Frequently asked questions

#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 maps, Map Studio, the catalogue and private uploads, with 25 OrionAI credits, 1 dashboard and 250 form submissions a month. Paid plans (Pro, Team, Organisation) raise those limits and add seats; read API access starts on Pro. New accounts get 14 days of Team limits to start. See Plans and billing.

#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? Usually because it uses data that is still private: a published map is public, so it can't draw private layers. Make the data public or remove those layers, then publish again. See Maps that use private data. A map that isn't in a project is no longer a reason: it is filed into My maps when you publish it.

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.