Map Layers lets you download and view geographic data directly on your EarthRanger map — things like protected area boundaries, terrain zones, or custom data your admin has set up. This article explains how to turn the feature on, download layers, and manage or remove them from your device.

Before you start

• Map Layers must be configured by your site admin before it appears in the app.
• You'll need a data or Wi-Fi connection to download layers.
• Map Layers is off by default — you choose when to turn it on.

Turn on Map Layers

Map Layers is opt-in, so you have to enable it in order to be download the Map Layers.

1. Open EarthRanger Mobile and go to Settings.
2. Find Map Layers and toggle it on.

Once enabled, available layers will appear in the Map Layers list and you can begin downloading them.

Download layers to your device

You have two options for downloading layers:

• Download all layers at once If your site has fewer than 50 layers available, you'll see a Download All button at the top of the list. Tap it to download everything in one step.
• Download layers one at a time Tap any individual layer in the list to download it on its own. This is useful if you only need specific layers or want to manage how much data is on your device.

Note: There is a maximum number of layers you can have downloaded at one time. If you reach the limit, delete a layer before downloading a new one.

Keep your layers up to date

EarthRanger Mobile does not automatically update layers when your admin makes changes. If a layer looks outdated or is missing recent edits, you'll need to refresh it manually.

1. Find the layer in your Map Layers list.
2. Delete it from your device.
3. Download it again.

Note: Toggling a layer off and back on will not fetch new data — you must delete and redownload to get the latest version.

Remove a single layer

If a specific layer is slowing down your app or you no longer need it, you can delete it without affecting the rest of your downloaded layers.

1. Open the Map Layers list.
2. Find the layer you want to remove.
3. Delete it from your device.

Your other layers stay downloaded and active.

Turn off Map Layers

If you want to stop using Map Layers entirely, you can opt-out at any time.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Find Map Layers and toggle it off.

Opting out removes all downloaded layers from your device and stops background syncing. Your map returns to its default state. You can turn Map Layers back on at any time — you'll just need to re-download any layers you want.

Quick reference