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The Forerunner mobile app is built for field work where internet connectivity is unreliable or unavailable. Offline mode lets you download map data before heading out, then create properties, submit records, and complete tasks without a connection. Your work automatically syncs when you’re back online.

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How offline mode works

Offline mode uses a download-first approach:
  1. Download offline packs - While connected, download map packs containing properties, parcels, and map layers for your work area
  2. Work offline - In the field, create and edit data without connectivity. Everything saves locally to your device.
  3. Automatic sync - When you reconnect, the app automatically uploads your changes to Forerunner
The app continuously monitors your connection status and displays an indicator when you’re offline. You can work normally—the only difference is that data syncs later instead of immediately.

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Download offline map packs

Offline packs contain everything you need to work in a specific area:
1

Open offline maps

Go to Settings > Offline Maps to see available and downloaded packs.
2

Select your area

If a pack is available for your work area, you’ll see it listed. Your administrator configures which areas are available as offline packs.
3

Start the download

Tap Download to begin. A progress indicator shows download status.
Download over Wi-Fi. Offline packs can be large (hundreds of megabytes) depending on the area size and data density.
4

Wait for processing

After downloading, the pack may show “Processing” status while the server prepares the data. This usually takes a few minutes.
5

Verify the download

Once complete, the pack status shows Ready. Navigate to the area on the map to confirm everything loaded correctly.

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What’s included in offline packs

Each offline pack contains:
Data typeWhat’s included
Base mapsMap tiles for navigation and reference
PropertiesAll properties within the pack boundary
ParcelsParcel boundaries and basic parcel data
FIRM dataFlood zone boundaries and designations
Custom layersAny custom map layers configured for offline use
TasksTasks assigned to you within the pack area
Record typesForm definitions for creating records offline
Offline packs only include data within their geographic boundary. If you need to work in multiple areas, download packs for each area before heading out.

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Manage offline packs

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View pack status

In Settings > Offline Maps, each pack shows:
  • Ready - Downloaded and available for offline use
  • Processing - Server is preparing the pack
  • Expired - Pack is older than 15 days and needs refresh
  • Download available - Pack hasn’t been downloaded yet

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Update a pack

Offline packs expire after 15 days to ensure you have current data. To update:
1

Open offline maps

Go to Settings > Offline Maps.
2

Find the expired pack

Packs approaching expiration show a warning. Expired packs show “Expired” status.
3

Tap Update

Download the latest version of the pack. This replaces the existing data with fresh information from the server.

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Switch active packs

If you have multiple packs downloaded, only one can be active at a time:
1

Open offline maps

Go to Settings > Offline Maps.
2

Select a different pack

Tap the pack you want to use. The app switches your active offline area.

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Delete a pack

To free up device storage:
1

Open offline maps

Go to Settings > Offline Maps.
2

Find the pack to delete

Locate the pack you no longer need.
3

Delete the pack

Swipe left on the pack and tap Delete, or tap the pack and select Delete.
Deleting a pack removes all offline data for that area. You won’t be able to view or work with properties in that area while offline until you download the pack again.

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Create data offline

When offline, you can create:

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Properties

Create new properties from your current GPS location or by entering coordinates:
  1. Tap on the map where you want to create a property
  2. Select Create property
  3. Fill in the property details
  4. Tap Save
The property saves locally with a “Pending sync” indicator. When you reconnect, it uploads to Forerunner and receives a permanent ID.

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Records

Submit records using any record type included in your offline pack:
  1. Open a property’s detail panel
  2. Tap Records and select Add record
  3. Choose the record type
  4. Fill out the form fields
  5. Attach photos or documents
  6. Tap Submit
The record saves locally and syncs when you’re back online.

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Tasks

Create and update tasks while offline:
  1. Navigate to a property or custom object
  2. Tap Tasks and select Add task
  3. Fill in task details
  4. Tap Save
Task status changes (To do → In progress → Complete) also save offline and sync later.

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Capture photos offline

Photos captured while offline are stored on your device until sync:
1

Open a record form

Navigate to a property and start creating a record.
2

Tap a photo field

In the form, tap any document or photo upload field.
3

Capture or select

Choose Take Photo to use your camera, or Choose from Library to select an existing photo.
4

Review and confirm

The photo appears in the form. You can remove it and try again if needed.
5

Submit the record

Complete the form and tap Submit. The photo is stored locally with the record.
Photos and documents can be large. If you’re capturing many photos while offline, ensure your device has sufficient storage before heading to the field.

