> ## 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.

# Using maps on mobile

> Navigate, view layers, and find properties with the mobile map

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.

## Navigate the map

### 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

### Center on your location

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

  <Step title="Grant permission if prompted">
    If this is your first time, allow location access when prompted.
  </Step>

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

<Tip>
  Your location updates continuously while using the app. The blue dot moves as you move, helping you navigate to properties in the field.
</Tip>

## Find properties

### Search by address

<Steps>
  <Step title="Tap the search icon">
    Find the search icon (magnifying glass) in the map controls or header.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter an address">
    Type the property address. Results appear as you type.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a result">
    Tap the matching address to navigate to that location. The map centers on the property.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 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.

### Select from parcels

If you don't see a property marker:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Tap the parcel">
    Tap on a parcel boundary (the outlined area).
  </Step>

  <Step title="View parcel info">
    The parcel info panel shows parcel details and any associated properties.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a property">
    If properties exist on the parcel, tap one to open its info panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create if needed">
    If no property exists, you can create one from the parcel context menu.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Work with map layers

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

### Toggle layers

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open layer controls">
    Tap the layers icon (stacked squares) in the map controls.
  </Step>

  <Step title="View available layers">
    See all layers available for your community, grouped by type.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Toggle visibility">
    Tap a layer to turn it on or off. A checkmark indicates the layer is visible.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Close layer controls">
    Tap outside the layer panel or tap the layers icon again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Available layer types

| Layer type            | What it shows                               |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Properties**        | Property markers with status indicators     |
| **Parcels**           | Parcel boundaries and outlines              |
| **FIRM data**         | FEMA flood zone boundaries and designations |
| **Custom maps**       | Your community's custom map layers          |
| **Saved views**       | Pre-configured map views                    |
| **Cross-sections**    | Elevation cross-section lines               |
| **Baseline profiles** | Reference elevation profiles                |
| **Panels**            | FIRM map panel boundaries                   |

### 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

<Note>
  Your administrator configures which layers are included in offline packs. If you need a layer offline that isn't available, contact your administrator.
</Note>

## Use the measure tool

Measure distances and features directly on the map:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the measure tool">
    Tap the ruler icon in the map controls to activate measuring mode.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap your first point">
    Tap on the map where you want to start measuring.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap additional points">
    Tap each subsequent point. The distance displays as you add points.
  </Step>

  <Step title="View measurements">
    The total distance shows in the measurement panel. For raster measurements, elevation data may also display.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Exit measure mode">
    Tap the close button or tap the ruler icon again to stop measuring.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## View property details

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

### Property information

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

### Quick actions

* **Records** - View and create records
* **Tasks** - View and create tasks
* **Files** - View uploaded documents
* **View details** - See full property information

### Navigation options

* **Directions** - Open turn-by-turn directions in your device's maps app
* **Share** - Share the property location

## View FIRM flood data

Access flood zone information for any location:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable the FIRM layer">
    Open layer controls and enable FIRM data if it's not already visible.
  </Step>

  <Step title="View flood zones">
    Flood zones appear as colored overlays on the map. Different colors indicate different zone designations.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap for details">
    Tap on a flood zone area to see the zone designation and additional FIRM data.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 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

<Note>
  FIRM data display depends on your community's data configuration. Not all communities have FIRM data loaded in Forerunner.
</Note>

## Map settings and preferences

### Change base map style

Some communities offer multiple base map styles:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open layer controls">
    Tap the layers icon.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find base map options">
    Look for base map or style options at the bottom of the layer panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a style">
    Tap to switch between available styles (street, satellite, terrain).
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 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

## Offline map usage

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

### 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

### What requires connectivity

* Searching for addresses outside your pack area
* Viewing areas outside your pack boundary
* Downloading new offline packs

<Note>
  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](/mobile/offline-mode#make-aerial-imagery-available-offline).
</Note>

<Warning>
  Outside your offline pack area, the map shows blank or limited data. Download packs for all areas where you'll be working.
</Warning>

## Share your location

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Go to the Settings tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find Location Sharing">
    Look for Location Sharing or Location preferences.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable sharing">
    Toggle location sharing on for this device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="View team locations">
    When enabled, you can see team members' locations on the map (if they're also sharing).
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Location sharing requires an internet connection. Your location won't broadcast while offline, but resumes automatically when you reconnect.
</Note>

## Map troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The map is blank or shows limited data">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My location isn't showing">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Layers aren't displaying">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The map is slow or laggy">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I can't find a property I'm looking for">
    **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
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related documentation

* [Offline mode](/mobile/offline-mode) - Download maps and work without connectivity
* [Collecting field data](/mobile/collecting-data) - Create records from map locations
* [Getting started with mobile](/mobile/getting-started) - Initial app setup