GeoPDFs from Outlook with MDM not opening in Field Maps

Question

We've been busy testing the new geoPDF functionality in Field Maps and think we've either found a limitation or a bug. Would be good to see if others have too. We've tested on android mobile devices where some are factory standard but others have organisational Mobile Device Management software in place. If a geoPDF is downloaded from the Web via a browser, they always work when opened in Field Maps. However, if a geoPDF is saved to the device from Outlook or Teams, they only open if the device doesn't have MDM. The attached screenshots show a warning about encryption being added when saving the pdf to device on the MDM devices and they then fail to load in Field Maps.

The encryption does not prevent the document from opening in any other apps capable of viewing PDFs.

Please note, that our intended work flow does not rely on publishing the document through ArcGIS Online. It's intended for viewing docs received from other sources.

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KristalWalsh · Answer

Yes, I get the same results and even tried to figure out if there was a way to add the app to the "share" list but I still have one last card to play. It still may fall to the MDM blocking Field Maps but I'm going to check with our phone specialist.

LindsayRaabe_FPCWA · Answer

Hi Kristal. Thanks for the detailed info. Unfortunately I've double checked some of the options and still no joy. We aren't using PDF's via ArcGIS Online, so none of that was relevant in our use case. As for trying to bypass MDM security using the share option, that wouldn't work as Field Maps isn't listed as one of the apps we can select (they're all Microsft 365 apps).

PDF attachment menu options:

Share options:

Open in another app options:

KristalWalsh · Answer

Hi Lindsay, I heard back on some work-arounds this morning and wanted to share.  Unfortunately, it's nothing as easy as Avenza but at least we know what we're dealing with.

Geospatial PDFs sent from Outlook may not open in Field Maps due to MDM (Mobile Device Management) encryption policies, corrupted file transfers from email clients, or ArcGIS Online metadata bugs.
Try these proven fixes to get your attachments working in the field:

* Bypass Mobile Device Management (MDM) Security
If your organization uses Mobile Device Management software (like Microsoft Intune or MobileIron), Outlook often automatically encrypts saved files, which blocks Field Maps from accessing them.

* The Fix: Instead of saving the attachment directly from Outlook/Teams to your device, tap the file in Outlook and use the "Share" or "Open In" button to send it straight into Field Maps.

2. Fix ArcGIS Online Metadata Bugs (If used as an Item)
If the geospatial PDF is uploaded as an item in ArcGIS Online, a known metadata bug can prevent it from displaying correctly.
The Fix: Navigate to the PDF’s item page in ArcGIS Online. Under settings, toggle "This is a geospatial PDF" and "Use in ArcGIS Field Maps" on, save, and then toggle them both off one by one.

* Change Web Map Pop-up Settings
If your PDF is attached to a specific map feature rather than serving as an offline basemap, ensure attachments are properly configured.

* The Fix: Open your Web Map in the ArcGIS Map Viewer, open the layer's pop-up settings, and verify that the "Show feature attachments as links" checkbox is enabled.

* Alternative Workaround
If Outlook continues to strip the geospatial properties from the file, bypass Outlook altogether:

* The Fix: Have the sender upload the PDF to a cloud storage service like OneDrive or SharePoint and share the direct link, or download the PDF directly from the ArcGIS Online browser interface.

* PDF's and other documents should not show up in Field Maps.

Probably nothing you don't already know, but hopefully it will help someone! Have a great day.