Supported Export Formats

Mapalyze lets you export your field data in multiple formats so you can use it in the tools and workflows you already rely on. This article details each supported format, its strengths, and when to use it.

GeoJSON

GeoJSON is an open standard format for encoding geographic data structures using JSON (JavaScript Object Notation).

File extension: .geojson or .json

Best for:

  • Web-based mapping applications and dashboards
  • Modern GIS tools like QGIS, Mapbox, and Leaflet
  • Data processing with programming languages like Python or JavaScript
  • API integrations and automated workflows

What is included:

  • Each record becomes a Feature with a geometry (point, line, or polygon) and properties (all form field values).
  • Records without location data are included as Features with null geometry.
  • Coordinate reference system is always WGS 84 (EPSG:4326) per the GeoJSON specification.

Advantages:

  • Human-readable text format that is easy to inspect and debug.
  • Widely supported across modern tools and platforms.
  • Lightweight and fast to parse.
  • Single file -- no companion files needed.

Shapefile

The Shapefile is one of the oldest and most widely supported geospatial vector formats, originally developed by Esri.

File extension: .zip (containing .shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj)

Best for:

  • Desktop GIS software like ArcGIS and QGIS
  • Legacy systems and workflows that require Shapefile format
  • Sharing with government agencies or organizations that mandate Shapefile delivery

What is included:

  • .shp -- Geometry data (points, lines, or polygons)
  • .shx -- Spatial index for fast access
  • .dbf -- Attribute data (form field values) in dBASE format
  • .prj -- Coordinate reference system definition

Limitations to be aware of:

  • Field names are truncated to 10 characters in the .dbf file. Mapalyze generates shortened names automatically and includes a lookup table in the ZIP archive.
  • A single Shapefile can only contain one geometry type. If your form has both point and polygon location fields, Mapalyze exports separate Shapefiles for each.
  • Text fields are limited to 254 characters in the .dbf format. Longer text values are truncated.

KML

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based format developed for Google Earth and adopted as an international standard.

File extension: .kml or .kmz (compressed)

Best for:

  • Viewing data in Google Earth Pro or Google My Maps
  • Sharing visual maps with non-technical stakeholders
  • Presentations and reports where geographic context matters

What is included:

  • Each record becomes a Placemark with a point, line, or polygon geometry.
  • Attribute data is included in the description field as an HTML table, making it visible in Google Earth's info balloons.
  • If you export with media, photos are embedded in the KMZ (compressed KML) file.

Advantages:

  • Excellent for visual presentation and storytelling.
  • Google Earth is free and widely available, making KML easy to share.
  • KMZ files are compressed and self-contained, including embedded images.

CSV

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a plain-text tabular format that works with spreadsheets and databases.

File extension: .csv

Best for:

  • Data analysis in Excel, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet tools
  • Importing into databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite)
  • Simple data review and sharing where GIS features are not needed
  • Statistical analysis in tools like R or Python pandas

What is included:

  • One row per record, one column per form field.
  • Latitude and longitude are included as separate columns when location data is available.
  • Date fields are formatted as ISO 8601 (YYYY-MM-DD).
  • Choice fields export the selected value labels.
  • Photo fields export as file names or URLs depending on your export settings.

Advantages:

  • Universal compatibility -- virtually every data tool can read CSV.
  • Easy to open, inspect, and edit with basic tools.
  • Smallest file size for text-based data.

PDF Report

PDF export generates a formatted document for each record, designed for printing or sharing as a report.

File extension: .pdf

Best for:

  • Printed inspection reports or field summaries
  • Sharing individual records with clients or stakeholders who do not use GIS
  • Archival and compliance documentation

What is included:

  • Form title, record metadata (date, collector, location).
  • All field values formatted with labels and answers.
  • Embedded photos at a readable resolution.
  • A map thumbnail showing the record location.

Choosing the right format

Need Recommended format
Analysis in desktop GIS (QGIS, ArcGIS) Shapefile or GeoJSON
Web mapping or JavaScript apps GeoJSON
Viewing in Google Earth KML / KMZ
Spreadsheet analysis CSV
Sharing reports with clients PDF
Automated workflows / APIs GeoJSON
Government or regulatory submission Shapefile (check requirements)

You can export the same dataset in multiple formats without any limitations. All formats are available on all paid plans. The free Explorer plan supports CSV and GeoJSON exports.

Need more help? Contact our support team.

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