Map & Starting Challenges
The challenge map, location permission, and how GPS-proximity, QR, and iBeacon challenges are activated.
Some challenges must be activated before their clue and answer form unlock — by physically getting close (GPS), scanning a printed QR code, or coming into range of a Bluetooth beacon. This page covers the map and each activation flow.
The map
- The Challenges tab opens with a map preview showing one pin per challenge, and a single stack pin with a step badge (e.g. "1/3") for multi-step stacks. The player's own location dot is shown.
- Tapping a pin opens that challenge's detail screen; locked pins don't respond.
- The expand button opens a fullscreen map with a swipeable pin carousel.
- Quiz mode: for indoor events the organizer can turn on quiz mode, which hides the map entirely — the challenge list is the only navigation.
Location permission (foreground only)
The app requests foreground location permission only and takes a single balanced-accuracy fix when needed. There is no background location tracking of any kind. The iOS permission prompt reads:
"Allow DestinationHunts to use your location to show challenges near you."
On Android, the app requests fine and coarse location. If permission is denied, GPS-activated challenges show a "Location needed" prompt: "Allow location access to activate proximity challenges. Tap below to retry." with an "Allow location" button.
GPS proximity activation
Challenges with GPS activation show an activation prompt with live distance feedback:
Out of range
While too far away the prompt reads "Get closer to start" with the live line You're about {m} m away — get within {radius} m to activate. The button shows "Out of range" and is disabled. The default activation radius is 50 m (organizers can change it per challenge).
In range
Once close enough the prompt flips to "You're in range" and the button becomes "Start challenge". The server independently re-checks the distance, so spoofing the button doesn't work.
Solve it
Activation only unlocks the challenge — the team still reads the clue and submits an answer as usual.
QR activation
QR-activated challenges show a "Scan to start" button that opens the scanner titled "Scan challenge QR" with the hint "Point your camera at the printed QR at this challenge's location". Scanning the correct printed code activates the challenge; the wrong code is rejected.
iBeacon activation (Bluetooth)
Beacon challenges are activated by standing near a physical iBeacon the organizer placed:
- The prompt reads "Find the beacon" — "Looking for this challenge's Bluetooth beacon…" with the button showing "Scanning…". The app scans in short bursts (roughly every few seconds) while the prompt is open.
- When the configured beacon is detected, the prompt flips to "You're in range" → "Start challenge", just like GPS.
- Permissions: iOS asks for Bluetooth with "Allow DestinationHunts to scan for Bluetooth beacons at challenge locations to start the challenge."; Android requests Bluetooth scanning permissions.
- When scanning isn't possible (web, permission denied, or hardware unavailable) the button shows "Beacon scanner unavailable" with a message that a facilitator can activate the team instead. A challenge whose beacon isn't configured shows "Activation unavailable … ask the facilitator to activate you."
Facilitator fallback
For every activation mode, facilitators can force-activate a challenge for a team from the admin side — the rescue path for a dead beacon battery, a damaged QR print, or a phone that can't get a GPS lock. See Running an Event.