Collect Your First Record

Once you have built and published a form, it is time to head into the field and collect your first record. This guide covers the entire workflow, from opening the form on your mobile device to viewing the submitted data on your dashboard.

Open the mobile app

1. Launch the Mapalyze app on your phone or tablet.
2. Sign in with your account credentials if prompted.
3. The app will sync automatically and display all published forms assigned to you.

If your form does not appear, pull down on the form list to trigger a manual sync. Make sure the form has been published from the web dashboard.

Start a new record

1. Tap the form you want to fill out.
2. Tap the + New Record button.
3. The form opens and you can start entering data field by field.

Fill in your data

Work through the form from top to bottom. Here are a few tips for common field types:

Text and number fields

Tap the field and type your answer using the on-screen keyboard. For number fields, a numeric keyboard appears automatically.

Location fields

When you reach a location field, Mapalyze captures your GPS coordinates automatically. You can also tap the map to adjust the pin manually. For best accuracy, make sure location services are enabled on your device and you have a clear view of the sky.

Photo fields

Tap the camera icon to take a new photo, or tap the gallery icon to attach an existing image. Photos are stored locally on your device and uploaded during the next sync.

Choice fields

For single-choice fields, tap the option you want. For multiple-choice fields, tap all options that apply. A checkmark appears next to selected options.

Signature fields

Hand your device to the person who needs to sign, or sign it yourself. Use a finger or stylus to draw the signature on the pad. Tap Clear to start over if needed.

Save your record

When you have filled in all fields:

1. Scroll to the bottom of the form and tap Save.
2. Mapalyze validates your record. If any required fields are missing, you will see a prompt highlighting which fields need attention.
3. Once saved, your record is stored locally on the device.

Sync your data

If you have an internet connection, saved records sync automatically to the Mapalyze cloud. You can verify the sync status by looking at the record list:

• Green checkmark -- Record has been synced to the cloud.
• Orange clock -- Record is queued and waiting for connectivity.
• Red warning -- There was a sync issue. Tap the record to see details.

If you are working offline, do not worry. Mapalyze stores everything securely on your device and will sync all pending records the next time you connect to the internet.

View your data on the web

After syncing, your record appears on the Mapalyze web dashboard:

1. Log in to app.mapalyze.com.
2. Click on your form in the left sidebar.
3. Your submitted records appear in a table view. Click any record to see the full details, including photos and map coordinates.
4. Switch to the Map tab to see your records plotted geographically.

Edit or delete a record

If you need to make changes after submission:

1. Open the record from the record list (on the app or web dashboard).
2. Tap Edit to modify any field.
3. Save your changes. The updated record syncs automatically.

To delete a record, open it and tap the Delete button. Deleted records are removed during the next sync. Note that deletion may be restricted based on your role and permissions.

Congratulations on collecting your first record. As you collect more data, explore Mapalyze features like exporting to GIS formats and inviting team members to collaborate.