Understanding the Data Engine Map Screen

Learn about the map screen interface in TerraFlow Data Engine and the tools available for viewing, analyzing, and managing your field data.

Time needed: 5 minutes to familiarize yourself with the interface

Before you start:

  • Log in to TerraFlow Data Engine at https://app.terraflow.ca
  • Open a project to access the Map view
  • Have some collected data in your project for best understanding
  • Know your user role and associated permissions

Step 1: Overview of the Map Screen

The map screen is the primary workspace in TerraFlow Data Engine for all map-based tasks and data visualization.

What you can do on the map screen:

  • View all data collected in the project
  • Navigate to specific locations
  • Filter and query data
  • Create visual annotations and sketches
  • Export data in multiple formats
  • Configure display settings
  • Analyze spatial relationships

The map screen is accessible to all user roles (Organization Administrator, Field User, and Office User), making it the central hub for viewing and working with your field data.

Step 2: Viewing Collected Data

The map displays all field data collected within your project, organized by asset type and attributes.

What appears on the map:

  • Data points (poles, valves, manholes, etc.)
  • Linear features (pipes, cables, fence lines)
  • Polygon features (property boundaries, radiation zones)
  • Imported reference data (KML files, shapefiles)
  • Sketches and annotations

Map interaction:

  • Click on features to view their attributes and details
  • Zoom in/out using scroll wheel or zoom controls
  • Pan by clicking and dragging
  • Switch between map view and aerial imagery
  • Toggle layers on/off to control what's visible

The map updates automatically when you synchronize new field data from mobile devices or import external data.

Step 3: Address Search

Quickly navigate to specific locations by searching for addresses, landmarks, or postal codes.

How to use Address Search:

  1. Locate the search box at the top of the map screen
  2. Type an address or location
  3. Select from autocomplete suggestions
  4. The map pans to your selected location

Best uses:

  • Jump to specific work sites
  • Find data at customer addresses
  • Navigate to intersections or landmarks
  • Locate areas by postal code or ZIP code

See the "Using Address Search in TerraFlow Map" help article for detailed instructions.

Step 4: Filtering Data

Focus on specific data subsets by filtering based on asset type, attributes, dates, jobs, or other criteria.

What you can filter by:

  • Asset type (show only poles, only valves, etc.)
  • Job (view data from specific contracts or dates)
  • Date range (data collected within specific timeframes)
  • User (who collected the data)

Benefits of filtering:

  • Reduce visual clutter on busy maps
  • Focus analysis on specific asset categories
  • Create targeted exports
  • Identify patterns and trends
  • Generate specific reports

How to apply filters:

  1. Locate the Filter or Query tool on the map screen
  2. Select your filter criteria
  3. Click Apply or Filter
  4. The map updates to show only matching features

Filters don't delete data—they only control what's visible. Clear filters to see all data again.

Step 5: Sketches and Annotations

Create visual markup, annotations, and sketches directly on the map for planning, communication, and documentation.

Sketch capabilities:

  • Draw lines, polygons, and shapes
  • Add text labels and callouts
  • Mark up locations with symbols
  • Create measurement annotations
  • Highlight areas of interest
  • Add planning or design overlays

Common sketch uses:

  • Mark planned work areas
  • Annotate data quality issues
  • Highlight features for field crews
  • Create visual work orders
  • Document site conditions
  • Communicate with team members

Sketch features:

  • Save sketches with the project
  • Share sketches with field users
  • Edit and update sketches as needed
  • Export sketches with map outputs
  • Organize sketches by purpose or author

Sketches are project-specific and visible to all users with map access. Use them for collaboration and visual communication.

Step 6: Map Output (Export)

Export your map data in multiple formats for use in other systems, reporting, or documentation.

