Change Geoshape Input type for Survey123 Forms

Henry

Hi there,

We've used Survey123 for a long time in our organization and I typically publish new forms at the beginning of every year.

Typically we would have Survey123Forms for POlygon records that would allow users to enter a polygon Vertex-by-Vertex.

However, after this most recent publish (I design the Surveys is Survey123Connect). The input types were only:

• A general "shape" sketch which would automatically create a Circle, Square, or Triangle based on the shape of the Sketch
• Freehand Sketch

Is there a location to customize how these Forms receive their shape input? I'd like to be able to add, or replace the general "shape" sketch with the vertex-by-vertex entry. Unsure if the new etnry options are a result of recent update or not.

Thank you!

DerrickWestoby

You can use method=vertex in the body::esri:style column

https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-survey123-blog/survey123-tricks-of-the-trade-lines-and-polygons/ba-p/897415

Input Methods: vertex vs sketch

 

When using geoshape or geotrace questions, you can optionally define the input method of your map.That is, you can control which style of tools will be presented in the map to help users delineate a shape.  You can do this through the body::esri:style column in the survey XLSForm sheet.

 

The map supports to input methods:

 

• sketch: Enables drawing tools in the map. This is meant to help users quickly draw, or sketch, a line or polygon in one single take.
• vertex: This input method is more appropriate when you want users to digitize shapes more accurately. The vertex input method provides tools to add vertices one at at time by:
  • Tapping on the map.
  • Centering the map at a target location.
  • Getting the coordinates through the built-in or external GPS.

The vertex method also lets users switch between edit and navigation modes, update and delete existing vertices.

 

You will want to experience on your own each of these two input methods and decide what is best for your particular workflow. In some cases you want a simple and quick way for people to sketch a geometry. In others you want to give them more control, even if that implies some initial trial and error with the tools until they get familiar with them.

 

The following example shows how you can set the vertex input method using the body::esri:style column:

 

type name label body::esri:style

date	treatment_date	Treatment Date
geoshape	treatment_area	Treatment Area	method=vertex