Module 00: Getting Started & Onboarding

This module explains how to install Mapplex, sign in, use guest mode, and understand workspaces.

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1. Installing Mapplex (Progressive Web App)

Mapplex is delivered as a Progressive Web App (PWA). You install it from the browser and launch it from the device home screen, similar to a native app. Once installed, the app can continue to open offline, and previously cached map tiles and local project data remain available on the device.

On iOS / Safari

1. Open Safari and navigate to your Mapplex URL.
2. Tap the Share button (the square with an upward arrow).
3. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen.
4. Confirm the name "Mapplex" and tap Add.
5. Close Safari. Tap the new Mapplex icon on your home screen to launch in full-screen.

On Android / Chrome

1. Open Chrome and navigate to your Mapplex URL.
2. A banner usually appears at the bottom: "Add Mapplex to Home screen" — tap it.
3. If no banner appears, tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper right.
4. Select Install App or Add to Home Screen.
5. Launch directly from your device's app drawer.

Why a PWA? A PWA keeps installation simple across mobile and desktop devices and supports offline caching through the browser. For field teams, this means the app can still open when connectivity is poor, provided the required project data and map tiles were prepared beforehand.

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2. Authentication

Mapplex offers three access paths. When you first launch the app, the sign-in screen is displayed.

Option A: Sign In with Email & Password

1. Enter your Email Address in the email field.
2. Enter your Password.
3. Tap Sign In.

The system remembers your last email for faster subsequent logins.

Option B: Create an Account (Sign Up)

1. On the Sign In screen, tap "Need an account? Sign Up" at the bottom.
2. Enter your Full Name, Email Address, and Password (minimum 6 characters).
3. Confirm your password in the second password field.
4. Tap Create Account.
5. Check your inbox for a confirmation link — click it to activate your account.

Note: After creating an account, your administrator may need to approve your access. If your account is pending, you will see an "Account Pending" screen informing you that administrator approval is required.

Option C: Continue as Guest (Local Offline)

If you do not want to create an account yet, tap "Continue as Guest (Local Offline)" at the bottom of the Auth screen. Guest mode stores data locally on the current device only. Cloud sync, team features, and workspace collaboration are not available in guest mode.

Guest limitation: Guest data is not backed up to a workspace. If the device is lost, reset, or cleared, the local data may be lost as well. Use an account-backed workspace for projects that need backup or collaboration.

Forgot Your Password?

1. On the Sign In screen, tap "Forgot password?" (located next to the Password label).
2. Enter your account email.
3. Tap Send Reset Link.
4. Open the link from your inbox — you'll be prompted to enter and confirm a new password.

Device Limit

Your account supports up to 2 active devices. If you see a "Device Limit Reached" error, you must log out of another device or de-register it from the Mapplex Settings panel before signing in here.

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3. Creating Your First Workspace

In Mapplex, data belongs to Workspaces, not directly to user accounts. A workspace is an isolated environment that contains projects, layers, forms, team members, storage settings, and subscription details.

After your first login, or immediately in guest mode, Mapplex opens the Dashboard View. From there you can create a project.

Example: A consultant may keep one workspace for a municipal streetlight inventory and another workspace for a utility corridor survey. The same user account can switch between both workspaces, but projects and team access remain separated.

Next: Proceed to Module 01: The Project Dashboard to create your first project.