Geolocation Fields Syncing

Introduction

Formidable Geolocation includes a powerful syncing system that allows different geolocation fields, such as Address, Map, Coordinates, and Directions, to work together in real time. When these fields are synced, any location update in one field instantly updates all other linked fields in the same group.

This provides smooth, accurate, and intuitive geolocation behavior. For example:

• Dragging a map marker updates both the Address Field and the Coordinates Field automatically.
• Typing an address moves the map marker and recalculates latitude/longitude.
• The Locator Button retrieves the user’s location and syncs it across all connected fields.

The Role of the Geocoder Field

At the center of every synced geolocation group is the Geocoder Field. This field does not appear to the user, it processes and distributes geolocation data behind the scenes.

The Geocoder Field is responsible for:

• Handling geocoding and reverse-geocoding requests.
• Coordinating updates between Address, Map, Coordinates, Locator Button, and Directions fields.
• Storing the final validated location that will be saved with the entry.
• Ensuring all fields in the group remain synchronized and consistent.

Without a Geocoder Field, no syncing occurs. Other geolocation fields will function independently, but they will not communicate with one another.

Linking Geolocation Fields to the Geocoder Field

To enable syncing, each geolocation field must be linked to a specific Geocoder Field in its settings panel. This is done through the “Geocoder Field” dropdown inside every geolocation field’s configuration.

Once linked:

• Updates flow from the active field → Geocoder Field → all other synced fields.
• The plugin prevents loops by ignoring updates from the field currently triggering the flow.
• Only fields connected to the same Geocoder Field belong to the same sync group.

Creating Geolocation Groups

A “geolocation group” is formed when two or more fields are connected to the same Geocoder Field.
Each group works independently and does not affect other groups in the form.

Examples of valid groups include:

• Map Field + Address Field
• Address Field + Coordinates Field + Locator Button
• Map Field + Directions Field (Origin) + Coordinates Field
• Two separate address sections, each with their own Geocoder Field (e.g., pickup vs. delivery)

This flexible design allows you to create simple or advanced geolocation workflows, including multi-location forms with multiple independent location groups.

What Happens After Form Submission?

When the user submits the form, the linked Geocoder Field stores a complete set of processed location data. This ensures that entries always contain reliable, structured, and fully geocoded results.

Depending on the user’s input and sync group configuration, stored data may include:

• Place Name
• Street Number
• Street Name
• Street (number + name)
• Street (name + number)
• Premise
• Subpremise
• Neighborhood
• City
• Country
• Region Name
• Region Code
• Postcode
• Country Name
• Country Code
• Address (as entered by the user)
• Formatted Address (as returned by the Google API)
• Latitude
• Longitude

This data appears in entry details, email notifications (via smart tags), and can be used in calculations, conditional logic, or custom workflows.

Benefits of Synchronizing Geolocation Fields

Syncing fields through the Geocoder Field unlocks the full power of Formidable Geolocation:

• Accurate and consistent location data across all fields.
• Smoother user experience with real-time updates.
• Cleaner entries with validated and structured data.
• Improved map interactions thanks to coordinated updates.
• Seamless integration with Directions, Distance, Drawing Tools, and Nearest Locations workflows.

Whether you're collecting a simple address or building advanced location-driven forms, syncing ensures reliable interaction between all geolocation components.