> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://codifi-fdm.gitbook.io/codifi-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://codifi-fdm.gitbook.io/codifi-docs/mobile-app/mapping-locations.md).

# Mapping & GIS

A Field Technician's Guide to Working with Maps, GPS, and Location Data

### Welcome

This guide is designed to help you feel confident using the map features in the Codifi mobile app. Whether you're marking a single inspection point, tracing a fence line, or outlining a work area, this guide walks you through everything step by step.

**Use the page navigation in the** :point\_left: **left side-bar** to look at the different sections of this guide. Below is a distilled version of the most important parts of your mapping workflow

***

### Quick Start Essentials

Read this section first, then explore the detailed sections when you need them.

#### Before You Leave the Office

| Task                                                                                        | Why It Matters                              | How Long              |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- | --------------------- |
| **Download offline maps**                                                                   | No maps = blank map screen in the field     | 2-5 minutes           |
| **Test connect external GPS** (if you have one, and are required to use it on your Project) | Better accuracy than your iPad/iPhone's GPS | 2-3 minutes           |
| **Charge everything**                                                                       | Heavy GPS use drains batteries faster       | Variable, plan ahead! |

{% hint style="info" %}
To download offline maps: Open your Project → Tap the Project's name in the header → Tap the Offline Map Areas button (green 3-fold map icon) → Tap "Download Offline Areas"<br>
{% endhint %}

#### The Three Ways to Capture Location

For more details read [Capturing Locations](/codifi-docs/mobile-app/mapping-locations/creating-new-records-with-locations.md)

| Method               | Example of when to use it                                     | Key Steps                                                                                                                |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **GPS Capture**      | You're standing at the exact spot, or walking a line/boundary | <p>Tap Record → Draw button → Toggle GPS on → Commit<br><br>(for onboard and bluetooth GPS receivers)</p>                |
| **Manual Placement** | You can see the spot on the map but can't reach it            | <p>In Draw Mode, toggle Manual → Tap Add Point → Commit<br><br>(alternatively for lines and polygons you can sketch)</p> |
| **Coordinate Entry** | You have exact coordinates (from a survey, document, etc.)    | Open Location Panel → Use coordinate search/entry fields                                                                 |

#### Live Data Bar

For more details read [https://gitlab.com/codifilab/codifi-docs/-/tree/gitbook/mobile-app/mapping-locations/understanding-the-live-data-bar.md](https://gitlab.com/codifilab/codifi-docs/-/tree/gitbook/mobile-app/mapping-locations/understanding-the-live-data-bar.md "mention")

<figure><img src="https://3544178300-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJ8P3pqhxdFwQkIOjOUut%2Fuploads%2FcEVBq99TlgOHAD29s7KC%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=38a78e0a-d7db-484c-86f6-db6a4b98a900" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**The two things to always check:**

1. **GPS Source** — Should show your external GPS name (if using one), not "iPad GPS"
2. **Accuracy** — Lower numbers mean better precision. Wait if it's unusually high.

#### GPS Quality: What the Colors Mean

| GPS Indicator Color | What to Do                                     |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| **Gray/Black**      | Good to go — capture your location             |
| **Orange**          | Wait a few seconds — signal is refreshing      |
| **Red**             | Check your GPS device — connection may be lost |

**Accuracy Colors in Draw Mode**

| Accuracy Dot Color | What It Means                         |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------- |
| Green              | ≤2m; Excellent Accuracy               |
| Yellow             | 2-5m; Good Accuracy                   |
| Orange             | 5-10m; Fair Accuracy                  |
| Red                | >10m; Poor Accuracy, consider waiting |
| Gray               | Manual Placement (no GPS)             |

#### Quick Fixes for Common Issues

| Problem                                       | Quick Fix                                                                      |
| --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Map is blank**                              | You're offline without downloaded maps. Download when you have internet.       |
| **GPS shows "iPad GPS" instead of my device** | Tap GPS source → Find your device → Tap **⋯** → **"Use as Favorite GPS"**      |
| **Accuracy number is high (bad)**             | Wait 30-60 seconds for GPS to settle, or move away from buildings/trees        |
| **Can't find my Records**                     | Check if filters are on (badge on filter button). Tap Filter → **"Clear All"** |
| **Made a mistake while drawing**              | Tap **"Undo"** to remove last point, or **red X** to start over                |

***

*That's the quick version! Read the other pages for detailed explanations of each feature.*

*This guide covers the map features as of January 2025. Your organization may have customized certain features. Contact your administrator if you have questions about your specific Project setup.*

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