Filtering Data in TerraFlow Data Engine
Learn how to use the filtering tools in the TerraFlow Data Engine map view to display specific data subsets, making it easier to review, analyze, and manage your field-collected information.
Time needed: 2-3 minutes to apply filters
Before you start:
- Log in to TerraFlow Data Engine
- Open a project and navigate to the Map view
- Understand your project's job structure and workflows
- Know which data you want to view or work with
Step 1: Understanding the Filter Panel
The filter panel controls what data appears on your map, allowing you to focus on specific subsets of your collected information.
The filtering system lets you narrow down data by:
- Jobs: Show data from specific data collection sessions
- Workflows/Utility Types: Display only certain types of utilities or collection workflows
- User: View data collected by specific field technicians
- Date or Date Range: Show data collected within specific timeframes
Filters work together—you can combine multiple filters to create very specific data views. For example, you might show only water utilities collected by a specific user during last week.
Step 2: Filter by Jobs
Display data from specific field collection sessions by filtering by job.
- Locate the Jobs filter in the filter panel
- Select the checkbox next to the job(s) you want to display
- Deselect jobs you want to hide
- The map updates automatically to show only data from selected jobs
Jobs organize data by collection session, date, crew, or work area. Filtering by job helps you review specific field days or team activities.
Step 3: Filter by Workflows/Utility Types
Show only specific types of utilities on the map to reduce visual clutter and focus your review.
- Locate the Workflows filter in the filter panel
- Select the workflows you want to display (e.g., Gas, Electric, Water, Sewer, Telecom)
- Deselect workflows you want to hide
- The map updates to show only the selected utility types
Workflows define both the utility types and the asset attributes collected in the field. Filtering by workflow helps you review data consistency, focus on specific utility types, and is especially helpful when reviewing congested areas with multiple utilities or when preparing export data for specific clients.
Step 4: Filter by User
View data collected by specific field technicians to review individual performance or crew work.
- Locate the User filter in the filter panel
- Select the checkbox next to the user(s) whose data you want to display
- Deselect users whose data you want to hide
- The map updates to show only data collected by selected users
User filtering helps with quality control reviews, crew performance analysis, and identifying which technician collected specific assets.
Step 5: Filter by Date or Date Range
Show data collected during specific timeframes to review recent work or analyze historical data.
- Locate the Date filter in the filter panel
- Select a single date to view data from that day only, OR
- Select a date range by choosing a start date and end date
- The map updates to show only data collected within the specified timeframe
Date filtering is useful for daily reviews, weekly reports, or comparing data collection productivity across different time periods.
Step 6: Combine Multiple Filters
Create specific data views by applying multiple filters simultaneously for precise data analysis.
- Apply your first filter (e.g., select a specific job)
- Add additional filters (e.g., select a date range)
- Continue adding filters until you see exactly the data you need
- Clear individual filters or all filters to return to full data view
Combining filters lets you answer specific questions like "Show me all gas lines collected by John during the week of October 7th."
Step 7: Move Data Between Projects
Transfer data from one project to another when both projects use the same template structure.
Important: This feature only works when both the source and destination projects are based on the same templates. Template compatibility ensures data structure and attributes match between projects.
- Apply filters to display only the data you want to move
- Select the data on the map that you want to transfer
- Locate the Move Data function
- Select the destination project from the list
- Confirm the move operation
The data will be transferred to the destination project while maintaining all attributes and spatial accuracy.
Moving data is useful for reorganizing projects, transferring completed work to archive projects, or consolidating data from multiple collection projects into a master dataset.
Troubleshooting
No data appears after applying filters?
- Verify that data matching your filter criteria exists in the project
- Check that you haven't applied conflicting filters (e.g., a date range with no data)
- Try removing filters one at a time to identify which filter is too restrictive
- Refresh the page and reapply filters
Too much data still showing on screen?
- Apply additional filters to narrow down the results
- Combine multiple filter types (job + date + workflow)
- Verify you've selected the correct filter values
Can't find the filter I need?
- Check that your user role has permission to use all filter types
- Verify the filter option is available for your project configuration
- Contact your administrator if certain filter options are missing
Move Data option is greyed out or unavailable?
- Verify both projects use the same template structure
- Ensure you have permission to move data between projects
- Check that you've selected data on the map before attempting to move
- Confirm the destination project exists and you have access to it
Data moved to wrong project?
- You can move the data back or contact TerraFlow support immediately—data moves may be reversible
- Verify you selected the correct destination project
- Check with your administrator about data recovery options
Filters not updating the map?
- Refresh your browser page
- Clear your browser cache and reload
- Check your internet connection
- Try logging out and logging back in
Tips for Success
Start broad, then narrow: Begin with fewer filters and add more to progressively narrow your view rather than starting with many filters at once.
Save common filter combinations: Document your frequently used filter combinations for consistent reporting and review processes.
Date range efficiency: Use date ranges for weekly or monthly reviews rather than selecting multiple individual dates.
Quality control workflow: Filter by user and date range to perform systematic quality control reviews of each technician's daily work.
Export preparation: Apply filters before exporting to ensure you're only exporting the exact data subset you need.
Template verification before moving: Always verify template compatibility before moving data to avoid data loss or corruption.
Move data in batches: When moving large amounts of data, consider doing it in smaller batches to reduce the risk of errors.
Clear filters regularly: Remember to clear all filters when switching tasks to avoid confusion about why certain data isn't appearing.
Document your move operations: Keep records of what data was moved, when, and why for project management and auditing purposes.
Related Articles
Understanding TerraFlow Projects and Jobs
Exporting Data from TerraFlow Data Engine
Understanding Workflows and Templates
User Permissions and Roles in Data Engine
Need more help? Contact TerraFlow Support at support@terraflow.ca