How To Use - User Manual
The GPS Friend Finder Location Sharing App is a mobile-optimized website that runs on any device and browser. You just need to allow location sharing, that's it!
By accessing this application you hereby agree to the terms of our Software Disclaimer and of our Privacy Policy.
*Google Maps is a trademark of Google Inc. By using this software, you agree to the terms and conditions of Google Maps.
Please see the FAQ section for any questions or issues not answered in this manual. The user interface is very straightforward for anyone familiar with mobile applications.
You obviously have to enable and allow your browser to access your location information.
Browsers do this in a number of different ways, a GPS may not be required. However, a GPS is needed to provide good accuracy and near real-time location information.
⚠ Note that you will NOT be able to see anyone's location unless you share yours.
The top of the screen includes two menus and two visual status indicators.
It also include three tabs that control what is displayed on the screen.
The "Globe" tab displays the map.
The counter badge displays the number of active users currently visible around your location.
A "snackbar" at the bottom of the screen will also display your current username when you launch the application.
You can update your display name in "settings".
The blue arrow indicates your current location. The arrow will rotate if your GPS returns information about your current heading.
The circle around you represents the current accuracy of your location. It is light blue if your accuracy is 100m (33 ft) or better, otherwise, it is red. Your actual location is actually somewhere inside of that circle.
The "grid" icon on the upper left corner of the map allows you to see the information provided by your device's GPS in real-time.
You can change the map by clicking on the three dots on the upper right corner of your screen, this allows you t change the base map to satellite images, terrain, or even Open Street map.
You can also switch between day and night colors, but this feature only works on a few map types.
You can view a list of these people by clicking on the "menu" icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
Clicking on a person will zoom the map to make that person visible and open their info bubble.
Each user is also represented by a map icon.
Clicking on their map icon will open that user's info bubble for a few seconds. Details about the latest information sent by that user are displayed.
The info bubble also contains a few buttons, including a "zoom-out" and a "zoom-in" button for quick action.
Clicking on the "compass" button will draw a line to that person.
A "snackbar" at the bottom of the screen will also provide you with a direct distance to that person as well as a compass heading to get to them if no obstacles are present.
Make sure to update the declination in "settings" if you decide to use that option.
Clicking on the "route" button will provide you with Google walking directions to that person. Detailed directions will be displayed in a popup window, and a visual representation will also be displayed on the map.
You can go back to the detailed directions by clicking on the "show directions" icon in the "settings" tab.
Note that these directions are not automatically updated as you or the other person moves.
The "Gear" tab is where you can see and update various settings.
You should modify your display name, the name other people will see. You can also change the display units as you prefer, miles and feet or kilometers and meters.
Clicking on the "get declination" button will automatically retrieve the current magnetic north declination for your location.
You will not receive anyone's location unless your GPS location is Enabled.
If you are unable to enable your GPS Location, please verify your device's settings.
A visual icon representing this setting is also present on the upper right section of your screen.
By default, the map stays centered on your location, which can sometimes be annoying if you are trying to look around for other people, so you can turn that OFF when you need to. There is also an icon on the upper right corner of the screen that provide a visual representation of this setting.
The "Info" tab displays information about the app and how to use it.
Depending on the capabilities of your device, you can use the "email" of the "text" icons to share a link to this web application with the people you are trying to meet.
They can also use the provided QR code to launch the application of their device.
