topic Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder in ArcGIS JavaScript Maps SDK Questions

ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

BobCowling2 — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:35:37 GMT

Hello,

I am wondering how to get the geolocation icon in the ArcGIS JS API 4 locate widget to look and behave more like the My Location Widget from the WebAppBuilder on a mobile device. I am aware that WAB uses JS API v3 but I would think it must be possible to get similar look and behavior in v4. The WAB widget on a mobile device has an accuracy buffer and the flashlight that shows the direction you are facing. I also tend to believe in my own comparison using the same device at the same location, the GPS accuracy of the My Location Widget in the WAB was better than the location widget in ArcGIS JS 4 API. Do they both not use HTML5 Geolocation? You can see in the screenshots below the visual differences between the two widgets.

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

ReneRubalcava — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 17:48:35 GMT

4x does use the geolocation api, we just don't have the accuracy symbology. You can add it though with the info from the widget. Here's a sample.

https://codepen.io/odoe/pen/zYpmEMB?editors=1000

You can even add a line or polygon for the heading from the widget info.

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

BobCowling2 — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 18:03:28 GMT

Thank you for the codepen. I do appreciate that. I am more interested in the compass direction symbology. If this is not available, would ESRI be willing to provide a working example of this functionality on ArcGIS JS v4? I understand I can do this myself with the heading information but it would be nice to have a working example with the correct symbology. Other mapping platforms such as Mapbox have these features available on their widgets.

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

BobCowling2 — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:26:56 GMT

Still hoping to get a response on this. The accuracy of the track widget is terrible. There are inaccuracies of over 100 feet at times. I have seen others complain about this on here and they received no response from ESRI either. I compared the track widget with the Geolocation Widget on Mapbox GL JS and the Mapbox one has nearly my exact location at all times and follows me around perfectly when I am walking. The ESRI widget GPS point bounces all over and is in the incorrect location 98% of the time. What are the settings that can be improved here to make this work better for a web field application? Also, is there an example that can be provided on how to add a compass heading arrow to the GPS blue dot? Thank you. @ReneRubalcava @AndyGup

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

ReneRubalcava — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:35:38 GMT

The Locate widget uses the geolocation api of the browser, so it's completely device dependent at that point. You can pass geolocation options to modify the max age and timeout if you like.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/api-reference/esri-widgets-Track.html#geolocationOptions

We don't have an example on hand showing the heading, but you can update the graphic of the Track widget to show an arrow based on the heading, you can even change it based on other results of the geolocation api like speed and altitude.

https://developers.arcgis.com/javascript/latest/api-reference/esri-widgets-Track.html#graphic

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

BobCowling2 — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:42:00 GMT

@ReneRubalcava Thank you for the reply. The Mapbox GL JS one also uses the geolocation API and is far more accurate. I have tested both of them on the same device, same browser, same location. The Mapbox one does not have the issues the ESRI one does. I invite you to walk around outside and use the Mapbox one vs the Esri widget and report the results. https://docs.mapbox.com/mapbox-gl-js/example/locate-user/

I am looking for a solution that would behave more like the Mapbox GL JS example.

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

AndyGup — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 21:55:54 GMT

Hi Bob, it seems like this is a duplicate post. let's move the accuracy discussion to this other thread => https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-api-for-javascript-questions/poor-accuracy-of-locate-widget/m-p/1192491#M77928

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

AndyGup — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 21:27:19 GMT

@BobCowling2 quick update on your original posting above, I've created an enhancement request to add an accuracy circle and compass heading symbol to the Track Widget.

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

BobCowling2 — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 21:49:27 GMT

@AndyGup Great. Thanks a lot! Definitely looking forward to these features.

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

BobCowling2 — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 13:51:20 GMT

@AndyGup is anything official on if these features will be available and when? Thanks!

Re: ArcGIS JS API 4 Locate widget like WebAppBuilder

AndyGup — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 14:47:32 GMT

Hi Bob, it's in the queue and we've done some of the groundwork for it. Unfortunately, we don't have an ETA at this time.