Export Layout from Field Maps application

[AlfredBaldenweck]

As some discussion is happening regarding markups and the difficulty of sharing their information, as well as some discussions that happened at work last week, it would be great to be able to export a decent-quality map showing the current view in Field Maps. This would be really useful for sharing information back with the home office while out in the field, e.g. to a public affairs person who needs an update now but doesn't know GIS enough to pull in your web map or feature layers into Pro and export a layout themselves.

We have a similar functionality already in things like Experience Builder with the print widget, which generates a plain, modest map with a legend, north arrow, and scale. For Field Maps, perhaps it would also be good to include the date and the user who exported it. Maybe, like the print widget, we could have range of options for size (Letter, Legal, or map only).

Ideally, we'd be able to choose the output format, such as a JPEG or, even cooler, a new fancy geospatial PDF so that other people can bring it into Field Maps themselves, or into Pro to overlay with other data.

Basically, the export process should consist of three questions:

1. Output format: JPEG, geospatial PDF
   1. Extra points if the jpeg is georeferenced
2. Scale or extent
   1. EB's print widget does a great job of this
3. Output name (optional)

The current closest alternative to this is to export a screenshot of the map via the markup menu, which neither gives me marginalia nor is georeferenced, so anyone who gets it has to do some extra work to make it useful.

Also, the output (left) is not too different from if I just took a manual screenshot (right).

In summary, being able to export a simple map from Field Maps would be useful for sharing data from the field on demand. The current alternative of screenshotting doesn't really cut it. This would really shine while working with people who don't know GIS, or who just arrived on scene and don't have access to your webmap but need a situation overview.

With the new geospatial PDF functionality in Field Maps (February 2026), being able to export a map from Field Maps to share would smooth things and make it easier for people to do work sooner. It would also allow users to generate a map of each day's work at the end of each field day for reporting purposes and just be an all-around useful addition to Field Maps's capabilities.

[LindsayRaabe_FPCWA]

I think the ability to export a map to a geoPDF is a great idea! 

[ssathe]

A simple way to quickly share markups or notes is very important. Basic users will look for other platforms without this ability.

[Jeremy_Z]

This is a pretty good idea Fred, the CarryMaps app I used to use a few years ago had the capability to print your current view to PDF, and it worked really well for folks. I never noted if they were GeoPDF's, but the idea is sure sound.

The importance of being able to share some actual position data with little training can't be overstated, a GIS Specialist/Professional isn't always available, we have huge offices with no GIS personnel at all across the country, this would make it easy enough for anyone to do.

[jabaker21]

The ability to share georeferenced PDFs between devices without relying on cellular or Wi-Fi connections is highly important, especially for public and government employees. This capability ensures that critical, location-specific information can be exchanged accurately and efficiently in areas with limited connectivity, such as remote sites, disaster zones, or during field operations. By facilitating offline access and transfer, georeferenced PDFs help maintain data integrity and support timely decision-making, ultimately improving coordination and safety in challenging environments.

An example of wildland fire may be something like this; a division supervisor will use georeferenced PDFs to share updated maps with a strike team of engines. The supervisor can transfer the map directly to the team’s devices without needing a cellular signal, ensuring everyone receives the latest tactical objectives, such as new containment lines or relocation points. This process allows the team to coordinate effectively and respond quickly to changing conditions, even in remote areas where connectivity is limited. Another example might be that there is a new draft location for the engines to refill with water shortening turnaround times making the effort more efficient and safer.

Foresters, range technicians, and other field going employees often need to share maps, site plans, and survey data with contractors working in forests or rural areas where connectivity is limited or nonexistent. If a forester marks specific boundaries or highlights sensitive habitats in a georeferenced PDF, contractors can receive and use this information directly on their devices, ensuring consistent and accurate execution of tasks such as tree harvesting, road construction, or habitat restoration. This offline sharing prevents miscommunication, reduces delays, and safeguards environmental priorities by providing all parties with the most up-to-date spatial information, even when digital networks are unavailable.

[Jeremy_Z]

Sharing between devices without data plans or wifi is already a thing. Android has Quick Share, and Apple devices have AirDrop.

Apple specifically left Android out of the mix with Airdrop and directly has tried to keep it from being figured out, but newest versions of Samsung and Pixel devices can now do it. I can now QuickShare from my S26 Ultra to iOS devices and vice versa. You should see this move more through the Android ecosystem soon and be available more widely.

How to Use Android's Quick Share with AirDrop on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

How to Quick Share Android to iPhone with Simple Steps