Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about OrionGIS accounts, data, maps, forms, dashboards, privacy and plans.

Updated 20 September 2026

#Getting started

Do I need to install anything? No. OrionGIS runs in your browser. Collectors can also use the Orion Collect app on Android.

Do I need GIS experience? No. You can search data, build a map and publish it without a GIS background. Specialists can go further with open formats and web services.

Is there a free plan? Yes. The Free plan includes the platform, maps, spatial analysis and the catalogue, with a monthly allowance of AI answers. Forms and dashboards are part of the Growth plan and above; catalogue API access and OGC services are part of Professional and above. See the pricing section on the home page for current details.

#Data

What file types can I upload? GeoJSON, GeoPackage, GeoTIFF and zipped Shapefiles. See Supported formats.

Can I get my data back out? Form submissions export as CSV or GeoJSON, catalogue datasets have a Download button when a file is attached, and every published dataset is available through standard web services. See Supported formats.

Who can see the data I upload? Only you. Uploads are private by default. You can make a dataset public from its page, and private again at any time. See Access and sharing.

#Maps

How do I share a map? Publish it from the Print Layout to get a share link. See Publish and share a map.

Why can't I publish my map? A scratch map has to be filed into a project first.

Will published maps show my survey answers? Only the answers you tick. By default, published maps show locations only.

#Forms

Does data collection work without internet? Yes. Forms work offline; submissions send automatically when the device reconnects.

Why isn't my form a layer on the map? It needs a GPS question or latitude and longitude fields. See Form data as a map layer.

#Privacy

Do you track me? Only with your consent, and only in aggregate. See Privacy and cookies.

Who do I contact for help? Use Contact Admin in the sidebar, or the contact page.

Something missing or unclear? Tell us — we update the guide as the platform grows.