> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://terrascout.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Restricted vs Unrestricted Mode

> Understanding when to use boundary restrictions for your agent conversations

## Unrestricted Mode

<Info>
  **Best for:** Navigating multiple areas or when you want flexibility within a single session.
</Info>

In unrestricted mode:

* The agent can work across any location
* You can navigate the map freely and ask questions about different areas
* The agent uses the current map view as context
* Great for exploratory research spanning multiple regions

### When to Use Unrestricted Mode

* Comparing properties or zoning across different cities
* General questions that aren't tied to a specific boundary
* Exploratory research where you're not sure what area you'll focus on
* Quick lookups and navigation assistance

## Boundary Restricted Mode

<Info>
  **Best for:** Focused research on a specific area where accuracy matters.
</Info>

In boundary restricted mode:

* You draw a boundary on the map before starting
* All agent queries are scoped to that boundary
* The agent has deeper context about the jurisdictions within your boundary
* Reduces errors by constraining the research area
* Enables specialized agents like Property Search

### When to Use Boundary Restricted Mode

* Searching for properties within a specific market
* Detailed zoning analysis for a defined area
* Research that requires high accuracy within a known boundary
* Using specialized agents that require a boundary

## How Boundaries Work

When you select Boundary Restricted mode:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Draw your boundary">
    Use the drawing tools to outline your area of interest on the map
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the boundary">
    Review and confirm your selection
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select an agent">
    Choose which specialized agent to use for your research
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start researching">
    The agent now operates within your defined boundary with full context
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Boundary Benefits

| Benefit                | Description                                                          |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Focused Context**    | Agent understands exactly which jurisdictions and data sources apply |
| **Reduced Errors**     | No confusion about which area you're asking about                    |
| **Checkpoint Support** | Save intermediate results scoped to your boundary                    |
| **Spatial Queries**    | Run complex spatial analysis within defined bounds                   |

## Choosing the Right Mode

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I need to explore multiple markets">
    Use **Unrestricted Mode**. You can freely navigate between areas and ask questions about different locations without being constrained.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I'm focused on one specific area">
    Use **Boundary Restricted Mode**. Draw your boundary to get more accurate, focused results with deeper jurisdictional context.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I want to find specific properties">
    Use **Boundary Restricted Mode** with the **Property Search Agent**. This gives you a structured workflow for systematic property identification.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I just have a quick question">
    Use **Unrestricted Mode** with the **General Agent**. It's faster to get started and works well for quick lookups.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="General Agent" icon="compass" href="/agents/general-agent">
    Learn about the flexible General Agent
  </Card>

  <Card title="Property Search Agent" icon="magnifying-glass" href="/agents/property-search-agent">
    Explore the specialized Property Search Agent
  </Card>
</CardGroup>