Exporting Data from TerraFlow Data Engine

Learn how to export your collected field data in multiple formats including KML, Shapefile, CSV, CAD, and map images for use in other systems and applications.

Time needed: 3-5 minutes depending on export size and format

Before you start:

  • Log in to TerraFlow Data Engine at https://app.terraflow.ca
  • Open the project containing the data you want to export
  • Know which data you need and in what format
  • Understand which coordinate system your receiving system requires
  • Determine if you need to include photos with your export

Step 1: Access the Project Map

Navigate to the map view where you can select and export your data.

  1. Log in to TerraFlow Data Engine at https://app.terraflow.ca
  2. Navigate to the Projects page
  3. Locate the project containing the data you want to export
  4. Click Map to open the project map

The map displays all collected data within the project. You'll export data based on what's visible in your current map view.

Step 2: Set Your Export Extent

Define which geographic area of data you want to export by adjusting the map view.

  1. Zoom the map to show the area you want to export
  2. Pan the map to center on your desired data
  3. Ensure all features you want to export are visible in the current map extent

Only data visible in the current map view will be exported. Zoom out to export more data, or zoom in to export a specific area. Use filters to refine what's shown.

Step 3: Open Map Output Options

Access the export tool to choose your output format.

  1. Click Map Output (located on the left panel of the map screen)
  2. Review the available export format options

The Map Output menu provides access to all export formats. Each format is optimized for different use cases.

Step 4: Choose Your Export Format

Select the export format that matches your needs and receiving system.

Print Map

Best for: Visual reports, presentations, documentation, printing

What it exports:

  • An image file (PNG or JPG) of the current map view
  • Exactly what you see on screen—features, base map, labels
  • Static snapshot for sharing or printing

How to use:

  1. Select Print Map
  2. The file will be generated and automatically downloaded

Use Print Map when you need a visual representation rather than editable data.

Download as KML

Best for: Google Earth, field reference, sharing with stakeholders, visualization

What it exports:

  • KML file containing all visible features
  • Complete attribute information
  • Geographic positioning
  • Can be opened in Google Earth, Google Maps, and many GIS applications

How to use:

  1. Select Download as KML
  2. Click Download
  3. Save the KML file
  4. Open in Google Earth or compatible software

KML is ideal for visualization and sharing but has limited attribute editing capabilities compared to shapefiles.

Download as Shapefile

Best for: GIS systems (ArcGIS, QGIS), spatial analysis, integration with CAD/GIS workflows

What it exports:

  • Set of shapefiles—one shapefile per asset type
  • Complete attribute data in the .dbf table
  • All geometry (points, lines, polygons)
  • Organized by feature type (poles separate from valves, etc.)

Export options:

  1. Select Download as Shapefile
  2. Choose coordinate system:
    • Keep as WGS84 (EPSG:4326)
    • Reproject to another coordinate system from the dropdown
  3. Include photos (optional):
    • Check this box to zip photos associated with exported features
    • Photos are organized by feature and included in the download
  4. Click Download
  5. Extract the zip file to access individual shapefiles

IMPORTANT: Height and elevation data will not be transformed during reprojection—these values remain as originally collected.

Shapefiles are the most versatile format for GIS workflows and spatial analysis. Each asset type becomes its own shapefile for easy organization.

Download as CSV

Best for: Excel analysis, databases, business intelligence tools, data migration, reporting

What it exports:

  • Comma-separated values (CSV) text file
  • All attribute data in tabular format
  • Coordinates (can be reprojected)
  • No geometry—just data and coordinates

Export options:

  1. Select Download as CSV
  2. Choose coordinate system:
    • Keep as WGS84 (EPSG:4326)
    • Reproject to another coordinate system from the dropdown
  3. Include photos (optional):
    • Check this box to zip photos associated with exported features
    • Photos are organized by feature and included in the download
  4. Click Download
  5. Open the CSV in Excel, database software, or text editor

IMPORTANT: Height and elevation data will not be transformed during reprojection—these values remain as originally collected.

CSV is perfect for business reporting, data analysis in Excel, or importing into databases. It's human-readable and universally compatible.

Download as CAD

Best for: AutoCAD, MicroStation, CAD workflows, engineering drawings, design integration

What it exports:

  • DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) file
  • Vector geometry for CAD systems
  • Attribute data attached to features
  • Compatible with most CAD software

Export options:

  1. Select Download as CAD
  2. Choose coordinate system:
    • Keep as WGS84 (EPSG:4326)
    • Reproject to another coordinate system from the dropdown
  3. Include photos (optional):
    • Check this box to zip photos associated with exported features
    • Photos are organized by feature and included in the download
  4. Click Export or Download
  5. Open the DXF file in AutoCAD or compatible CAD software

IMPORTANT: Height and elevation data will not be transformed during reprojection—these values remain as originally collected.

DXF is the standard format for sharing vector data with CAD systems. Use this when integrating field data with engineering drawings or design work.

