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Import/Export via FTP

Mapit GIS can connect to your FTP or SFTP server to import projects and layers, and to export projects. This is useful for teams that manage field data on a shared server, or for transferring files without relying on cloud services.

Prerequisites​

Before using FTP import or export, you must configure your FTP/SFTP connection in Settings - Remote Connections.

  1. Open Settings from the main menu.
  2. Tap Remote Connections.
  3. Under the FTP/SFTP section, enter your server host, port, username, and password.
  4. Tap Test Connection to verify everything is working.

See Remote Connections for detailed configuration options.

note

The FTP/SFTP option is always visible in the import and export sheets. If you tap it before configuring a host, the app offers a direct shortcut to the Remote Connections settings screen so you can set it up in one step.

Importing a Project from FTP​

  1. Open the Projects screen from the main menu.
  2. Tap the + button and select Import Project.
  3. In the import source sheet, select FTP/SFTP.
  4. The app tests the connection to your FTP server. If the connection fails, an error message is shown with an Open Settings button.
  5. If the connection succeeds, a file browser displays all .gpkg files found on the server.
  6. Tap a file to download and import it as a new project.
  7. A progress dialog shows the download status.

Importing Layers from FTP​

  1. Open the Layers screen from the main menu or map menu.
  2. Tap the + button and select Import Layer.
  3. In the import source sheet, select FTP/SFTP.
  4. The app tests the connection and displays matching files from the server.
  5. Select a file to download and import it as a new layer.

Supported layer formats for FTP import:

FormatExtension
GeoJSON.geojson
ArcJSON.json
CSV.csv
KML.kml
Shapefile.zip

Exporting a Project to FTP​

  1. Open the Projects screen from the main menu.
  2. Tap the project you want to export to expand the action buttons.
  3. Tap the Export button (share icon).
  4. In the export destination sheet, select FTP/SFTP.
  5. The app tests the connection before uploading. If the connection fails, a message is shown.
  6. If the connection succeeds, the .gpkg file is uploaded to the configured server path.
  7. A progress dialog shows the upload status, and a confirmation message appears on completion.
note

The file is uploaded to the Server Path configured in your FTP settings. If no server path is set, the file is uploaded to the root directory (FTP) or the home directory (SFTP).

Connection Testing​

Every time you initiate an FTP import or export, the app performs a live connection test before proceeding. This ensures that:

  • The server is reachable
  • Your credentials are valid
  • The connection is stable

If the test fails, you will see a clear error message and an option to open the Remote Connections settings to fix the issue.

Troubleshooting​

IssueSolution
Connection failedVerify host, port, username, and password in settings. Use Test Connection to diagnose.
No files shownCheck that files exist in the configured server path and have the correct extension
Upload failsEnsure you have write permissions on the remote directory
Slow transfersFTP transfers depend on your network. Use Wi-Fi for large files.
tip

If your server supports both FTP and SFTP, prefer SFTP for encrypted, more reliable transfers.

note

FTP import and export require the Import/Export entitlement, available on Pro and Pro+ tiers.