Field Types Reference

Mapalyze offers a wide range of field types to capture exactly the data you need in the field. This reference guide covers every available field type, what it does, and when to use it.

Text fields

Short Text

A single-line text input for brief answers like names, IDs, or labels. You can set a character limit and placeholder text.

Use for: Site names, equipment IDs, inspector names, short descriptions.

Long Text

A multi-line text area for longer responses. Supports up to 5,000 characters by default.

Use for: Detailed observations, notes, descriptions of damage or conditions.

Number fields

Number

A numeric input that shows a number keyboard on mobile devices. You can configure:

• Minimum and maximum values -- Reject entries outside a valid range.
• Decimal places -- Control precision (for example, 2 decimal places for measurements).

Use for: Measurements, quantities, temperatures, counts, readings.

Calculation

A read-only field that computes a value based on other number fields in the form. Supports basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).

Use for: Totals, averages, unit conversions, derived measurements.

Choice fields

Single Choice

Presents a list of options where the user selects exactly one. Renders as a dropdown on the web and a radio-button list on mobile.

Use for: Status categories, condition ratings, material types, yes/no/N/A questions.

Multiple Choice

A list of options where the user can select one or more. Renders as checkboxes.

Use for: Checklists, multi-select tags, applicable defect types, services performed.

Yes/No

A dedicated toggle for simple binary questions. Displays as a switch or two-button selector.

Use for: Pass/fail checks, boolean flags, presence/absence questions.

Date and time fields

Date

A date picker that lets the user select a calendar date. Defaults to the current date.

Use for: Inspection dates, installation dates, scheduled follow-ups.

Time

A time picker for selecting hours and minutes.

Use for: Start and end times, shift times, observation timestamps.

Date/Time

Combines both date and time into a single field.

Use for: Precise timestamps for events, incidents, or sampling.

Media fields

Photo

Captures one or more photos using the device camera or from the photo gallery. You can configure:

• Maximum number of photos per field.
• Required minimum -- Ensure at least a certain number of photos are taken.

Photos are stored locally and uploaded during sync. They are displayed as thumbnails in the record view.

Use for: Site photos, damage documentation, before/after comparisons, evidence.

Audio

Records audio clips directly from the device microphone.

Use for: Voice notes, interview recordings, ambient sound documentation.

File Attachment

Allows uploading any file type (PDF, spreadsheet, document) from the device.

Use for: Attaching supporting documents, permits, reference materials.

Location fields

GPS Point

Captures a single geographic coordinate (latitude and longitude) using the device GPS. The field displays a map with a draggable pin so the user can adjust the position. Altitude and accuracy values are also captured when available.

Use for: Asset locations, sample points, incident locations, infrastructure positions.

Line

Lets the user draw a line on the map by placing sequential points. Useful for capturing linear features.

Use for: Road segments, pipeline routes, fence lines, trail paths.

Polygon

Lets the user draw a closed shape on the map. Calculates area automatically.

Use for: Property boundaries, vegetation areas, excavation zones, flood extents.

Address

A text field with geocoding support. The user types an address and Mapalyze converts it to coordinates, or they can drop a pin and get a reverse-geocoded address.

Use for: Mailing addresses, property locations when precise GPS is not needed.

Specialized fields

Signature

A touch-based drawing pad for capturing handwritten signatures.

Use for: Approvals, sign-offs, chain-of-custody documentation.

Barcode / QR Code

Uses the device camera to scan barcodes and QR codes. The decoded value is stored as text.

Use for: Asset tracking, inventory management, equipment identification.

Layout elements

Section Header

A non-data element that creates a visual group in the form. Does not capture any data but helps organize fields logically.

Instructions

A read-only text block that displays instructions or guidance within the form. Supports basic formatting.

Page Break

Splits the form into multiple pages on the mobile app, creating a step-by-step experience for longer forms.

Tips for choosing field types

• Use the most specific field type available. A Number field with validation is better than a Text field for numeric data.
• Use Single Choice instead of Text whenever you have a known set of answers. This improves data consistency and makes analysis easier.
• Combine Photo and Location fields to build rich, geo-tagged visual records.