Step 5: Understanding Coordinate System Reprojection

When exporting Shapefiles, CSV, or CAD formats, you can reproject coordinates to match your target system.

Default coordinate system: WGS84 (EPSG:4326)

Reprojection options:

  • Select from available coordinate systems in the dropdown
  • Common options include:
    • NAD83 (various zones)
    • State Plane Coordinate Systems
    • UTM zones
    • Local coordinate systems

CRITICAL: Height and elevation data are NOT transformed during reprojection. These values remain exactly as collected, regardless of which coordinate system you select.

If you need height/elevation transformations (e.g., converting between geoid models), perform this in specialized GIS or survey software after export.

Step 6: Including Photos with Exports

Photos attached to features can be exported along with your data.

When to include photos:

  • Documentation requirements
  • Condition assessments
  • Asset management systems that accept photo attachments
  • Complete data packages for clients or archives

How photos are packaged:

  1. Check the Include photos checkbox during export (Shapefile, CSV, or CAD)
  2. Photos are automatically zipped with the exported data
  3. Photo files are organized by feature ID or asset name
  4. Photo filenames typically reference the parent feature

File organization:

  • Main data export file (shapefile, CSV, or DXF)
  • Separate folder or zip containing all photos
  • Photos may be named by feature ID for easy reference

Including photos significantly increases download size and time. Only include them when necessary.

Step 7: Download and Use Your Exported Data

Complete the export process and use your data in other systems.

  1. Wait for the export to process (larger datasets take longer)
  2. Download the file(s) when prompted
  3. Save to an appropriate location on your computer
  4. Extract zip files if necessary
  5. Open or import the data into your target application:
    • Print Map: View/print the image
    • KML: Open in Google Earth
    • Shapefile: Import into GIS software
    • CSV: Open in Excel or import into database
    • CAD: Open in AutoCAD or compatible software

Save exports with descriptive names including date and extent (e.g., "MainStreet_Poles_2025-10-11.shp") for easy identification later.

Troubleshooting

Export button is grayed out or disabled?

  • Verify you have data visible in the current map extent
  • Zoom to an area with collected features
  • Check that you have permission to export data
  • Ensure you're logged in and the session hasn't timed out

Export seems to take forever?

  • Large datasets with many features take longer to process
  • Exports including photos take significantly longer
  • Check your internet connection
  • Be patient—don't cancel the export unless it exceeds 10-15 minutes
  • Consider exporting smaller areas or excluding photos

Exported file is empty or has no features?

  • Verify features are visible in the map view before exporting
  • Check that you zoomed to the correct area
  • Ensure filters aren't hiding all data
  • Try zooming out to include more features

Shapefile won't open in GIS software?

  • Extract the entire zip file—all component files are needed
  • Verify the receiving software supports the exported coordinate system
  • Check that the shapefile isn't corrupted (re-export if needed)
  • Try opening in different GIS software to isolate the issue

CSV has garbled or missing data?

  • Try opening with UTF-8 encoding
  • Check that special characters in attributes are supported
  • Verify column mapping in your receiving application
  • Re-export with different options if needed

CAD file appears in wrong location?

  • Verify you selected the correct coordinate system during export
  • Check that your CAD software is set to the same coordinate system
  • Use georeferencing tools in CAD to position correctly
  • Consider exporting in a different coordinate system

Coordinates seem incorrect after reprojection?

  • Verify you selected the correct target coordinate system
  • Remember that height/elevation values are NOT transformed
  • Try exporting as WGS84 and reprojecting in specialized software

Photos didn't export or are missing?

  • Verify "Include photos" was checked during export
  • Check inside the zip file—photos may be in a subfolder
  • Ensure features actually have photos attached
  • Some features may not have photos—this is normal

KML displays incorrectly in Google Earth?

  • Verify data was collected with correct GPS settings
  • Check for coordinate system issues in source data
  • Try re-exporting
  • Open in Google Earth Pro for better compatibility

Tips for Success

  • Export frequently: Regular exports create backups and ensure data availability
  • Descriptive naming: Name exports with date, extent, and content (e.g., "ProjectName_AllPoles_2025-10-11")
  • Test imports: Verify exports open correctly in receiving systems before deleting from TerraFlow
  • Right format for the job: Match export format to your intended use
    • Analysis = CSV or Shapefile
    • Visualization = KML or Print Map
    • CAD integration = CAD/DXF
  • Coordinate system planning: Know your target system's requirements before exporting
  • Photo management: Only include photos when necessary—they significantly increase file sizes
  • Incremental exports: Export smaller areas or specific asset types for faster processing
  • Document exports: Keep notes on what was exported, when, and to whom
  • Quality check: Open exports immediately to verify they contain expected data
  • Backup strategy: Maintain exported copies of critical data outside TerraFlow
  • Client deliverables: Use Print Map for reports, Shapefile or KML for technical deliverables
  • Height data caution: Remember elevation values aren't transformed—handle separately if needed

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