What is the Location Editor?
The Location Editor allows you to create points, lines, and polygons in two ways: by tapping directly on the map (default) or by using 'Target Mode' to pan and zoom the map under a fixed target, similar to the legacy experience. This allows you to choose the optimal method for your workflows.
How do I switch between the two modes?
To switch between 'Target Mode' and 'Tap Mode', follow these steps:
By default, 'Target Mode' is on. Fulcrum will remember your preference on an app-by-app basis.
Access Map Settings: From the map view, tap the three-dot menu in the bottom sheet to open the 'Map Settings' view.
Toggle Target Mode:
Turn the toggle on to activate 'Target Mode'.
Turn the toggle off to return to 'Tap Mode'.
How do I edit my location?
Select Geometry Type: Tap the geometry selector to choose between points, lines, or polygons. Select a geometry type to close the menu.
This requires Advanced Geometry to be enabled on the app.
Manual Edit Lat/Long: For points only. Tap the Edit button in the bottom bar next to the coordinates to open a window where you can manually update the latitude and longitude values.
In 'Tap Mode' (default):
Add Points: Tap directly on the map to add points.
Point Mode: Tap anywhere on the map to move your point to a new location. Long-pressing activates a magnifier that shows a zoomed-in view beneath your finger for more precise placement.
Line or Polygon Mode: Tap on the map to extend your geometry by adding additional vertices.
Add Midpoints: Drag the "+" icon between existing vertices to add more points.
Delete Points: Select the point you want to delete by tapping on it, then tap the trash can icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
In 'Target Mode':
Add Points: Pan or zoom the map to position the crosshair to the desired location, then tap anywhere on the map to add a point.
Moving Points: Move the crosshair over the existing point and tap anywhere on the map to select the point. When a point is selected, it will have a light blue highlight.
Add Midpoints: Position the crosshair over the "+" icon between existing vertices and tap anywhere on the map to add more points. You can then move the map to adjust the position of the new point.
Delete Points: To delete a point, first position the crosshair over it and tap the map to select it—the point will be highlighted to confirm selection. Once selected, tap the trash can icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
How Snapping works in the Location Editor?
Snapping helps you place points more precisely by automatically aligning them to nearby geometry, such as vertices or line segments, while editing. It’s especially helpful when working with complex or connected shapes.
Enabling Snapping
Snapping is enabled by default when you open the Location Editor. Preferences are saved on a per-app basis, so each app remembers your last snapping setting.
To toggle snapping:
Tap the three-dot menu > Map Settings > toggle Snapping on or off.
Important: Snapping is available in mobile versions starting with iOS v2507.1.1, Android v2507.2.0.
Snap Sources
When snapping is enabled, you can control which sources are used for snapping:
Nearby Records:
Snap to vertices and edges from other geometries in the same app or record.
Feature Service Layers (FSLs):
Snap to geometries from public or private FSLs.
To enable snapping to Feature Service Layers:
Turn on the desired layer in the Map view.
Open Map Settings > Snap Sources, and enable the layer.
Note: Snapping will only work if at least one snap source is enabled.
Snapping Behavior
When your cursor or crosshair moves within snapping range of a vertex or edge:
You’ll receive haptic feedback.
A visual cue will appear to confirm the snap:
Vertex snap: The vertex enlarges slightly and glows yellow; connected segments also highlight.
Segment snap: The line segment highlights yellow without affecting nearby vertices.
Snapping in Tap Mode and Target Mode
Tap Mode
Tap directly on the map to place points.
A magnifier appears on long press to help with precision.
Snapping occurs when the pointer is near a valid target.
You’ll receive haptic feedback and visual cues when snapping is active.
Target Mode
Use the crosshair to align your geometry to nearby features.
You’ll receive haptic feedback and visual cues when snapping is active.
Geometry Guides
Geometry Guides help improve drawing precision. When enabled:
Right angle indicators (90°) appear when placing new segments.
Parallel lines are highlighted when aligned with existing segments.
