Map Visualization

Available Now

This feature is fully implemented in the current version.

The map view shows equipment locations visually, making it easy to understand the spatial layout of your water system.

Overview

Accessing the Map

The map is available from the System detail view:

1. Open the Systems tab
2. Tap a system to open it
3. Toggle from Grid to Map view

Map Features

Element Pins

Each element with GPS coordinates appears as a pin:

Element	Icon	Color
Well	💧	Blue
Tank	🛢️	Blue
Trough	🪣	Blue
Valve	⚙️	Blue
Pump	⬡	Blue
Junction	◆	Blue

Interaction

• Tap a pin - Shows element name in a callout
• Tap the callout - Navigates to element detail
• Pinch to zoom - Adjust map scale
• Pan - Move around the map

Automatic Bounds

The map automatically fits all elements in view when opened. Zoom out to see distant elements or zoom in for detail.

GPS Coordinates

Elements appear on the map when they have valid GPS coordinates:

Valid Coordinates

Elements are included when:

• Latitude OR longitude is non-zero
• Example: (45.123, -112.456) ✓
• Example: (45.123, 0) ✓ (included)

Excluded Coordinates

Elements at (0, 0) are excluded:

• This is the default for elements without GPS
• They won't appear on the map
• They're still visible in the Elements list

Capturing Location

GPS coordinates come from two sources:

1. Photo EXIF data - Automatically extracted if the photo has embedded location
2. Device location - Captured at the time of photo if EXIF is unavailable

Enabling Location

For best results:

• Enable Location Services for Waterworks
• Enable location tagging in your Camera app
• Capture photos in the field, not from existing library

Map Provider

The map uses Apple Maps (MapKit):

• Standard map tiles
• Satellite view (via system map settings)
• Works offline with cached tiles
• Native iOS look and feel

Future Enhancements

Planned map features:

• Pipe visualization - Show connections between elements
• Status coloring - Color pins by element status
• Cluster markers - Group nearby elements at low zoom
• Offline map tiles - Pre-cache specific areas
• Drawing tools - Add pipe routes directly on map

Tips

Getting Good Locations

• Capture photos outdoors with clear sky view
• Wait for GPS lock before capturing
• Avoid capturing under metal roofs or in buildings

Empty Maps

If the map appears empty:

• Check that elements have GPS coordinates
• View element detail to see location
• Re-capture elements in the field if needed

Navigation Context

Use the map to:

• Plan inspection routes
• Understand system geography
• Communicate locations to team members
• Identify gaps in coverage

Next Steps

Now that you understand the map:

• Configure sync and account in Settings
• See how workers use maps in User Stories
• Return to the Getting Started Guide for a full overview

Related

• Systems Organization — Group elements that appear on the map
• Camera-First Capture — How GPS coordinates are captured
• Trace a Problem — Using the map to diagnose issues