Geolocation

Geolocation locates the user on the map. The HTML5 Viewer supports the following geolocation options:

Geolocation menu (), location indicator (), accuracy circle (), and geolocation coordinates ()

It is not possible to use the Geolocate tool at the same time as another tool because geolocation may interfere with any tool that collects information from the user. For example, the map could move while the user is drawing a shape, leading to undesirable results.

Browser Support

Web browsers return geolocation results in WGS 84. If your map is not in Web Mercator or WGS 84, you must configure an ArcGIS geometry service so the geolocation map widget can project from latitude/longitude to the map's coordinates. For instructions on configuring a geometry service, see Geometry Services.

Each web browser handles geolocation differently. For example, as of Chrome 50.0, your site needs to be secured with HTTPS in order to use the Geolocation API. If you or your users intend to use geolocation, ensure that your preferred web browser uses geolocation and that it is compatible with your site. Here are two common scenarios where geolocation is not available to users:

It is common for devices to ask permission before websites can use geolocation. If geolocation is not working, ensure that the viewer has been given sufficient geolocation privileges. Also ensure that the devices location services are enabled.

In order for an HTML5 viewer to perform geolocation operations, the user's device must have a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System), a Wi-Fi connection, or a wired connection. GPS provides the most accurate geolocation results. Wi-Fi is less accurate than GPS, and geolocation using a wired connection is less accurate than Wi-Fi.

Some devices use a mix of GPS and Wi-Fi to obtain a location. This can result in unpredictable readings. Accuracy is improved by setting the device to GPS-only mode, however, this drains the battery more quickly in some devices.

Geolocation is configured on the viewer's Geolocation page in Manager. You can configure additional geolocation settings in the Geolocate Module in the viewer's configuration files.

Open the Geolocation Page

To open an HTML5 viewer's Geolocation page in Manager:

  1. In Geocortex Essentials Manager, edit the viewer that you want to configure—edit the site that the viewer belongs to, click Viewers in the side panel, and then click the Edit icon beside the viewer.

  2. In the side panel, click Geolocation.

    The Geolocation page opens.

Geolocation Settings

By default, the Geolocation page is set to configure the Desktop, Tablet, and Handheld interfaces separately. For more information, see Configure Multiple User Interfaces.

The Geolocation page has the following settings:

Geolocation:

Geolocation Coordinates:

See also...

Geolocate Module