Concept3D offers multiple ways to detect and display a mobile user’s current location, supporting location-aware experiences like orientation and proximity-based navigation. These options provide flexibility for both standard and custom mobile map implementations.
Mobile Location Services Overview
Location services on mobile allow the map to detect and display a user's real-time physical position. When enabled, users see a familiar blue dot representing their current location on the map.
This provides helpful context for navigation, orientation, and exploring nearby places—especially on large or complex campuses or venues. Whether users are outdoors or navigating through a branded mobile experience, showing their live location helps them confidently understand where they are and what’s around them.
Enable mobile users to:
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Instantly see where they are on the map
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Be centered on their real-world location
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Access the blue location dot—even when map controls are hidden or customized
Mobile Location Methods
1. CMS-Based Mobile Location Prompt
Admins can enable a setting in the Interactive Map CMS that:
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Detects if a visitor is on a mobile device
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Prompts them to allow location access
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Displays the blue location dot if permission is granted
Setting can be enabled on the Options Tab in the CMS:
2. Force Location Services (fls) Query Parameter
The fls query parameter allows for automatic activation of location services via the map URL. It is especially useful in custom mobile implementations—such as native app webviews or kiosk views—where the standard location button is hidden or unavailable.
Behavior Overview
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| Location permission granted | Blue dot appears and map recenters on the user |
| Location permission denied/unavailable | Map loads normally, no UI error (console only), no blue dot shown |
| Map controls visible | User can toggle location off manually; fls still auto-activates and recenters on load/refresh |
| Map controls hidden |
fls enables location detection automatically, without UI interaction. User cannot turn off location services once granted with initial prompt. |
Behavior Notes
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If the user disables location via controls and refreshes the page with
fls, the map re-enables and re-centers on their location. -
Removing
flsfrom the URL disables this behavior. - Can be combined with other query parameters (e.g., categories, location IDs). See a list of all query parameters in this help article.
- Works in mobile browsers, app webviews, and custom embedded use cases
Example
To activate location via a share link: https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1216#!fls/
When to Use Each Method
| Use Case | Method |
|---|---|
| Default mobile experience | CMS mobile prompt |
| Share link with location auto-enabled |
fls parameter |
| App or kiosk interface with hidden UI |
fls parameter |
Summary
For seamless mobile location behavior:
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Use the CMS mobile prompt for a guided user experience.
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Use the
flsquery parameter to programmatically activate and center location, especially in embedded or custom UI environments.
Note: On desktop, user location is only applied when clicking the “My Location” button inside the directions panel.