Skip to main content

Mobile App Guide

GroundedAg is available for iOS and Android, optimized for field work with offline support and touch-friendly controls.

Installing the App​

iOS​

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Search for "GroundedAg"
  3. Tap "Get" or the ⬇ Download button
  4. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or Apple ID
  5. Wait for installation to complete
  6. Tap "Open" to launch

Android​

  1. Open the Google Play Store
  2. Search for "GroundedAg"
  3. Tap "Install"
  4. Grant permission for requested access
  5. Wait for installation to complete
  6. Tap "Open" to launch

First Time Setup​

Permissions​

The app will ask for several permissions:

  • Location - Needed for GPS tracking and map features
    • Grant "Allow While Using App" for field use
  • Camera - Needed for taking photos of observations
  • Photo Library - Upload existing photos to reports
  • Calendar (optional) - For syncing scouting dates

Best Practice: Grant all permissions to use full functionality.

Offline Support​

The mobile app can work offline:

  1. Enable offline mode (if available in your version)
  2. Download maps for your field area
    • This ensures you can see the map without internet
  3. Create/edit reports offline
  4. Sync when connected - Reports upload automatically when you regain internet

Mobile-Specific Features​

Bottom Navigation Tabs​

The mobile app uses a tab bar at the bottom:

  • Home/Map - View fields and active reports
  • Scout - Create new scouting reports
  • Reports - View historical data and charts
  • Settings - Manage account and preferences

Quick Actions​

  • FAB (Floating Action Button) - The large "+" button quickly creates a new report
  • Pull-to-Refresh - Swipe down to sync latest data
  • Long-Press - Hold on items for more options (edit, delete, etc.)

Touchscreen Tips​

  • Double-tap map to zoom in
  • Pinch to zoom in/out
  • Drag pins to reposition observation markers
  • Tap pins to view/edit observations

Mobile Orientation​

The app works in both portrait and landscape:

  • Portrait (Vertical) - Better for list views and forms
  • Landscape (Horizontal) - Better for detailed map work

Rotate your device to switch orientation.

Battery & Data Usage​

Reduce Battery Drain​

  • Disable GPS when not actively scouting
  • Lower screen brightness
  • Close background apps
  • Use airplane mode in poor signal areas (prevents constant searching)
  • Download maps for offline use

Reduce Data Usage​

  • Download maps for offline use
  • Enable "Lite Mode" if available (reduced image quality)
  • Batch uploads (don't upload one photo at a time)
  • Use WiFi when possible

Offline Scouting Workflow​

Perfect for field work without internet:

  1. Before Going to Field:

    • Download maps for your field area
    • Download field boundaries
    • Ensure app is logged in

  2. While in Field (No Internet):

    • Create scouting reports as normal
    • Mark observations on map (GPS cached)
    • Add photos from camera
    • Save reports as drafts

  3. After Returning to WiFi/Cellular:

    • Sync automatically triggers
    • All data uploads to cloud
    • Latest data syncs to your other devices

Troubleshooting Mobile Issues​

App crashes on startup​

  • Force close the app (Settings → Apps → GroundedAg → Force Stop)
  • Clear app cache (Settings → Apps → GroundedAg → Storage → Clear Cache)
  • Restart your device
  • Update to latest app version

GPS not working​

  • Enable Location Services in device settings
  • Grant the app location permission
  • Go to Settings → Privacy → Location → GroundedAg → "While Using"
  • Wait 30 seconds for GPS to acquire signal
  • Stand in open sky away from buildings

Photos won't upload​

  • Check available storage (go to Settings → Storage)
  • Grant camera and photo library permissions
  • Try uploading one photo at a time
  • Restart the app and try again

Slow performance​

  • Close other apps (check recent apps)
  • Restart your device
  • Clear app cache
  • Update to latest app version

Video Tutorials​

Step-by-step mobile app walkthroughs are coming soon!