Location sharing (My tracks) visualization shows a straight line but the synced data shows where we actually traveled

[JFujikawa]

When using Location sharing (My tracks) in Field Maps to track where our crews surveyed for invasive species, the tracklog will stop showing, then start tracking again, but running a straight line from the last recorded point.  This seems to be a problem with visualization because when we upload the track and look at the points via ArcGIS Online, the part of the tracklog that showed as a straight line in Field Maps was showing as where the crew actually walked (so not a straight line in the data) in AGOL. Also, when taking a line feature, the line feature drew the route taken.

This error appeared while the field crew was using Field Maps 24.3.0. on an Android 13 device, Bad Elf Flex Mini (BE-GPS-2500) with the latest firmware update (25.1.1), and the Bad Elf Flex app (1.3.5.1370) as the mock location provider. We use Field Maps offline and sync while in the office. Other issues with My tracks popped up (mostly gaps) in 2024, but since the visualization and uploaded tracks differ, it this seems to be a Field Maps issue.

We have currently reverted to using Field Maps 24.2.0 as the version that gives us the fewest gaps or straight line issues among Field Maps versions released in 2024. We are map-centric and rely on our tracklogs to show where we've completed work and to be able to walk the same line when we reverse our survey direction. We frequently stop to take points, so having a tracklog that can run in the background and visualize correctly is key, especially during aerial surveys where stopping and starting a line is not feasible.

[JFujikawa]

Overall, the gaps seemed a less easy to trigger with battery optimization on in Field Maps 24.3.0 this morning. Although, the drawing interval makes it more difficult to know when My Tracks is not going to draw or if I haven't moved the required distance to draw the next segment. I hope the rendering improvements can apply to the non-battery optimized version as well.

There seemed to be some points missing during a transition from driving to walking with an example during the first half of minute 9:25. Maybe 10:25 too, but I had a small area to walk in.

I'll see what the field crew notices during their surveys the rest of this week.

[ColinLawrence]

It is reassuring that it is working better with battery optimization on for you.  We are still reviewing the logs you have sent to see if we can get a better sense of might be happening when you are seeing the gaps