Setting Up Map Features in EarthRanger Mobile

Last Updated: August 27, 2026

This article explains how to download, display, and manage Map Feature Layers in EarthRanger Mobile. Map Layers lets you view reference layers directly on the mobile map.

Before You Begin

Important: Download your Map Feature Layers while connected to the internet before heading to the field. Downloaded layers are required for offline use and cannot be retrieved without a network connection.

To start, you need to enable Map Feature Layers from Settings > Display > Map Feature Layers and then Sync

Ensure the setting is enabled (switch is blue) and then click Sync in the top right of the settings page

 

 

Accessing Map Layers

  1. Important: Ensure Map Feature Layers are enabled before proceeding with the following steps
  2. From the map view in EarthRanger Mobile, tap the Map Layers button in the top right.
  3. Click Features
  4. You will see a list of available Feature Types grouped by category

 

 

Downloading and Displaying Layers

 

  1. Tap the blue Download icon to the left of any Feature Type you want to use. This saves the layer to your device so it appears on your map.
  2. Toggle layers on or off to control what is visible on the map.
  3. To show labels on map features, turn on Map Labels from the same screen.
  4. To navigate to a specific feature on the map, tap it and select Zoom To.

 

 

Understanding Download Limits

EarthRanger Mobile enforces a limit on the number of feature geometries that can be downloaded to your device to maintain app performance. Limits vary depending on your device.

  • A download progress bar in the Map Layers view shows how much of your available download space is in use. The bar turns red when the limit is reached.
  • The Download All button only appears when 25 or fewer features are available in the list.
  • Download buttons are disabled once the device limit is reached. Removing a downloaded layer frees up space and re-enables downloads.


Adjusting the Download Limit


 

  1. Go to Menu > Settings.
  2. Layer Download Limit.
  3. Enter your preferred download limit 
    (default is 100 features) 

Note: The download limit resets to the default when a new user logs in.