Introduction to Map Tools
Learn how to use the core tools in Detector Maps: toggle layers, download offline maps, place waypoints, record breadcrumb trails, measure distance/area, import geochem data, and manage your content. Use this guide to get into the field fast and work with confidence.
Quick Start
Toggle Layers & Legends
Open the Layers panel; tap the (i) next to any layer to see its legend.
Download an Offline Map
Open the Layers panel; tap the (i) next to any layer to see its legend.
Drop a Waypoint
Tap the Waypoint button, then tap the map (or use current location) to mark
Record a Trail
Tap the trail icon to start; tap again to stop and save.
Tip (Offline Prep): Start For larger areas, save multiple offline maps in a light-overlap grid so you don’t miss coverage gaps.
Tools Details
Layers Panel & Legends
What It Does: Details Toggle map data layers (geology, historic gold, claims, geochem, terrain) and view their legends.
Where It Lives: Details Clarifies public vs private land.
How To Use: Detail
1. Tap Layers → choose a collection (e.g., your state).
2. Toggle the layer On.
3. Tap (i) to view the legend and understand symbols.
Options: Use Opacity Controller to fade active layers.
Tip: Layers are data overlays. Basemaps (satellite/topo) provide background.
Search Tool
What It Does: Jump to a place by town name or coordinates.
Where It Lives: Search icon on the main map.
How To Use:
1. Tap Search.
2. Type a place (e.g., “Bendigo, Victoria”) or paste Lat/Long or UTM.
3. Tap a result to recenter the map.
Region / State Switcher
What It Does: Change the data to another supported U.S. state.
Where It Lives: State/Region dropdown in map header.
How To Use:
1. Tap State/Region menu
2. Choose your State (e.g., VIC, NSW, QLD).
Offline Maps – Download & Manager
What It Does: Save areas for offline use; manage your saved maps.
Where It Lives: Cloud icon (map) → View Profile → Offline Maps.
How To Use:
1. Tap cloud icon.
2. Pick area size → name the map → Download.
3. Access saved areas via View Profile → Offline Maps.
Important: Don’t forget to download area’s before you head out.
Waypoints — Create & Manage
What It Does: Mark points of interest—finds, shafts, targets, etc.
Where It Lives: Waypoint icon on map → View Profile → Waypoints.
How To Use:
1. Tap Waypoint icon (turns active).
2. 1. Tap the map or use “current location”.
3. Name it, pick icon, add notes.
4. Manage/export from View Profile → Waypoints.
Breadcrumb Trails — Record & Manage
What It Does: Track your movement (walk or drive) to show coverage.
Where It Lives: Record Trail (stick-figure) icon || View Profile → Breadcrumb Trail Manager to view past trails.
How To Use:
1. Tap Trail icon to start recording.
2. Move through the area (trail is drawn automatically).
3. Tap again to stop → name + color the trail
4. View/manage from Breadcrumb Trails menu.
Tip: Use separate colors for different days, blocks, or methods.
Measure Distance & Area
What It Does: Measure straight distances or draw search blocks.
Where It Lives: Ruler icon on map.
How To Use:
Distance: Place 2+ points → total distance shown.
Area (polygon): Place 3+ points → area shown (ha/acres).
Save the shape to Local Files if needed.
Tip: Polygon search blocks help avoid re-covering old ground.
Opacity Controller
What It Does: Fade layers to make terrain or map details easier to see.
Where It Lives: Enable in View Profile → Opacity Controller.
How To Use:
1. Enable controller in settings.
2. Use slider on map to adjust transparency.
3. Use arrows to control which layer the slider affects.
Data Sync / Cloud Backup
What It Does: Backs up your data (waypoints, trails) to your account.
Where It Lives: View Profile → Settings.
How To Use:
1. Make sure Sync is On.
2. If offline, your data saves locally and syncs when back online.
Tip: If you prefer not to sync, you can disable it—but you’ll risk losing data if your phone is lost.
Account Settings
What It Does: Manage your login, subscription, and support.
Where It Lives: View Profile → Account Settings.
How To Use:
1. Open Account Settings.
2. Choose from: Change Password, Subscription Plan, Delete Account, or Contact Support.
Layers Panel & Legends
Search Tool
Region / State Switcher
Offline Maps – Download & Manager
Waypoints — Create & Manage
Breadcrumb Trails — Record & Manage
Measure Distance & Area
Opacity Controller
Troubleshooting & Tips
Blurry offline map?
Check if you have downloaded the area.
Check you’re inside a downloaded tile. Restart the app in aeroplane mode.
It’s saved locally and will sync once you’re online
Frequently Ask Question
Do these tools work offline?
Can I export Waypoints or Trails? Yes! You can export as a KML in the waypoint and breadcrumb managers within ‘View Profile’.
How accurate is GPS?
In most outdoor conditions, GPS on modern phones is accurate to about 3–10 meters. With a clear view of the sky, it can be even better—as close as 2 meters.
However, in areas with trees, buildings, or mountains, accuracy can drop to 10–30 meters or more. Indoors, GPS can struggle or become very inaccurate.
If you’re using Detector Maps:
Your location is usually accurate enough to follow tracks, drop waypoints, and explore confidently.
For best results, stand still in open areas for a few seconds to let your device lock on properly.
