mEMA10 – Geofence Triggers

Updated Setup and Terminology

Overview

Geofence Triggers in mEMA10 allow researchers to deliver assessments or messages to participants (or monitoring teams) based on location. These changes improve clarity, reduce complexity, and enhance flexibility for geofence configuration.

⚠️ Note: All existing geofence configurations will continue to work. Participants updating their app or downloading new configurations will still receive geofence triggers as originally set up.

Updated Terminology

Feature Description

• Send assessments when participants enter or exit a defined location, capturing context such as purpose of visit, mood, or experience.
• Alert research teams if a participant leaves a monitored area or enters a hazardous zone.
• Flexible delivery: triggers can notify either the participant or team members monitoring the study.

How to Set Up Geofence Triggers

Step 1. Create a Geofence Group

1. From the mEMA10 dropdown, select Geofences.

2. Click the Plus (+) button.

3. Enter a name for your Geofence Group and click OK.

Step 2. Create a Geofence Location Trigger

1. Click the Plus (+) button next to “Action.”
   
2. Ensure the ID is set to -1 (indicates a new trigger; other values mean you are editing an existing one).
   
3. From the Survey dropdown, select the survey to trigger (or leave empty if sending only a team message).
   
4. Choose the trigger type: On Entry or On Exit.
   • If you need both, create two separate triggers.

5. Configure the parameters:
   • Boundary Radius – entry area distance from center point.
     
   • Req Time Inside / Req Time Outside – time required inside or outside before trigger fires.
     
   • Monitored Radius – exit area distance; defines when to stop monitoring.
     
   • Time Between Detections – how often the app checks location against geofence rules.
     
   • Alert Frequency – max number of alerts per hour/day and spacing between alerts (per trigger).
     
6. Set the Latitude and Longitude.
   
7. Enter a Trigger Name (shown to participants when they receive a notification).
   
8. (Optional) Enable Notify Team and enter the support team message.
9. Click Save.
   

 You can create multiple triggers per group and as many groups as needed. Triggers can be edited later using the pencil (edit) icon.

Step 3. Assign a Geofence Group to a Participant

1. From the mEMA10 dropdown, go to Configuration.
   
2. Select a participant via Select User → search → checkmark.
   
3. Click Geofence Configuration.
   
4. Enable Geofences by checking Enabled.
   
5. Choose the Geofence Group.
   
6. Set up a General Configuration (recommended as a fallback, even if not used).
   
7. Define the active time interval for geofences during the day.
   
8. Optional settings:
   • Allow participants to enable Do Not Disturb for geofence triggers.
     
   • Use Config Override to replace trigger-specific settings with the general configuration.
     
   • Enable toast messages in the app to inform participants when geofences are checked or processed.
     
   • Define the Outer Buffer – minimum distance beyond the Monitored Radius where geofence monitoring begins.
     
   • Select Trigger Mode:
     • Transition – triggers only when participant changes state (e.g., inside → outside).
       
     • Position – triggers continuously while participant remains in entry/exit areas.
       

Step 4. Save the Configuration

• Click Save to apply your settings.
  

Step 5. Assign Surveys

• Ensure the correct survey is assigned to the trigger or team notification.
• Without a survey (or message), the trigger will not occur.
  

Step 6. Enable Location Capture

• Verify that location capture is enabled on the participant’s device.