Overview
Tracking allows users to record their movement as a line geometry using their device’s GPS. As the user moves, Fulcrum collects GPS locations and connects them into a continuous track.
Tracking is designed for workflows such as:
Field data collection
Navigation and route recording
Documenting movement or activity over time
Tracking is only available for Apps that support Line geometry and runs while the user remains in the Location Editor.
What Does Tracking Record?
When Tracking is active:
GPS locations are collected automatically
Points are added only when accuracy and interval requirements are met
A line is drawn on the map to represent the recorded path
GPS quality and tracking status are continuously visible
Tracking helps ensure reliable data by:
Enforcing a required GPS accuracy threshold
Controlling how often points are collected
Preventing points from being recorded during poor GPS conditions
When to Use Tracking
Use Tracking when you need to:
Capture a real-world path instead of drawing a line manually
Record movement over time (walking, driving, surveying)
Maintain consistent spacing or timing between points
Adjust Tracking settings when:
GPS conditions are inconsistent
You need more or less detail in the recorded line
Battery usage becomes a concern
Movement speed changes significantly
Starting Tracking
Tracking is available only when the App is configured with Line as its geometry type.
To start Tracking:
Open an App that supports Line geometry.
Open the Location Editor for a record in the app.
Select Line as the geometry type.
Tap REC to begin Tracking.
Before Tracking starts, Fulcrum verifies that:
Location services are enabled
A GPS signal is available
The configured accuracy requirement is met
If location services are disabled, Tracking cannot start and the following message is shown:
"GPS location not available"
Tracking Status and Map Behavior
When Tracking is active:
The REC button changes to a pulsating red indicator
Stop and Delete buttons appear
The map follows the user’s movement
The accuracy bar displays live GPS accuracy
GPS Accuracy Bar
The accuracy bar displays real-time GPS quality and determines whether new points can be recorded.
Accuracy States
State | Meaning |
Green | GPS accuracy meets the required threshold |
Red | GPS accuracy does not meet requirements or is unavailable |
Accuracy Messages
Message | Meaning |
GPS location not available | GPS signal is unavailable or the location service has been disabled |
GPS accuracy [value] m/ft · [value] m/ft required | Current accuracy exceeds the required threshold |
When the accuracy bar is red:
No new points are recorded
Point collection resumes automatically once accuracy improves and meets the required threshold
Required Accuracy
Required Accuracy defines the maximum acceptable GPS error for recording new points.
How Required Accuracy Works
Required Accuracy is a threshold value:
Lower values indicate higher accuracy
GPS accuracy must be equal to or better than the configured value
Example
Required Accuracy: 10 m
GPS accuracy ≤ 10 m → points are recorded
GPS accuracy > 10 m → points are not recorded
Defaults and Limits
Setting | Metric | Imperial |
Default | 15 m | 50 ft |
Minimum | 10 m | 30 ft |
Maximum | 100 m | 300 ft |
When to Adjust Required Accuracy
Use lower values for precise paths in strong GPS conditions
Use higher values for consistent recording in poor GPS environments
Lower accuracy values require stronger GPS signal and may delay point collection or increase battery usage.
Tracking Settings require Fulcrum mobile app version 2602.1.0 or greater.
Interval Configuration
Intervals control when new GPS points are collected. Users must select either Distance or Time.
Image placement
Screenshot: Interval type toggle (Distance / Time)
Alt text: Interval configuration showing Distance and Time toggle options.
Distance-Based Interval
Records a point when the user moves a specified distance from the last recorded point.
Setting | Metric | Imperial |
Default | 3.0 m | 10.0 ft |
Minimum | 1.0 m | 3.0 ft |
Maximum | 100 m | 300 ft |
Best used when
Walking or slow movement
Capturing detailed paths and turns
If the user moves within a small area without exceeding the distance threshold, no new point is recorded.
Time-Based Interval
Records points at fixed time intervals.
Setting | Value |
Default | 10 seconds |
Options | 1s, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 30s, 1 min, 2 min, 5 min |
A movement filter is applied:
A point is recorded only if the user moves at least 2 meters
Best used when
Driving
Maintaining consistent time-based sampling
Adjusting Numeric Values
Accuracy and distance values can be adjusted by:
Manual entry (decimals allowed)
Using the + / – buttons
Unit format (metric or imperial) is determined by your device settings. To switch between meters and feet, update the measurement units on your mobile device. Tracking values update automatically.
Stopping or Deleting a Track
Stop
Ends Tracking immediately
Saves the recorded track
Returns to the map
Delete
Permanently removes all points recorded in the current session
Requires confirmation
Deleting a track permanently removes all recorded points from the current Tracking session.
Done
Saves progress
Returns to the record form