Although the main BrownDog GIS map does work on smart phones and tablets, there is a free app that you can install to improve the experience.
The free app is called ArcGIS Explorer. You can find this app in the Apple Store or Google Play App Store. When searching, you may see other ArcGIS Apps but the one called Explorer is the one that does not require a login (you can create a login, but it's not necessary; Read on below):
After you have ArcGIS Explorer installed on your phone or tablet, open it, then:
- On the opening screen you can choose "Continue without Signing In" (small text underneath the login buttons).
- Once you're in, enter the word "BrownDog" into the map search.
- Pick the BrownDog Official GIS map listed there, or choose the Survey Index or other app if you wish
- If the app asks to "Allow Explorer to use your location?" choose "Allow while using the app". If you don't allow this, the GPS won't work.
Benefits of using the BrownDog (or Survey Index, etc) on the Explorer App:
- Moving around the BrownDog map with the Explorer app is much smoother and the Explorer app makes viewing the map on a smaller screen much easier.
- The GPS function works a lot better in Explorer (there is a button near the upper right that will locate you in the map). Just keep in mind, the GPS on your phone isn't accurate enough to let you precisely locate a property boundary.
- The popup windows are easier to read in the Explorer app. When you tap on the map, the initial popup fills only the bottom part of your phone's screen but you can swipe up on the popup to make it full screen. The popup on a tablet may be to the side of the map if it is a larger screen.
- Click the 'sandwich' button at the top of the screen to open the list of layers, and to toggle layers on/off. There are many layers, the hungry dog likes a big sandwich.
Bad dog, but better mobile mapping app.
