CHAPTER 12

Export Data

Write out your recorded data as a ZIP file. Use it for analysis in a GIS, or as the starting point of your next survey.

How to export and what is included

Check data in the Data list and tap “export” to write it out as a zip file.

Included formats (auto-generated according to the layer type):

Format	Target
GeoJSON	Point / Line / Polygon
KML	Point / Line / Polygon
CSV	Point / Line / Polygon / No coordinates
GPX	Point / Line only
JSON	Layer settings (always included)
SQLite	Dictionary data of dictionary fields
Photo	Image files of photo fields

The “export” on the Layer settings screen writes out only the layer settings (plus the dictionary), without data.

Editing in QGIS and bringing data back (keeping field formats)

When you edit exported data in a GIS and bring it back into EcorisMap, the key is to work with the ZIP as a whole. If you import a GeoJSON on its own, the layer definition is not carried over, and fields such as radio buttons all become “String”.

Export a ZIP from the data list (or the Layer settings screen).
Unzip it, then edit and save the .geojson inside with QGIS or another GIS. You do not need to edit the .json.
Zip the edited .geojson together with the original .json again.
Load that ZIP via “import” on the Layer list screen. If the same layer exists, choose “Replace” to update the data while keeping the existing layer. For details, see Import Data.

This lets you update the data while preserving the field data formats, such as lists and radio buttons.

Files to include in the ZIP

A ZIP can contain the following files.

File	Required / optional	Contents
.json	Required	The layer definition (field data formats, etc.). Importing fails without it
.geojson	Optional	Feature data
.csv	Optional	Feature data. You can use it instead of .geojson. If both exist, .geojson takes priority
.sqlite	Optional	Dictionary data for dictionary fields

ZIP import does not use the .kml included in exported ZIPs. It is fine to leave it in.

The .json you include can also be a layer definition exported with “export” on the layer settings screen. That way you can reuse the same survey form and bring in data you created or edited in GIS.
The zip created by “Save data” on the Settings screen (ecorismap_datetime.zip) also contains the same pair of .json and .geojson in each layer folder. For details, see Settings.