These guides work alongside snapping but do not override snap behavior.
What is the default geometry type when entering the editor?
When you first open the Location Editor, points are set as the default geometry type. The editor will save the last selected geometry type for subsequent sessions within the same app.
How can I view measurements?
Point Mode: Displays the coordinates of the point (up to 6 decimal places). If no point is added, you will see "No Coordinates."
Line Mode: Shows the length of the line in units based on your phone’s regional settings. If no line is created, you will see "No Length."
Imperial System: Starts with feet (ft) and switches to miles (mi) when the length exceeds 5,280 ft.
Metric System: Starts with meters (m) and switches to kilometers (km) when the length exceeds 1,000 m.
Polygon Mode: Displays the area in units based on your phone’s regional settings. If no polygon is created, you will see "No Area."
Imperial System: Starts with square feet (ft²) and switches to acres (ac) when the area exceeds 43,560 ft².
Metric System: Starts with square meters (m²) and switches to hectares (ha) when the area exceeds 10,000 m².
The unit system used (Imperial or Metric) is determined by your device's main system settings. The application will automatically adopt the unit preference set in your device's operating system.
What happens if I cancel a session?
If you cancel your session and there are unsaved changes, you will be prompted to either save or discard your changes. Choosing to discard will remove all unsaved modifications.
What do the GPS accuracy colors mean?
Green: GPS accuracy is within the required threshold (≤15 meters / 49.2 feet).
Red: Accuracy is outside the required threshold. The accuracy bar will show the required value (e.g., "Required: 15 M / 49.2 Ft").
Unavailable: If GPS data is unavailable, the bar will display "GPS location not available."
How can I start a GPS Track?
Tracking is only available in Line mode.
To record a GPS Track:
Start Tracking: Tap the REC button, typically located in the upper-right corner of the map interface.
Begin Moving: As you move, a line will be drawn on the map, following your device's GPS location.
Confirm Recording: The REC button will change to display a red dot (e.g., 🔴 REC), indicating that a GPS track is actively being recorded.
To stop or discard a GPS Track:
Stop Tracking: Tap the active REC button (the one showing the red dot). A red Stop button will then appear.
Tap the Stop button to finish recording the GPS track.
Discard Current Track: If you wish to clear the GPS track you are currently recording (or have just stopped, before further edits), tap the Trash Can icon (🗑️). This will remove the current track from the map.
Editing Your GPS Track:
Once you have stopped a GPS track, the recorded line becomes an editable feature. You can then:
Modify Vertices: Edit, move, or remove the individual points (vertices) that make up the line.
Add Vertices: Add new points to extend or refine the path.
Create a Polygon: Change the geometry type to Polygon.
When does tracking stop placing points?
No GPS Signal: If GPS location is unavailable, the app will display "GPS location not available," and tracking will stop placing points until a valid signal is obtained.
Accuracy Exceeds Threshold: If GPS accuracy is worse than 50ft (15.2m), tracking will not place points. The app will indicate "Required accuracy: 15 M / 49.2 Ft," and points will only be placed when accuracy improves.
What are the undo/redo options?
Undo/redo actions are available in the top bar.
Actions can only be undone/redone within the current geometry type (e.g., points, lines, or polygons).
What happens if my geometry has too many vertices?
If a geometry exceeds 5,000 vertices, a warning dialog will appear indicating potential performance issues.
What other features should I know about?
Layer Picker: Accessible on the right side of the map.
Compass: Appears when you rotate the map and hides when pointing north.
Navigation Button: Moves to your current location.
Scale Bar: Displays appropriate scales based on zoom level and device settings.
Initial Behavior: Starting a record from the "+ record" button adds a point at the current location unless you’re in line or polygon mode.
Locate View: Opens at the geometry’s location when you’ve already placed geometries.
Parent Records in Repeatables: Parent geometries display in blue for spatial context.
What is not supported?
Creating or editing multi-geometries are not supported.
Who can I contact with feedback?
If you encounter problems or have feedback, please leave a comment on our feedback page.