **Solution:**

    * Grant location permission when prompted, or
    * Go to device settings and enable location for Forerunner
    * Return to the app and try again
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Teammates can't see my location">
    **Possible causes:**

    * Location sharing is disabled
    * You're offline
    * Location isn't displayed on your map
    * Permission or access issues on their end

    **Solutions:**

    * Verify location sharing is enabled in Settings
    * Check your internet connection
    * Ensure your location (blue dot) is visible on your map
    * Confirm teammates have access to view team locations
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Location updates seem delayed">
    **Why this happens:** Location updates are sent every 15 seconds to balance accuracy with battery and data usage.

    **What to expect:**

    * Updates occur approximately every 15 seconds
    * There may be brief delays over slow connections
    * This is normal behavior, not an error
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Location is inaccurate">
    **Possible causes:**

    * Weak GPS signal
    * Indoors or in an area with obstructions
    * Device GPS hardware limitations

    **Solutions:**

    * Move to an open area with clear sky view
    * Wait a moment for GPS to acquire a better fix
    * GPS accuracy is typically within 5-10 meters in good conditions
    * Accuracy improves outdoors away from tall buildings
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Battery is draining quickly">
    **Why this happens:** GPS and continuous location updates use battery power.

    **Solutions:**

    * Disable location sharing when not needed
    * Close the app when not actively using it
    * Carry a portable charger for full-day field work
    * Reduce screen brightness to conserve battery
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related documentation

* [Getting started with mobile](/mobile/getting-started) - Initial app setup and permissions
* [Using maps on mobile](/mobile/using-maps) - Map navigation and features
* [Offline mode](/mobile/offline-mode) - Working without connectivity