Available export formats:

Print Map

  • Static image of the current map view
  • For reports, presentations, documentation

Download Map Package

  • Static image of the current map view
  • Per utility mapping
  • Report prepared maps
  • For reports, presentations, documentation

Download as KML

  • Google Earth compatible format
  • All features with attributes
  • Ideal for visualization and sharing

Download as Shapefile

  • One shapefile per asset type
  • Full GIS compatibility
  • Coordinate system reprojection available
  • Optional photo export

Download as CSV

  • Tabular data format
  • Excel and database compatible
  • Coordinate system reprojection available
  • Optional photo export

Download as CAD

  • DXF format for AutoCAD
  • Vector geometry preserved
  • Coordinate system reprojection available
  • Optional photo export

Export options:

  • Select visible extent or entire project
  • Choose coordinate system (for shapefile, CSV, CAD)
  • Include or exclude photos
  • Apply filters before exporting

See the "Exporting Data from TerraFlow Data Engine" help article for detailed export instructions.

Step 7: Map Settings

Configure how data is displayed, control layer visibility, and customize the map appearance.

Common settings:

  • Base map selection: Choose between street maps and aerial imagery.
  • Layer visibility: Toggle asset types on/off
  • Symbol styles: Change how features appear (colors, sizes, icons)
  • Label display: Show/hide feature labels
  • Clustering: Group nearby features for cleaner display
  • Transparency: Adjust layer opacity

Display preferences:

  • Pop-up information format
  • Zoom level and north arrow

Step 8: Typical Map Screen Workflow

Follow this common workflow to effectively use the map screen for data analysis and management.

View and Navigate

  1. Open the project map
  2. Orient yourself (map opens at last collected data location)
  3. Pan and zoom to your area of interest
  4. Switch to aerial view if helpful

Filter and Focus

  1. Apply filters to show only relevant data
  2. Use address search to jump to specific locations
  3. Click features to inspect attributes
  4. Identify patterns or issues

Annotate and Document

  1. Create sketches to mark areas of interest
  2. Add text annotations for notes or instructions
  3. Save sketches for team reference

Export and Share

  1. Set your desired map extent
  2. Apply appropriate filters
  3. Choose export format
  4. Download for use in other systems or reporting

This workflow can be adapted based on your specific tasks—some users focus on analysis, others on export and reporting.

Troubleshooting

Map screen is blank or won't load?

  • Verify you have an active internet connection
  • Refresh the browser page
  • Check that the project contains collected data
  • Try logging out and back in
  • Clear browser cache and cookies

Data not appearing on the map?

  • Check if filters are active (clear all filters)
  • Verify you're viewing the correct project
  • Zoom out to see if data is outside current extent
  • Ensure data has been synchronized from field devices

Can't access certain tools or features?

  • Verify your user role permissions
  • Organization Administrators have full access
  • Field Users and Office Users have limited permissions
  • Contact your Organization Administrator for access

Map performance is slow?

  • Projects with thousands of features may load slowly
  • Apply filters to reduce visible feature count
  • Close other browser tabs to free up memory
  • Try a different web browser
  • Check your internet connection speed

Sketches not saving?

  • Ensure you clicked Save after creating the sketch
  • Verify you have permission to create sketches
  • Check your internet connection
  • Try refreshing and recreating the sketch

Export button is disabled?

  • Ensure features are visible in the map extent
  • Check that you have export permissions
  • Verify your session hasn't timed out
  • Try zooming to include more data

Tips for Success

  • Learn the basics first: Spend time exploring the map interface before diving into advanced features
  • Use filters strategically: Reduce clutter by filtering to only what you need to see
  • Combine tools: Use address search + filters + sketches together for powerful workflows
  • Regular exports: Export data periodically as backups and for offline work
  • Sketches for communication: Use sketches to visually communicate with field teams
  • Keyboard shortcuts: Learn zoom and pan shortcuts for faster navigation (if available)
  • Multiple monitors: Use a second monitor for map view while working with data in other applications
  • Layer organization: Turn off layers you're not using to improve performance
  • Attribute inspection: Always click features to verify data quality and completeness
  • Documentation: Take screenshots or export maps to document project progress
  • Collaborate: Share sketches and filtered views with team members for better coordination

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Need more help? Contact TerraFlow Support at support@terraflow.ca