What does the pokeball loading icon indicate?

I noticed, that when I freshly connected into the game (or sometimes during playing) a pokeball appears which probably symbolizes loading (see screenshot).

But what does it indicate ...

• ... Server issues?
• ... Client connection issues?
• ... Location service issues?
• ... Other problems?

In this example the server seems to be one problem as the bar in the right bottom, which displays near pokemon, is empty. Is this assumption correct?

Another hint for this is the empty shop page:

I couldn't find a site where I can check the server status as well.

Solution 1:

This icon means the game is communicating with Niantic's servers, for any reason.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Map/Inventory/Pokedex Updates
• Verifying/Recording a Pokemon's capture
• Verifying/Recording the use of an item, or a hack/battle
• Among other actions.

Solution 2:

The icon depicts that the map and surroundings are updated, just as in Ingress. I have this icon many times, mostly when moving, but I am still able to check-in or catch Pokémon.