TreeMapper

Bulk Data Upload

Learn how to upload large amounts of intervention data using the TreeMapper web dashboard.

Overview

The bulk upload feature allows you to import large quantities of intervention data from spreadsheets or CSV files. This is useful when migrating data from other systems or recording historical planting data that wasn't captured in the mobile app.

When to Use Bulk Upload

  • Historical data: Import past planting records not recorded in TreeMapper
  • Data migration: Move data from other forestry management systems
  • Large datasets: Upload hundreds or thousands of records at once
  • Species data: Bulk import species and tree information

Upload Wizard

The bulk upload process uses a step-by-step wizard to guide you through the import:

Step 1: Project and Site Selection

First, select the target project and optionally a specific site for the imported data:

  • Project selection: Choose which project will receive the uploaded data
  • Site selection: Optionally assign all uploaded interventions to a specific site
  • The system validates your selections before proceeding

Step 2: File Upload

Upload your data file in CSV or spreadsheet format:

  • Supported formats: CSV, Excel (.xlsx)
  • File parsing: The system reads and parses your file structure
  • Column mapping: Match your file columns to TreeMapper fields
  • Preview: See a sample of the data to verify it's correct

Step 3: Data Validation

The system validates your data before import:

  • Field validation: Check that required fields are present and properly formatted
  • Data type verification: Ensure dates, numbers, and coordinates are valid
  • Error reporting: Identify and display any issues with the data
  • Data preview: Review the validated data before confirming

Handling Errors

If validation errors are found:

  • The system displays which rows have issues
  • Error messages explain what needs to be corrected
  • You can go back to fix your file and re-upload
  • Some minor issues can be corrected in the preview

Step 4: Upload Confirmation

After successful upload, you'll see a confirmation:

  • Summary: Number of records successfully imported
  • Results: Details about the uploaded data
  • Next steps: Option to start a new upload or return to the dashboard

Data Requirements

Required Fields

Your upload file must include these minimum fields:

  • Intervention type: Type of intervention (planting, maintenance, etc.)
  • Date: When the intervention occurred
  • Location: GPS coordinates (latitude/longitude) or geometry

Optional Fields

Enhance your data with additional fields:

  • Species names and counts
  • Tree measurements (height, diameter)
  • Notes and observations
  • Custom metadata fields

File Format Guidelines

  • Use clear, descriptive column headers
  • Format dates consistently (ISO format recommended: YYYY-MM-DD)
  • Use decimal coordinates for location (e.g., -1.2345, 36.7890)
  • Avoid special characters in text fields
  • Remove any summary rows or totals from the data

Bulk Species Upload

In addition to intervention data, you can bulk upload species information:

  • Scientific names and common names
  • Species metadata (habitat, height, flowering season)
  • Tree counts and distribution data

Progress Tracking

The wizard shows your progress through the upload process:

  • Visual step indicators show completed, current, and remaining steps
  • You can navigate back to previous steps to make corrections
  • Data persists across steps so you don't lose your work

Best Practices

Before Uploading

  • Clean your data: Remove duplicates, fix formatting issues, and validate coordinates
  • Test with sample: Try uploading a small subset first to verify the process
  • Backup original: Keep a copy of your original file before any modifications
  • Map columns: Understand how your columns map to TreeMapper fields

During Upload

  • Review carefully: Check the data preview at each step
  • Address errors: Don't ignore validation warnings - fix issues in your source file
  • Don't refresh: Avoid refreshing the page during upload

After Upload

  • Verify results: Check the dashboard to confirm data appears correctly
  • Spot check: Review a sample of uploaded interventions for accuracy
  • Document: Keep records of what was uploaded and when

Troubleshooting

File Won't Upload

  • Check file size limits (contact support for very large files)
  • Ensure the file format is supported (CSV or Excel)
  • Try saving as CSV if Excel upload fails

Validation Errors

  • Review error messages for specific issues
  • Check date formats match expected format
  • Verify coordinates are valid decimal numbers
  • Ensure required fields are not empty

Missing Data After Upload

  • Check that you selected the correct project
  • Verify the upload completed successfully (reached step 4)
  • Refresh the dashboard to see new data

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