Map screen

Description of functions on the map screen of Geocollect

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Written by TLGeo
Read Time 4 min read
Posted on 2026-01-01
Geocollect Map Screen

Map Screen – Buttons and Functions

The map screen is the main working area of the Geocollect app. Here users can view map data, collect field information, manage map layers, and use various other support tools.

Below is a detailed description of the button groups on the screen.


Top Left Buttons

1. Main Menu

Opens the main menu to access features such as:

  • Collection forms
  • Survey data
  • Data sync
  • Online data store
  • Offline maps
  • Tools
  • Settings
  • Notifications
  • Support

2. Team Collection Panel

Displays a list of team members working in the field.

Users can:

  • View current location of team members
  • Track last GPS update time
  • Support group collaboration

Top Right Buttons

3. Quick Map Layer Settings

Opens quick settings panel to quickly toggle data layers and customize map display.

Examples:

  • Satellite imagery
  • Terrain
  • Contour lines
  • Fire alerts
  • Survey data layers

4. Search Data, Location…

Allows searching for:

  • Coordinates
  • Places
  • Survey data
  • Objects on the map

Users can quickly navigate to the location they want to view.


5. Map Layers Settings

Opens the list of map layers currently in use.

Here users can:

  • Toggle layers
  • Adjust transparency
  • Manage display order
  • Check data count for each layer

6. Fullscreen Mode

Hides excess interface components to expand map display space.

Suitable for:

  • Observing maps
  • Presentations
  • Working on small screens

7. 3D Mode

Switches the map to 3D display mode.

When enabled, users can:

  • Observe terrain more visually
  • View terrain elevation
  • Combine with contour line data

8. Basemap Settings

Changes the type of basemap displayed.

Examples:

  • Google Satellite
  • Google Hybrid
  • Terrain
  • Road map
  • Dark/Light map

Bottom Left Buttons

9. Zoom In

Zooms in on the map to see more details.


10. Current Zoom Level

Displays the current zoom level of the map.

This value helps users know the level of data display on the screen.


11. Zoom Out

Zooms out to view a wider area.


12. Open Map Information

Displays information related to the map such as:

  • Longitude
  • Latitude
  • Elevation
  • Projection system
  • Movement speed

13. Open Device Information

Displays device status in the field:

  • Battery level
  • GPS signal
  • GPS accuracy
  • Direction of movement
  • Speed

14. Adjust Basemap and Map Layer Transparency

Allows changing transparency of:

  • Basemap
  • Satellite imagery
  • Data layers

Helps easily compare and observe multiple data layers simultaneously.


15. Battery Saver

Toggle battery saver mode when working in the field.

This function helps:

  • Reduce battery consumption
  • Extend device usage time
  • Suitable for long-duration surveys

Bottom Right Buttons

16. Take Photo

Take photos directly in the field and attach GPS location to the map.

Photos can be used for:

  • Collecting current status
  • Survey reports
  • Field documentation

17. Plus Button

Opens a list of quick action functions such as:

  • Create objects
  • Measure
  • Track GPS
  • Import GIS files
  • Collect data

This is the most important button when working in the field.


18. My Location

Identify and move the map to the user’s current location.

This function supports:

  • Quick location
  • GPS position tracking
  • Return to current location on map quickly

Usage Tips

  • GPS should be enabled for the app to determine location more accurately.
  • When working in the field, offline maps should be downloaded in advance for use when network is lost.
  • 3D mode and contour lines can be combined for more visual terrain observation.
  • Use transparency adjustment to compare multiple data layers more effectively.