Geofencing

QField includes built-in geofencing functionality to alert or inform users when their GNSS location enters or exits predefined polygon boundary areas. You can also prohibit feature digitizing when a geofencing alert is active. Configure geofenced boundaries in QGIS using QFieldSync.

Defining Geofenced Areas

Desktop preparation

Workflow

1. In QGIS, navigate to Project > Properties... > QField.
2. Enable the "Geofencing" option.
3. Select the polygon vector layer to use as a geofence boundary.
4. Select a geofencing behavior:
   • "Alert users when inside an area": Displays an alert notification whenever a user enters a defined geofence polygon.
   • "Alert users when outside all areas": Displays an alert notification whenever a user exits defined geofence polygons.
   • "Inform users when entering and leaving areas": Displays notifications whenever a user enters or exits defined geofence polygons.
5. (Optional) Enable options to prohibit adding new features inside or outside the selected geofence area.

Geofencing Alerts in the Field

Fieldwork

When QField triggers a geofencing alert, a glowing red circle displays in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This visual cue remains active until the alert condition ends. On supported mobile devices, haptic vibration alerts accompany on-screen notification messages indicating which geofenced areas were entered or exited.

When digitizing restrictions are enabled, QField automatically hides the digitizing toolbar while a geofencing alert is active to prevent accidental data entry outside or inside designated zones.