With this feature, you can now add visualization layers from your GIS (Geographic Information System) to provide context and information to your users. The layer data must be provided in GeoJSON format.
Once in GeoJSON format, the custom visualization layer can be applied to In-app Mapping screens and a few field types when designing Data Entry forms.
This feature is currently only available for Android and iOS.
CONTENTS
Best Practice: Large GeoJSON data will limit performance. Lower resolution data (containing fewer coordinates) will be more performat if you experience layer rendering issues.
Example
When a screen is launched and an Overlay with Geo Data is detected, the app will acquire the data and display the layer.
Below is a sample GeoJSON body containing coordinates for the perimeter of Central Park, New York, USA.
Simply copy and paste the GeoJSON body (below) into the Overlay with Geo Data (GeoJSON) property on a Mapping screen or Location, Media, or Gallery field to test.
{
"type": "FeatureCollection",
"features": [
{
"type": "Feature",
"properties": {},
"geometry": {
"coordinates": [
[
[
-73.95828397753262,
40.80038443855048
],
[
-73.98156111205714,
40.767819691613454
],
[
-73.97301403922378,
40.7643763962468
],
[
-73.94937319947219,
40.79694283103413
],
[
-73.95828397753262,
40.80038443855048
]
]
],
"type": "Polygon"
}
}
]
}
The sample GeoJSON file is also downloadable at the end of this article.
A useful site to create a GeoJSON file and get an estimate on the rendering time and validity of your GeoJson can be found here:
Note that this is a dedicated GeoJson service, and that performance may vary between geojson.io and our platform.
Additionally, to check that your GeoJSON data is correctly formatted, paste the contents into GeoJSONLint to get it correctly formatted. Copy the content from the Linter and paste it into the Overlay Map with Geo Data property in the platform.
If your layer data does not change often. Simply paste the entire GeoJSON file contents into the Overlay Map with Geo Data property.
You can also enter an HTTPS URL to download your GeoJSON data at the time of viewing (internet connectivity required).
Please note, accessing Custom Layers is a Premium User feature which means only Premium Users logged into the webportal or app can configure and view custom layers.
If a Standard user attempts to open a screen or form containing Premium Features, they'll be notified "Unable to access Premium functionality".
Configuring Screens
Mapping Screen
When viewing the designer of a Map a Data Source screen, under Basic Properties, the Overlay with Geo Data property supports formula and static text input.
Allowing for either a GeoJSON file’s content to be added directly into the property or otherwise dynamically acquired from data sources or a URL to download.
You can also populate a Data Source with GeoJSON data and access the data through a formula.
Alternatively, you could load all of your GeoJSON data files to a web server and then add the fully qualified direct-download links as text fields in a data source. Select that field in the data source, and your overlay will render.
Once design changes have been made, remember to hit Save, then jump into the app, force sync, and test.
Configuring Fields
When viewing a Data Entry Form’s design, the following fields display an Overlay Map with Geo Data option that allows for GeoJSON data to be statically added or dynamically driven from a formula.
Allowing for either a GeoJSON file’s content to be added directly into the property or otherwise dynamically acquired from data sources, Form fields, or a URL to download.
Location Field
In addition to the Mapping Screen, you can specify geo-data to render a map overlay when your users access a Location field.
Under the field’s Layout & Styling properties, the Overlay Map with Geo Data can be populated with GeoJSON data for the field to use.
Media and Gallery Field
Under the field’s Basic Properties, if the Include GPS information is ticked, the Overlay Map with Geo Data can be populated with GeoJSON data for the field to use.
The option to include GPS information is available for all media types, ie. Image, Audio, and Video.
Media Field
Gallery Field
