How to take a map offline

You may wish to use a saved map offline, for example if performing field work in a remote location. Taking a map offline creates a standalone copy for use on the device on which it is created.

Preparing to go offline

Before going offline there are some key points to consider:

The map will be saved to the cache of your web browser
An offline map is only accessible from the device and browser it was created on
Clearing your browser cache prior to creating your offline map is recommended
Clearing the cache after creating your map will remove all offline map data
The map must be in 2D mode

Create an offline map

To take a map offline, first log in to access your saved map.

Click on the Maps button

Click the down arrow on your chosen map, and then click Take Offline.

Enter a map name, and note the layers that will be included in, and excluded from, your offline map. Also note the quantities of Places listed.

An estimate is shown of the required storage for your offline map. If this exceeds the acceptable size for your particular requirements, click Cancel and adjust the content of your map.

Otherwise, click Save to generate the map.

Wait while the map is loaded onto your device. This may take several minutes.

If the map fails to generate, a message will appear detailing the issue (possibly connection issues or available device storage), and the process will need to be restarted.

Work with your offline map

Once the map is successfully generated, follow the instructions as shown below.

The application will launch in offline mode with the Maps panel open.

Open your offline map by clicking the 2D icon.

Review your offline map. You will have access to basic tools and functions such as:

The identify tool
The drawing tools
Add places
Find current location (provided your device has a positioning system such as GPS and you are within the extent of your offline map)

Offline mode has some limitations, for example:

Limited map extents
Limited zooming capability
No search option
No Topics options

How to go back online

When you are ready to go back online, and have network connectivity, simply click the Back to Online button at the top right of the interface.

Any Places you created in offline mode can be added into your current map, by clicking the Maps button, clicking the down arrow next to your offline map, and selecting Add All To Places.

You will need to save your online map with these changes.

Be sure to check for any Places that have been duplicated (for example if they were present in the map that was originally taken offline).

Once you are finished with your offline map, clear your cache to free up space on your device.

Technical points to note

Chrome is the preferred browser for both the online and offline versions of the application.
Firefox users may experience performance issues when saving Offline maps.
Performance is impacted once an offline map is saved, including in the online application.
Mobile cleaning/security software may clear the cache to protect or improve performance. Be aware that this will clear any Offline map data as well.