Discover QField Guide

Discover QField Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Downloading and Setting Up an NGS Monument as a Control Point
3. Setting Up a QGIS Project Layer
4. Adding the NGS Monument Shapefile to the Project
5. Creating a Data Collection Layer
6. Configuring the Data Collection Layer
7. Adding Fields to the Data Collection Layer
8. Customizing the Attributes Form
9. Adding a Base Map for Context
10. Exporting the Project to Android using QField Sync
11. Getting the Data Back into QGIS from Android
12. Exporting the Project to CAD
13. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will go through the process of downloading and setting up an NGS Monument as a control point in QGIS. We will also cover how to set up a QGIS project layer for collecting data and how to export the project to Android using QField Sync. Additionally, we will discuss how to bring the data back into QGIS from Android and how to export the project to CAD.

Downloading and Setting Up an NGS Monument as a Control Point

To begin, we need to visit the NGS Website and download the shapefiles and data sheets of NGS monuments that we want to use as control points. These shapefiles and data sheets provide additional information about the monuments and their locations. Once downloaded, we can add the shapefile to our QGIS project.

Setting Up a QGIS Project Layer

After adding the NGS monument shapefile to our project, we need to Create a data collection layer that will be used to input data from our GPS receiver. This layer will serve as a reference layer for the NGS monument. We can create a GeoPackage layer and specify the geometry Type and coordinate system for the data collection layer.

Adding the NGS Monument Shapefile to the Project

Now that we have our data collection layer set up, we can configure it by adding fields. We can specify the type of fields we want to include in our data collection layer, such as tags, numbers, dates, and photos. We can also customize the attributes form to include containers for organizing the data collection form.

Customizing the Attributes Form

Once our attributes form is customized, we can add text Prompts, alias names, and widget types for each field. This allows us to customize the input form for collecting data in QField. We can specify the type of input expected for each field, such as text, numbers, dates, and photo attachments.

Adding a Base Map for Context

To provide locational context, we can add a base map to our QGIS project. This base map can be obtained from sources like OpenStreetMap and can be added as a layer in our project. The base map helps us Visualize the data in relation to other geographic features.

Exporting the Project to Android using QField Sync

To transfer our QGIS project to an Android device, we need to use the QField Sync plugin. We can export the project to a specific directory and then transfer it to our Android device. The QField Sync plugin allows for seamless synchronization between QGIS and QField on the mobile device.

Getting the Data Back into QGIS from Android

Once we have collected data on our Android device using QField, we can synchronize it back to our QGIS project. Using the QField Sync plugin, we can select the project folder on our Android device and bring the data back into QGIS. This allows us to further analyze and work with the collected data.

Exporting the Project to CAD

For surveyors who need to export their points from GIS to CAD, QGIS provides the option to export the project to a DXF file. This open-source format is equivalent to DWG and can be Read by most CAD programs. It is important to choose the appropriate coordinate reference system (CRS) and ensure the symbology and labeling are set correctly for exporting to CAD.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the process of downloading and setting up an NGS Monument as a control point in QGIS. We have covered how to set up a data collection layer, configure the attributes form, add a base map for context, and export the project to Android using QField Sync. We have also explored how to get the data back into QGIS from Android and export the project to CAD. By following these steps, surveyors and GIS professionals can efficiently collect and manage their data in a mobile environment.