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FAQ: Upload or Add Locations in Projects
FAQ: Upload or Add Locations in Projects

At the site and practice level, how do you add in boundaries for your project

Commons Support avatar
Written by Commons Support
Updated over a week ago

FieldDoc asks for geographic information to determine your project's locations at two levels in each project: for the project site(s) and the project practice(s). This information is critical to not only identify on-the-ground locations but also calculate estimated sediment and nutrient reductions, if applicable. 

How to display your locations

The location page will look the same from both your Site and Practice bar. The options for delineating your location are also the same.

Option 1: Upload GeoJSON or an ESRI Shapefile

In addition to the mandatory .shp, .shx, and .dbf files, shapefile archives must include a .prj file that describes the coordinate system and projection. Make sure to convert the projection to WGS84 for proper upload. 

GeoJSON files must use the .json or .geojson file extensions and follow the format described in this specification. We recommend testing GeoJSON data with geojson.io before uploading it to FieldDoc. See here for more help with the GeoJSON format.

Important Upload Tips:

  • Multi-feature files are not supported by FieldDoc. Your file can only include one record or feature. If you have a shapefile with multiple records, you must first dissolve it down to one feature before uploading it.

  • Sometimes the platform and the file just won't connect. We recommend uploading and then exporting your file through mapshaper.org to 'clean up' the file. Often, this solves any quirks in your file that are creating an error in the upload process.

Option 2: Draw the boundary on the provided map

You can zoom the map in to an area using the address finder. Once you've centered the map on the location that you want, use the polygon tool to draw your boundary. Make sure to click "FINISH" to save the polygon. Click Save on the Geography page as well.

What should I delineate?

What to identify as the location changes depending on if you're working on your site information or your practice information.
​
​Sites - At the site level, delineate the parcel where the practice(s) will take place. 

Practice - Delineate the practice area. This area will be used as a variable to calculate the estimated load reductions if your practice is tied to a model in FieldDoc.

Helpful Tips

  • If you're stuck, get in touch!

  • If you're completing a huge project, think creatively about what scale to display your sites at. Perhaps parcels are too specific. Check-in with your program officer who may approve a broader site option.

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