Device Permissions for Tracking on EarthRanger Mobile
In order for the EarthRanger Mobile app to have fully functional tracking, some device permissions need to be allowed when starting the application. For full app functionality, it is recommended to accept all permissions.
Important Note: If any of the following permissions are denied, the app will not function properly. The user will then need to go to settings and approve the required permissions.
The device location is used to gather the tracking data that is displayed on EarthRanger Web. When the app is not used for tracking, the device location is still used to show the user their current location on the map.
Accepting the required Device Permissions
The steps and screenshots below outline the process of accepting the required device permissions for EarthRanger mobile to be functional on an Android device. The process on iOS is similar.
- The first permissions pop-up will display the first time the app is used after login, informing the user that the tracking of the device is necessary and will continue even when the app is running in the background. If this permission isn't granted the app can only record tracks while the user has the app open.
- Click the Continue button to grant permission.
- The second pop-up will display after the background location permission was accepted.
- This will allow the app to access the device location. Click on “Allow While Using App”.
- Once the app starts tracking it will ask to “Change to Allow all the time”.
- Once the app starts, it opens to the Map View. From here you can start tracking your device location by tapping on the Tracking button.
- A new pop-up for device permissions will appear to allow the location of the device.
- Click “Change to Allow all the time”. This will allow the device to track locations even when using another app or when the device is locked.
- Click “Allow” to let EarthRanger Mobile to use the motion detector on the device.
Tracked Point Sampling Frequency
The app uses the device speed to determine how often a track point should be collected. The frequency of track points collected changes when you are stationary, walking or in a vehicle.
For more information about the tracking functionality of EarthRanger Mobile, please visit Device Tracking
Apple iOS: Updating required Permissions from Device Settings
If you encounter issues whilst trying to track device location (e.g. inaccurate location or tracking stops when app is minimised / device is locked) check the EarthRanger App permissions with the following steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps > EarthRanger
- Ensure the following settings are active:
- Location > (Allow Location Access) Always
- Location > Precise Location is Enabled
- Motion & Fitness is Enabled
- Background App Refresh is Enabled
EarthRanger version 2.6.7