VIA 2.0 · User Guide
Setup and Permissions
Prepare your iPhone for positioning and your first survey.
VIA uses your device’s location to display your position and record observations. Surveys and settings are stored on your device; you do not need a VIA account.
Prepare for a field task
- Open VIA. When asked for location access, allow access while using the app and enable Precise Location.
- Open Settings → Coordinate System and confirm the system used by your project. British National Grid is the initial default; check that it is appropriate.
- If using an alignment, import the project LandXML from Settings → Alignment → Import and choose its active alignment.
- Open Navigation outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Wait for a position and check the reported accuracy.
Allow permissions when you need them
Auto Capture requests background location access separately. Camera access is requested when taking a photograph; the system Library picker gives access to the images you select. Approximate photograph viewing direction may also request motion access. Photograph acquisition requires VIA Pro.
If no position appears
Check iPhone Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → VIA, including Precise Location. Also check that the working coordinate system has loaded in VIA. Move away from buildings or heavy cover and wait for another fix. A displayed accuracy is an estimate from the device, not a guarantee of survey accuracy.
Fetch searches and map imagery need a connection. Prepare project files before going to site; downloaded project data does not guarantee that all map imagery is available offline.