Importing a Project

You can import an existing GeoPackage (.gpkg) file into Mapit GIS as a new project. This is useful for restoring backups, receiving projects from colleagues, or loading datasets prepared in desktop GIS software.

There are two ways to import a project on Android: from the Projects screen or by opening a .gpkg file directly from a file manager or email attachment.

Android

Method 1: Import from the Projects Screen

1. Open the Projects screen from the main menu.
2. Tap the + button (floating action button) in the bottom-right corner.
3. A bottom sheet appears with options including Create New Project and Import Project.
4. Tap Import Project.
5. Choose an import source:

Source	Description
Device	Opens the Android file picker to select a .gpkg file from local storage
Dropbox	Browse and download .gpkg files from your Dropbox /Apps/Mapit GIS/ folder (see Export to Dropbox)
FTP/SFTP	Browse and download .gpkg files from your FTP server (see Import/Export via FTP)

6. The file is copied into the app's internal storage and registered as a new project.
7. The project list refreshes and the imported project appears.

note

All remote sources are always visible in the import sheet. If a source isn't configured yet, tapping it opens a prompt with a direct shortcut to Settings - Remote Connections. If you are on the Free tier, the paywall opens instead so you can upgrade before setting anything up.

Method 2: Open from a File Manager

Mapit GIS registers itself as a handler for .gpkg files. When you tap a GeoPackage file in a file manager, email attachment, or download notification:

1. Android offers Mapit GIS as an app to open the file (or opens it directly if set as default).
2. The file is automatically imported as a new project.
3. The map screen opens with the imported project available.

This works with files received via email, messaging apps, cloud storage apps, or any file manager.

What Happens During Import

• The .gpkg file is copied into the app's internal data directory - the original file is not modified or moved.
• The project name is derived from the filename (without the .gpkg extension).
• All layers, attributes, styles, and metadata inside the GeoPackage are preserved.

Validation

Check	Behaviour
File is not a .gpkg	Import is rejected with a "file not supported" message
Project with the same name already exists	Import is rejected with an "already exists" message
File is corrupted or not a valid SQLite database	Import fails with an error message

tip

If you need to import a project that has the same name as an existing one, rename the .gpkg file before importing - the project name is taken from the filename.

note

Importing a project requires the Import/Export entitlement, available on Pro and Pro+ tiers.

iOS

Importing a Project

1. Open the Projects screen from the main menu.
2. Tap the + button. The Add Project sheet appears with options depending on which remote connections are configured:
   • Create New — start a blank project (covered in Manage Projects).
   • Import Project — pick a .gpkg file with the iOS file picker.
   • Import from Dropbox — browse your Dropbox /Apps/Mapit GIS/ folder for a .gpkg. Only shown when a Dropbox account is linked under Remote Connections.
   • Import from SFTP — lists .gpkg files at the configured SFTP remote path. Tap a file to download and import it. Only shown when SFTP credentials are configured under Remote Connections.
3. Tap Import Project. The iOS file picker opens — pick a .gpkg from local storage, iCloud Drive, or any other configured file provider. The file is copied into the app's internal storage and registered as a new project.

You can also import a GeoPackage by opening a .gpkg file from the iOS Files app, an email attachment, or AirDrop — Mapit GIS handles the file automatically.

Auto-rename on collision

If you import a project whose name matches one you already have, Mapit GIS appends (1), (2), … to keep both projects. Your existing project is never overwritten.

Importing from Dropbox

If you have linked Dropbox under Settings → Remote Connections → Dropbox, the Add Project sheet shows an additional Import from Dropbox row:

1. Tap Import from Dropbox. A file browser sheet opens listing every .gpkg file in your /Apps/Mapit GIS/ folder.
2. Tap a file. A progress overlay shows the download, then the project appears in the projects list (with auto-rename on name collision).

See Export to Dropbox for the full Dropbox setup and round-trip workflow.

Other cloud providers

Direct cloud import is only available for Dropbox today. For Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud Drive, etc., use the iOS Files app — those providers appear inside the standard Import Project file picker once you've added them under Files → Browse → ⋯ → Edit.

Subscription

Importing a project requires the Import/Export entitlement, available on Pro and Pro+ tiers.