Shared features · 2 MIN READ
Understand active and passive location tracking
Know when a trail can be collected and why its updates may differ between devices.
Guide reviewed 14 September 2026 · Controls depend on your app version and access.
Before you begin
Tracking requires the applicable organisation setup, role access, consent and device permissions. Availability differs by platform.
01Read the location notice
Review why the organisation uses tracking and which mode is enabled. The GroundLink consent flow is separate from the operating system’s location permission.
02Understand active mode
In the current Android implementation, the active watch samples while the app is running in the foreground. Do not assume it provides a persistent background trail.
03Understand passive mode
On supported Android devices, passive tracking uses a native background session that can continue when the app is not open and resume after restart. Closing the app is not a reliable way to stop an authorised passive session.
04Check duty and controls
End duty through the supported flow and review permissions in device settings. Duty state and tracking policy are checked by the service; offline devices and queued data can make displayed updates arrive later.
05Interpret gaps correctly
Network outages, battery restrictions, GPS accuracy and platform behaviour can affect the trail. Check sample timestamps rather than only upload time.
Check the result
You know the enabled mode, the work context and how to raise a privacy or tracking concern.
If something does not look right
Do not disable security controls or repeatedly request consent to bypass a refusal. Contact the organisation or support if the displayed tracking state does not match the intended duty state.
Look up an error