Using OuterSpatial Offline

Stay connected even without cell service! OuterSpatial's offline mode ensures you can navigate and explore confidently in remote areas.

How Offline Mode Works

OuterSpatial automatically switches to "Offline Mode" when it detects poor connectivity or no network connection. You'll know you're offline when an "Offline Mode" banner appears at the top of screens that contain time-sensitive information (like the Social and Me tabs).

In offline mode:

  • The app continues working with all your downloaded content
  • Any content you create is saved and will sync when you're back online

Quick Start Guide

Before You Head Out

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data
  2. Open the OuterSpatial app
  3. Select your community (e.g., California, Ohio Trails +, Trails LA County):
    • First-time community downloads take just a few seconds (usually under 3MB)
    • The app will download essential information automatically
  4. Find and open your destination:
    • Use search or the Explore tab to find a location (area, trail, point of interest, or outing)
    • Open the location's detail screen
    • This automatically caches all the map data you'll need for that location

Using the App Offline

Once you've completed the steps above, you can:

  • ✓ Filter your community library to show only communities that are available offline
  • ✓ Search for areas, trails, points of interest, and outings and apply quick filters to drill in on specific accessibility, activity, and lifestyle options
  • ✓ Browse maps for locations you viewed while online
  • ✓ Open location screens you viewed while online
  • ✓ Create check-ins, posts, reviews, and reports (with photos!)
  • ✓ Complete challenge tasks (Check-In, QR Code, and Survey)
  • ✓ Track your location with GPS

Note: Some features require an internet connection:

  • ✗ Downloading new communities
  • ✗ Accessing areas of the map you haven't previously viewed
  • ✗ Opening screens, photos, and documents that weren't previously viewed
  • ✗ Viewing real-time social updates

Create While Offline

Check-Ins, Posts, Reviews, and Reports

Even without internet, you can:

  1. Create check-ins at any location you visit
  2. Write posts and reviews about your experience
  3. Submit reports for trail conditions or issues
  4. Attach photos to any of your contents
  5. See a sync indicator showing your content is saved locally

When you reconnect to the internet, you can sync your offline posts.

Challenge Responses

Participate in challenges, even in remote areas:

  • Check-In Challenges: Your offline check-ins count toward challenge completion
  • QR Code Challenges: Scan QR codes and they'll register when you're back online
  • Survey Challenges: Complete survey questions offline

You can sync all challenge progress when you regain connectivity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Downloading a Community for Offline Use

  1. Ensure you have an internet connection
  2. Open OuterSpatial on your iOS or Android device
  3. Tap on the current community name at the top of the community home screen to open the community library
  4. Select the community you want to explore
  5. Wait for the download (you'll see a brief loading indicator)
  6. Success! The community is now available offline

Caching Map Data for Your Adventure

Method 1: Search for a Specific Location (Recommended)

  1. Use the search bar or Explore tab to find your destination. Search for specific areas, trails, points of interest, or outings.
  2. Tap on the location to open its detail screen
  3. Done! Opening the location screen automatically downloads and caches the map tiles for the pertinent map area

This method ensures you have the right map coverage for your specific destination without having to guess which areas of the map to pan/zoom to.

Method 2: Browse and Zoom/Pan Manually

  1. Tap the Explore tab to open the community map
  2. Zoom in to the area where you'll be recreating
  3. Pan around to view all the locations you might visit

Finding Your Offline Communities

When you're without internet connection:

  1. Open OuterSpatial
  2. Open the community library by tapping on the community name at the top of the community home screen
  3. Tap on "Sort By"
  4. Select "Offline"
  5. Select a community that is available offline from the filtered list

This makes it easy to see which communities are ready for offline exploration!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much storage space do I need?

Community downloads are lightweight - typically less than 3MB each. So, you can download as many communities as you'd like without worrying about storage.

How long does offline data last?

Once downloaded, communities remain on your device indefinitely. Cached map data also stays available for extended periods, but we recommend re-downloading before each trip to be sure you have all the map tiles you need to support your upcoming adventure.

What if I need to view an area I didn't cache?

If you try to access an uncached area while offline, the map will show limited detail. You'll need to connect to the internet to download that area's detailed information.

Can I download trail photos and documents for offline viewing?

Currently, media files like photos and PDF documents require an internet connection.

Do I need to be online to track my location?

No! GPS works without internet. As long as you've cached the map area, you can see your location on the trail.

What happens to content I create offline?

All check-ins, posts, reviews, reports, and challenge responses are saved locally on your device. You can sync them to OuterSpatial's servers once you reconnect to the internet. You'll see a sync indicator showing the status of your offline submissions.

Will I lose my offline content if I close the app?

No! Your offline content is safely stored on your device until it can sync. You can close the app, restart your phone, or even wait several days - your submissions will be available to sync when you're back online.

What's the best practice for offline preparation?

  1. Download communities the day before your trip
  2. Search for and open each location you plan to visit
  3. If exploring a general area, pan along your planned route in the map
  4. Verify everything downloaded by briefly switching to airplane mode

Pro Tips

  • Cache extra area: Download a buffer zone around your planned route in case you need to take an alternate route
  • Multiple adventures? You can cache different areas within the same community - they'll all stay saved
  • Test offline mode: Put your phone in airplane mode at home to verify everything downloaded correctly
  • Create submissions worry-free: Don't hesitate to check-in or post while offline - everything saves on-device until you are back in network connectivity
  • Challenge hunting: Offline mode is perfect for completing challenges in remote areas

Coming Soon

We're actively working to improve offline mode. You can check the status of these improvements (and others!) in our product portal.

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