Lock map rotation to north?

I just updated to version 9.1.1 yesterday and now I am having some pretty major issues in Stakeout mode.

The automatic map rotation is really throwing me off when trying to find the precise point. Whenever I click the little compass icon to return the map to a north-up orientation, it just freely rotates again in a few paces (even when I try my best to keep the phone pointed north).

Worse yet, once I am close enough to the point to be zoomed in to the precision mode with the circle-in-circle view, I can no longer rotate the map back north from this view without pacing away from the point and zooming out the map first.

I noticed the App Store change log says that the old Stakeout mode is available by clicking the “follow” button on the map, but I can’t for the life of me find it.

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Hi Nate,

Welcome to our community!

If the new stakeout mode is not convenient for you, first tap the compass icon. The map canvas will rotate to the north, then tap the arrow icon (see my screenshot). This way, the rotation will be locked, and you will see the change of the stakeout method at the top of the screen.

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Thank you so much!

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There is no workflow in which an actively rotating screen is useful for a walking receiver. It’s impossible to mentally track the direction of the stakeout point when the screen constantly flips around every second or two. If the intent is to have the desired point face up in the style of a road navigation app, then it should do so only once in the beginning and lock it there.

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Hi Ryan,

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Personally, I find the direction method with the rotating map really helpful, as it simplifies the process of finding the points I need to stake out. Since I struggle with remembering the north orientation.

However, I understand that the constantly rotating screen may not suit everyone. That’s why we also have the stakeout method with the distance mode, which always maintains the map orientation in the North direction.

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Agree. It’s ALWAYS best to have options to choose from.

All professional survey software have this option in addition to other options when used with total stations.

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I’m normally a “North Up” devotee but I have to disagree here as there are also times I’m head down in the thick of it in rough terrain and/or vegetation and lose north awareness and the option for rotation becomes very useful & valid.

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