Manual

AR mode and LiveView

MapTools uses the camera in two separate workflows: AR mode overlays existing navigation data, while LiveView captures a direction for the Bearing tool.

Workflow

Use the correct camera workflow

Camera permission, orientation sensors and usually a current location are required; the relevant target or map data must already exist.

AR mode

AR can show target direction and distance, bearings, peaks from imported natural=peak POIs, track points and a reduced search grid, depending on active data and device support.

LiveView bearing

Open Tools → Bearing → LiveView, aim the device at the target, fix the direction, adjust it with +/− if needed and save the bearing.

No target recognition

The camera does not identify a real object or measure its distance. The display combines location, device orientation and existing MapTools data.

Prepare sensors

Grant camera and location access, wait for a stable GPS fix and calibrate the compass away from metal, magnets and interfering cases.

Hold the device clearly

When held flat, the top edge defines the bearing; when upright, point the camera axis at the target. Check the displayed sensor quality before fixing.

Device and plan limits

Available AR precision and layers depend on the device, ARCore status, the selected plan and loaded data. An empty layer often means that its source data is missing.

Accuracy and limits

Camera overlays can be delayed or wrong

Compass interference and GPS error can shift direction, distance and every overlay. Compare the result with the map, known landmarks and the surroundings.

Do not look only at the display and never use AR or LiveView as the sole guide in traffic, difficult terrain or another safety-critical situation. Camera, display, GPS and sensors also increase battery use and heat.

Detailed guides

Search grid and Area Search ViewRange AR mode and LiveView