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UX specification: Blue dot and geolocation behavior ​

1. Initial map load & permissions ​

Expected behavior:

  • Permission request: Upon opening the map, the system requests geolocation access via the browser.
  • Initial viewport: Once permission is granted, the map automatically pans to the user’s current position (center-aligned).
  • Zoom level: The system preserves the current zoom level. It does not automatically adjust the zoom to a predefined scale.
    • Note: If the user is far from the event location, the map will pan to their coordinates, but they may need to zoom in manually to see details.
  • Floor awareness: The Blue Dot is visible only when the user is on the currently active floor. If the user is on a different floor, the Blue Dot is hidden to reduce confusion.

2. Navigation & movement logic ​

Is there a navigation mode?

Currently, ExpoFP uses a manual focus approach rather than a turn-by-turn navigation lock.

  • Auto-centering: The camera follows the user only on the first position update. After that, the map remains user-controlled. To re-center, the user must tap the Find location button.
  • Map rotation: The map does not rotate automatically to match the user’s heading. It remains North-up (or at the default floor plan orientation).
  • Blue Dot orientation: The Blue Dot rotates based on the device’s compass to indicate the user’s facing direction.

3. Wayfinding & route snapping ​

When a route is active, the system applies smart snapping to improve stability and usability:

  • Snapping threshold: If the user is within 7.5 meters of the suggested route, the Blue Dot snaps to the route line. This reduces visible position shifts caused by GPS jitter.
  • Route progress: As the user moves, the completed portion of the path changes color to grey, indicating progress.
  • Automatic rerouting: If the active route starts from the user's current position, it is automatically recalculated when the user moves more than ~15 meters away from it, or moves to a floor the route doesn't pass through.

4. Visual States ​

IconStateMeaning
Blue circleActiveGPS is on, but compass heading is unavailable.
Blue arrowDirectionalGPS is on and the compass is active (shows the user’s facing direction).
HiddenOff-floorThe user is on a different floor or layer than the one currently displayed.
HiddenNo signalGPS signal is lost or location permission is denied.