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Exporting Layers

Mapit GIS supports exporting individual feature layers to a range of standard geospatial formats. You can save the exported file to local storage, share it via Android's share menu, upload it to an FTP/SFTP server, or export directly to a PostgreSQL database.

Starting an Export​

  1. Open the Layers screen from the main menu or the map menu.
  2. Long-press the layer you want to export - a context menu appears.
  3. Tap Export.

Step 1: Choose the Export Destination​

A bottom sheet appears with four options:

DestinationDescription
Local ExportSave the file to a folder on your device or SD card
Share ExportOpen the Android share menu to send via email, messaging, cloud storage, etc.
DropboxUpload directly to your Dropbox /Apps/Mapit GIS/ folder (see Export to Dropbox)
Export to PostgreSQLWrite features directly to a PostgreSQL/PostGIS database (see Export to PostgreSQL)
Export to FTPUpload the file to a configured FTP or SFTP server
note

The Export to FTP option requires FTP/SFTP connection details to be configured in Settings → Remote Connections.

Step 2: Choose the Export Format​

After selecting Local Export or Share Export, a second bottom sheet presents the available formats:

FormatExtensionNotes
GeoJSON.geojsonFull geometry and attributes. Widely supported.
ArcJSON.jsonEsri JSON format for ArcGIS compatibility
Shapefile.zipExported as a ZIP archive containing .shp, .shx, .dbf, and .prj files
CSV.csvTabular data with coordinates as columns. Best for point layers.
KML.kmlGoogle Earth format
GPX.gpxGPS exchange format - waypoints for points, tracks for lines
DXF.dxfCAD format - geometry only, no attributes

Step 3: Export Execution​

After selecting a format:

  • Local Export: The Android file picker opens so you can choose a save location and filename.
  • Share Export: The file is created in a temporary directory and the Android share sheet opens.

For layers with 1,000 or more features, a progress dialog displays the number of features exported.

Export Settings​

Several preferences affect what is included in the exported data. These are found in Settings → Export Settings:

SettingEffect
Include GPS infoAdds HDOP, VDOP, PDOP, HRMS, and VRMS as properties in exported features (point layers only)
Include distance and bearing detailsAdds rangefinder data (base coordinates, bearing, distance) to exported properties
Export coordinates as fieldsAdds latitude/longitude (or X/Y) as attribute columns alongside the geometry
Include full path to attachmentsAdds the device file path of any attached photographs or files as a property

Coordinate Reference System​

By default, layers are exported in WGS 84 (EPSG:4326). If the layer uses a different coordinate reference system, the geometry is automatically transformed during export.

tip

For maximum compatibility, GeoJSON is the recommended format. It is supported by virtually all GIS software and web mapping libraries.

caution

DXF export includes geometry only - all attribute data is discarded. Use this format only when you need CAD-compatible geometry.

note

Layer export requires the Import/Export entitlement, available on Pro and Pro+ tiers.