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The map is the primary interface for the Forerunner mobile app. Use it to find properties, view flood data, navigate between locations, and access records and tasks.

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Pan and zoom

  • Pan - Drag with one finger to move around the map
  • Zoom in - Pinch outward with two fingers or double-tap
  • Zoom out - Pinch inward with two fingers
  • Reset view - Tap the location button to center on your current position

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Center on your location

1

Tap the location button

Find the location button (target icon) in the map controls.
2

Grant permission if prompted

If this is your first time, allow location access when prompted.
3

View your position

The map centers on your current GPS location, shown as a blue dot.
Your location updates continuously while using the app. The blue dot moves as you move, helping you navigate to properties in the field.

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Find properties

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Search by address

1

Tap the search icon

Find the search icon (magnifying glass) in the map controls or header.
2

Enter an address

Type the property address. Results appear as you type.
3

Select a result

Tap the matching address to navigate to that location. The map centers on the property.

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Tap to select

Tap any property marker on the map to open its info panel. In dense areas, pinch to zoom in first so you can accurately select the correct property.

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Select from parcels

If you don’t see a property marker:
1

Tap the parcel

Tap on a parcel boundary (the outlined area).
2

View parcel info

The parcel info panel shows parcel details and any associated properties.
3

Select a property

If properties exist on the parcel, tap one to open its info panel.
4

Create if needed

If no property exists, you can create one from the parcel context menu.

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Work with map layers

Map layers let you see different types of data overlaid on the base map.

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Toggle layers

1

Open layer controls

Tap the layers icon (stacked squares) in the map controls.
2

View available layers

See all layers available for your community, grouped by type.
3

Toggle visibility

Tap a layer to turn it on or off. A checkmark indicates the layer is visible.
4

Close layer controls

Tap outside the layer panel or tap the layers icon again.

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Available layer types

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Layer visibility in offline mode

When offline, you can only see layers included in your downloaded offline pack:
  • Properties, parcels, and FIRM data from your pack area are available
  • Custom layers may have limited offline availability
  • Layers outside your pack boundary show no data

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Use the measure tool

Measure distances and features directly on the map:
1

Open the measure tool

Tap the ruler icon in the map controls to activate measuring mode.
2

Tap your first point

Tap on the map where you want to start measuring.
3

Tap additional points

Tap each subsequent point. The distance displays as you add points.
4

View measurements

The total distance shows in the measurement panel. For raster measurements, elevation data may also display.
5

Exit measure mode

Tap the close button or tap the ruler icon again to stop measuring.

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View property details

When you tap a property, the info panel slides up with:

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Property information

  • Address and location
  • Property ID
  • Parcel association
  • Any active warnings

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Quick actions

  • Records - View and create records
  • Tasks - View and create tasks
  • Files - View uploaded documents
  • View details - See full property information
  • Directions - Open turn-by-turn directions in your device’s maps app
  • Share - Share the property location

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View FIRM flood data

Access flood zone information for any location:
1

Enable the FIRM layer

Open layer controls and enable FIRM data if it’s not already visible.
2

View flood zones

Flood zones appear as colored overlays on the map. Different colors indicate different zone designations.
3

Tap for details

Tap on a flood zone area to see the zone designation and additional FIRM data.

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Flood zone colors

The FIRM layer uses standard colors for flood zone visualization:
  • Blue - Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA)
  • Orange - Moderate flood hazard areas
  • Yellow - Minimal flood hazard areas
FIRM data display depends on your community’s data configuration. Not all communities have FIRM data loaded in Forerunner.

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Map settings and preferences

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Change base map style

Some communities offer multiple base map styles:
1

Open layer controls

Tap the layers icon.
2

Find base map options

Look for base map or style options at the bottom of the layer panel.
3

Select a style

Tap to switch between available styles (street, satellite, terrain).

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Adjust map behavior

The map automatically:
  • Rotates to match your device orientation (can be locked)
  • Adjusts detail level based on zoom
  • Shows/hides labels based on zoom level

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Offline map usage

When offline, the map uses data from your downloaded pack:

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What works offline

  • Pan and zoom within your pack area
  • View properties, parcels, and FIRM data
  • Toggle layers included in the pack
  • Measure distances
  • Create and edit properties
  • Access records and tasks

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What requires connectivity

  • Searching for addresses outside your pack area
  • Viewing areas outside your pack boundary
  • Downloading new offline packs
Forerunner’s standard satellite and streets base maps work offline by default. Custom aerial imagery and other custom base maps only work offline if a manager has enabled them for offline use — see Make aerial imagery available offline.
Outside your offline pack area, the map shows blank or limited data. Download packs for all areas where you’ll be working.

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Share your location

The app can share your location with team members for coordination:
1

Open Settings

Go to the Settings tab.
2

Find Location Sharing

Look for Location Sharing or Location preferences.
3

Enable sharing

Toggle location sharing on for this device.
4

View team locations

When enabled, you can see team members’ locations on the map (if they’re also sharing).
Location sharing requires an internet connection. Your location won’t broadcast while offline, but resumes automatically when you reconnect.

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Map troubleshooting

Why this happens: You’re outside your offline pack area, or the pack hasn’t downloaded correctly.Solutions:
  • Check that you’re within your offline pack boundary
  • Download or update your offline pack
  • Connect to the internet to view areas outside your pack
Why this happens: Location permissions may be denied, or GPS is unavailable.Solutions:
  • Check Forerunner’s location permissions in device settings
  • Enable location services on your device
  • Move to an area with better GPS reception
Why this happens: Layers may not be included in your offline pack, or there’s no data for that layer in your area.Solutions:
  • Verify the layer is enabled in layer controls
  • Check that the layer is included in your offline pack
  • Connect to the internet to access all layers
Why this happens: Too many layers enabled, or the device is low on resources.Solutions:
  • Turn off layers you don’t currently need
  • Close other apps running in the background
  • Restart the Forerunner app
Why this happens: The property may not exist yet, or it’s outside your offline pack.Solutions:
  • Search by address while connected to verify the property exists
  • Check that your offline pack covers the area
  • Create the property if it doesn’t exist