Geometry

IN THIS ARTICLE

FieldDoc invites standard users to attach simple geospatial data to each activity record to delineate the area of installation or implementation. This article covers the feature and how to enter data into FieldDoc.

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Geometry

Each activity record can have a single geospatial data point associated with it, which is used to delineate the footprint of the activity. In this article, we’ll walk through the Geometry feature—its purpose, functionality, and how to input geospatial data into activity records.

Geospatial data holds immense value for nature-based work. During the prioritization and planning phases, location data helps align potential installation sites with strategic priorities and anticipated impacts. In the implementation phase, it enables a landscape-level view of where work is being carried out. And once projects are installed, accurate location data supports confident monitoring and verification by ensuring activities can be reliably tracked over time.

The purpose of geometries

In FieldDoc, we keep it simple—the geospatial data attached to an activity record should represent the area impacted by the implementation of the nature-based work. This guidance is intentionally generalized, as what you choose to delineate may vary depending on your organization’s intended use of FieldDoc.

To support broader and more complex workflows, FieldDoc offers integrations that allow you to share geospatial data with third-party applications like ArcGIS Online and Airtable. This ensures your data can feed directly into prioritization models and tracking tools—without duplication or extra effort.

Rules for geospatial data

• Each activity record can only have one geometry associated with it. In other words, you can have a single point, a line, or a polygon for each record. If you have multiple geometries, then those should be represented by individual activity records.

• We recommend focusing on an implementation area for a single location. Large geometries, such as the polygon of an entire state or watershed, may disrupt the functioning on

Geometry functionality

FieldDoc's Geometry feature allows users to associate a single geospatial data point—such as a point, line, or polygon—with each activity record. This geometry is intended to represent the physical footprint of the nature-based work being implemented. Users can create or upload geometry directly within FieldDoc, or integrate with external tools like ArcGIS Online to sync data.

By capturing geospatial information at the activity level, FieldDoc enables spatial analysis, improved tracking, and seamless integration into broader planning and reporting workflows. The geometry may also be used to determine available environmental models and the inputs used to generate environmental benefits.

How to input geospatial data into activity records

Geometry data is typically added as part of the Activity record configuration. FieldDoc offers multiple ways to associate a geometry with activity records.

To use geospatial data when creating an activity:

If you have a shapefile or other geospatial file, you must start by using the Import File button to create a new record. This is the only way to associate your file with a new activity.

Important: You cannot import a shapefile after the activity record has already been created. There is currently no option to upload or link geospatial data from within an existing Activity record.

Draw in App

Draw with Map Editor

You can draw your geometry directly in the FieldDoc platform. This is the preferred method if you do not have access to GIS software or if you have already created your activity records and you need to add a geometry.

Step-by-step instructions.

1. Open the Geometry tab.

2. Navigate to your location on the map.

3. Change the base layer to satellite for more precision.

4. Select your draw tool (point, line, or polygon)

5. Delineate your activity footpring.

6. Click on the map but away from the geometry to save your data. This will turn the geometry purple.

7. You're done!

Dig in! Interactive tutorials

Draw a polygon

Draw a point

Draw a line

Import File

Import File

Using the FieldDoc Import File you can create activity records based on existing geospatial data. The process works for single activity creation and batch record creation. In the import process, you will select your source file, map the source fields to the FieldDoc fields, and click "import". FieldDoc will create an activity record for reach feature in the file. You can learn more about Import guidelines.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare your source file.

2. Click the Import File Button.

3. Map your source file fields to the FieldDoc fields.

4. Click Import.

5. An activity record will be created for each feature. The geometry will be added to each record.

6. You will need to enter into each activity record in order to complete the configuration.

Dig in! Interactive Tutorial

Import a .CSV files

A .CSV file typically contains latitudes and longitudes in decimal degrees. These will be loaded as points within each activity record. If you want to batch import a .csv file without coordinates then you will need to use the FieldDoc Map Editor tools in the Edit Activity > Geometry draw your geometries. Below is an example .CSV file for the tutorial.

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FieldDoc.Activity.Demo.Import.csv

Import a .GeoJSON file

GeoJSON is an open standard format based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) for encoding geographic data, representing simple features like points, lines, and polygons, along with their non-spatial attribute. If you don't have a .GeoJSON file on hand, you can create one and add attribute data from free online platforms like geojson.io and placemark.io. Here is an example .GeoJSON file for the tutorial.

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FieldDoc.Activity.Demo.Import.geojson