GIS

GIS data collection app for points, lines, polygons and photos

GIS data collection is more than saving a location. The attribute, layer, photo, note and export format matter.

Field takeaways

  • GIS field data includes geometry and attributes.
  • Layer names are part of data quality.
  • Photos and notes make features understandable.
  • GeoJSON, KML and DXF serve different delivery needs.
  • MapLab Survey brings GIS field capture closer to survey workflows.

Decide the schema before the first point

Which attributes each feature carries, and which values are allowed, has to be settled before you go out. Adding a field after two hundred records means another site visit.

Closed lists beat free text

If everyone types freely, the same condition gets recorded five ways and cannot be counted. A pick list makes the results comparable.

Capture geometry that matches the asset

Points for discrete assets, lines for runs, polygons for areas. Converting between them later is guesswork.

Export for the office system

GeoJSON or Shapefile for the GIS, CSV for the spreadsheet, and photographs linked to the records rather than dumped in a folder.

In the field · MapLab Survey

Try these steps on your own phone.

MapLab Survey handles RTK/GNSS point capture, drawing, area and volume calculations and coordinate conversion, then exports to DXF, KML/KMZ, GeoJSON, Shapefile, GeoPackage, NCZ or CSV. Capture, calculation and export work offline. Live NTRIP corrections and online basemaps need a connection.

Frequently asked questions

What is GIS data collection?

Recording field features with geometry, attributes, photos and layers.

Can MapLab Survey be used for GIS?

Yes.

GeoJSON or KML?

GeoJSON for GIS/web, KML for map sharing.

Can data go to CAD?

Yes, with DXF export.

Technical references

The field guidance in this article is aligned with the technical and official references below.

Related: Point line polygon · Exporting field data to CAD/GIS · Photo location record · MapLab Survey