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Sync your work

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Automatic sync

The app automatically syncs when you reconnect to the internet:
  • The app detects connectivity and begins uploading pending data
  • A sync indicator shows upload progress
  • You receive confirmation when sync completes
Automatic sync starts after you’ve been online for a few minutes, allowing the connection to stabilize.

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Manual sync

To trigger sync immediately:
  1. Pull down on any list (task list, property records) to refresh
  2. The app attempts to sync pending data and download any updates

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Sync status indicators

The app shows sync status for your offline work:
StatusMeaning
PendingCreated offline, waiting to sync
UploadingCurrently syncing to the server
SyncedSuccessfully uploaded
FailedSync encountered an error

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Handle sync conflicts

The mobile app uses a last-write-wins approach for sync:
  • Your offline changes overwrite any changes made to the same data on the web while you were offline
  • If you and another user both edit the same property offline, the last person to sync “wins”
  • The app doesn’t merge changes—it replaces server data with your offline version
To minimize conflicts, coordinate with team members about who’s editing which properties when multiple people work in the same area.

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Offline limitations

Some features require an internet connection:
FeatureOffline status
Download new offline packsRequires connection
Search for usersNot available offline
View data outside your pack areaNot available offline
See real-time updates from othersSyncs when online
Share your location with teamRequires connection
Sign outRequires connection
Switch accountsRequires connection

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Monitor connectivity

The app displays your connection status:
  • Green indicator - Connected to the internet
  • Yellow indicator - Slow or unstable connection
  • Red indicator / “Offline” - No internet connection
When the connection is slow, the app may behave as if offline to avoid partial uploads or timeouts.

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Offline best practices

Download packs on Wi-Fi - Offline packs can be large. Downloading on Wi-Fi avoids cellular data charges and is faster. Update packs before they expire - Packs expire after 15 days. Set a reminder to refresh your packs weekly if you work in the field regularly. Check pack coverage before leaving - Verify your offline pack covers your entire work area. Areas outside the pack boundary won’t have offline data. Sync before starting new work - When you arrive at a site with connectivity, let the app sync first. This uploads pending data and downloads any recent changes from the web. Monitor storage - Offline packs and pending uploads consume device storage. Keep at least 500 MB free for smooth operation. Charge your device - GPS and offline operations can drain battery faster. Bring a charger or battery pack for full-day field work. Test offline before relying on it - Before critical field work, test offline mode while still near connectivity. Create a test record offline, then verify it syncs correctly.

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Storage management

Offline data uses device storage:

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Check storage usage

Go to your device’s Settings > Storage to see how much space Forerunner uses.

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Clear offline data

If storage is low:
  1. Delete unnecessary offline packs in Settings > Offline Maps
  2. Ensure all pending data has synced before clearing
  3. Re-download only the packs you currently need

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Failed uploads

If a sync fails repeatedly, the app stores failed data as a backup file. This prevents data loss but consumes storage. Contact support if you see persistent sync failures.

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Troubleshooting offline mode

Possible causes:
  • Insufficient device storage (need at least 500 MB free)
  • Weak or unstable internet connection
  • Server is still processing the pack
Solutions:
  • Free up device storage by deleting unused apps or files
  • Connect to a stronger Wi-Fi network
  • Wait a few minutes and try again if the pack shows “Processing”
Why this happens: Offline packs only include data within their geographic boundary. Properties outside this area aren’t downloaded.Solution: Download additional offline packs for other areas, or wait until you’re online to view properties outside your current pack.
Possible causes:
  • No internet connection (check the connectivity indicator)
  • Connection is too slow or unstable
  • Server error during upload
Solutions:
  • Verify you have a stable internet connection
  • Pull down to refresh and trigger manual sync
  • Move to an area with better connectivity
  • Wait a few minutes and try again
  • If syncing continues to fail, contact support
Why this happens: The app tests actual data transfer speed, not just signal strength. Your connection may have signal but limited bandwidth.Solution: The app automatically works in offline mode when the connection is too slow. Move to an area with better connectivity, or continue working offline and sync later.
Why this happens: Packs expire after 15 days to ensure data freshness.Solution: Connect to the internet and update the pack in Settings > Offline Maps. The updated pack includes the latest property data and any new tasks.
Why this happens: The upload encountered an error—possibly a field issue, permission problem, or server error.Solutions:
  • Tap the failed item to see error details
  • Verify all required fields are filled
  • Check that you have permission to create that type of data
  • Try syncing again with a stable connection
  • If the issue persists, the app backs up failed data. Contact support for help recovering it.
Why this happens: You can only download offline packs while connected to the internet.Solution: Connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data, then return to Settings > Offline Maps to download.