> ## 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.

# Offline mode

> Work without connectivity and sync data when you're back online

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.

## 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.

## Download offline map packs

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open offline maps">
    Go to **Settings** > **Offline Maps** to see available and downloaded packs.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the download">
    Tap **Download** to begin. A progress indicator shows download status.

    <Tip>
      Download over Wi-Fi for faster downloads and to avoid cellular data charges. Offline packs are capped at 10MB to maintain reliable performance on mobile devices.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for processing">
    After downloading, the pack may show "Processing" status while the server prepares the data. This usually takes a few minutes.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the download">
    Once complete, the pack status shows **Ready**. Navigate to the area on the map to confirm everything loaded correctly.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What's included in offline packs

Each offline pack contains:

| Data type         | What's included                                  |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| **Base maps**     | Map tiles for navigation and reference           |
| **Properties**    | All properties within the pack boundary          |
| **Parcels**       | Parcel boundaries and basic parcel data          |
| **FIRM data**     | Flood zone boundaries and designations           |
| **Custom layers** | Any custom map layers configured for offline use |
| **Tasks**         | Tasks assigned to you within the pack area       |
| **Record types**  | Form definitions for creating records offline    |

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

## Enabling custom basemap imagery for offline mode

By default, offline packs include Forerunner's standard satellite and streets base maps. If your account has custom aerial imagery or other custom base maps configured, a manager can turn them on for offline use so field teams see the same imagery offline as they do online.

Offline imagery has to be configured at the account level before custom aerial layers can show up in the field. Only manager-level users can enable it from base map settings. Once it's turned on for a base map, the imagery is included in every offline pack downloaded after that point.

### Turning on offline use for a base map

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open base map settings">
    In the web app, go to **Settings → Data → Base Maps**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Switch on 'Available offline'">
    Find the base map you want available offline and switch on the **Available offline** toggle.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm image rights">
    For imagery from outside providers, a dialog asks you to confirm you have rights to cache it offline before continuing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for processing">
    The job appears in the **Recent imports** section at the bottom of the page with a "Processing" status. Depending on the size of your coverage area, this can take a few minutes to a few hours.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Have your team re-sync their offline packs">
    Once the job finishes with a Success status, ask anyone using the mobile app in the field to re-sync their offline pack so the new imagery is on their device.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Keeping imagery current

Offline base map tilesets refresh automatically **once per quarter** (on the first of January, April, July, and October). Each refresh re-pulls the latest tiles from the source and replaces the previous offline copy — the next offline pack a user downloads picks up the new tiles. If you need an update sooner, trigger a manual refresh from the actions menu on the base map's row in **Settings → Data → Base Maps**.

You can monitor refresh and enable jobs in the **Recent imports** section at the bottom of the Base Maps settings page, which shows status (Processing, Success, or Error), timestamps, and any error message. A manual refresh often resolves transient errors; for repeated failures, reach out to your Customer Success Manager.

<Tip>
  After any refresh — quarterly or manual — your field team needs to re-sync their offline packs to see the updated imagery on their devices.
</Tip>

## Manage offline packs

### 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

### Update a pack

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open offline maps">
    Go to **Settings** > **Offline Maps**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the expired pack">
    Packs approaching expiration show a warning. Expired packs show "Expired" status.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap Update">
    Download the latest version of the pack. This replaces the existing data with fresh information from the server.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Switch active packs

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open offline maps">
    Go to **Settings** > **Offline Maps**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a different pack">
    Tap the pack you want to use. The app switches your active offline area.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Delete a pack

To free up device storage:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open offline maps">
    Go to **Settings** > **Offline Maps**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the pack to delete">
    Locate the pack you no longer need.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Delete the pack">
    Swipe left on the pack and tap **Delete**, or tap the pack and select **Delete**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

## Create data offline

When offline, you can create:

### 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.

### 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.

### 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.

## Capture photos offline

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open a record form">
    Navigate to a property and start creating a record.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap a photo field">
    In the form, tap any document or photo upload field.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Capture or select">
    Choose **Take Photo** to use your camera, or **Choose from Library** to select an existing photo.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and confirm">
    The photo appears in the form. You can remove it and try again if needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the record">
    Complete the form and tap **Submit**. The photo is stored locally with the record.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

## Sync your work

### 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.

### 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

### Sync status indicators

The app shows sync status for your offline work:

| Status        | Meaning                          |
| ------------- | -------------------------------- |
| **Pending**   | Created offline, waiting to sync |
| **Uploading** | Currently syncing to the server  |
| **Synced**    | Successfully uploaded            |
| **Failed**    | Sync encountered an error        |

## 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

<Note>
  To minimize conflicts, coordinate with team members about who's editing which properties when multiple people work in the same area.
</Note>

## Offline limitations

Some features require an internet connection:

| Feature                           | Offline status        |
| --------------------------------- | --------------------- |
| Download new offline packs        | Requires connection   |
| Search for users                  | Not available offline |
| View data outside your pack area  | Not available offline |
| See real-time updates from others | Syncs when online     |
| Share your location with team     | Requires connection   |
| Sign out                          | Requires connection   |
| Switch accounts                   | Requires connection   |

## 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.

## Offline best practices

**Download packs on Wi-Fi** - 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.

## Storage management

Offline data uses device storage:

### Check storage usage

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

### 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

### 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.

## Troubleshooting offline mode

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My offline pack won't download">
    **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"
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I can't see properties outside my offline area">
    **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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My offline data isn't syncing">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The app shows 'Slow connection' but I have signal">
    **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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My offline pack expired">
    **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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I created data offline but it shows 'Failed' status">
    **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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The Download button is disabled">
    **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.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related documentation

* [Getting started with mobile](/mobile/getting-started) - Initial app setup and configuration
* [Collecting field data](/mobile/collecting-data) - Creating records and capturing photos
* [Using tasks on mobile](/tasks/mobile-tasks) - Task management in the field
* [Troubleshooting](/mobile/troubleshooting) - Resolve common mobile app issues