Surveyor’s Edge Guide
Find the workflow, feature, file type, or term you need.
Use the search box or browse the table of contents. This guide is organized for real field use: start with the task you want to complete, the app page you are using, the file type you have, or the term you need explained.
Feature tiersSearchable workflows
App page reference
File types
Glossary
Troubleshooting
Start Here
What is Surveyor’s Edge?
A project-based mobile field app for maps, points, photos, tracks, alignments, layers, local coordinates, and sharing.
WorkflowsStart with what you want to do: set up a project, import layers, navigate, log points, take photos, or export data.Feature tiersSee what is included in Free, Basic, and Pro, including GPX, offline maps, alignments, localization, and custom projections.
App PagesBrowse the guide by the app’s actual pages and hubs.
File TypesFind out where SEPROJ, SELOC, DXF, SHP, KML, KMZ, MBTiles, LandXML, and point formats are used.
TroubleshootingSolve common problems like hidden layers, Drive file picker access, local data not showing, wrong coordinate placement, GPS expectations, or offline maps.
GlossaryPlain-language definitions for coordinate, mapping, survey, and file terms.
Surveyor’s Edge helps field users carry project context into the field. It keeps points, photos, tracks, alignments, background layers, coordinate settings, localizations, offline maps, and exportable deliverables organized around a project.
The app is useful for survey technicians, construction layout crews, inspectors, field engineers, GIS/CAD users, utility mappers, environmental teams, and small firms that need a mobile project workflow without losing coordinate-system context.
The goal is simple: bring your project data into the field, see it on a map, collect useful records, and share the results back to the office.
Start Here
Accuracy and GPS expectations
What Surveyor’s Edge can organize and display, and what still depends on field procedure and GPS hardware.
Surveyor’s Edge helps organize, transform, display, and document project coordinate data in the field.
Final positional accuracy depends on the source data, the active coordinate system, localization quality, GPS hardware, device GPS accuracy, and field procedures.
The app should not be treated as making normal phone GPS survey-grade by itself. Use appropriate survey procedures and equipment when the work requires survey-grade accuracy.
Start Here
Basic project workflow
The recommended path from project setup to field collection and sharing.
A typical workflow starts by opening or creating a project, confirming the projection and units, loading any needed localization, then importing layers, points, tracks, alignments, or offline map data.
Once the project context is ready, users can navigate, reference alignments, log points, take stamped photos, record tracks, and share project deliverables.
Projection, units, and localization should be checked early so field data and imported files line up before users rely on them.
Some advanced workflows depend on the active tier. Free covers core map viewing, navigation, GPS point logging, photo records within Free limits, track logging, and limited KML/KMZ background import. Basic adds offline maps, custom basemaps, MBTiles, GPX import/export, point/track import, track cleanup, and selected calculators. Pro adds alignments, localization, Projection Check, custom projections, station/offset workflows, Level Notes, DXF import, and shapefile import.
Common steps
- Create or open a project.
- Confirm project projection and units.
- Create, load, or import localization if local/site coordinates are being used.
- Import project layers, points, alignments, tracks, or MBTiles as needed.
- Use Navigation, Alignment Map, Points, Photos, and Tracks in the field.
- Export/share project data, photos, KML, points, tracks, or alignments.
Start Here
Feature availability by tier
A quick guide to what is included in Free, Basic, and Pro.
Surveyor’s Edge is organized into Free, Basic, and Pro feature levels. The app keeps the core field workflow available while reserving more advanced import, projection, localization, offline, and alignment tools for paid tiers.
The app will show upgrade messages when a workflow requires a higher tier.
Free
Free is intended for core field use and basic project testing.
- Up to 2 local projects.
- Up to 3 total photo records per project.
- Core map viewing, GPS position, and standard distance/bearing navigation.
- Built-in projection assignment and standard projected/geographic display.
- Manual point creation from northing/easting or latitude/longitude.
- GPS point logging.
- Photo capture, import, edit, share, and export within the Free photo-record limit.
- Geographic photo stamp fields.
- Track logging, including background logging where platform permissions and device behavior allow it.
- Limited KML/KMZ background import.
Free project imports keep only the first 3 photos and first 3 tracks from an imported project package. Free KML/KMZ background import is limited to 1 source file per project and the first internal layer found in that import.
Basic
Basic includes everything in Free and removes the Free project/photo import caps.
- Offline XYZ map downloads.
- Custom XYZ and WMTS basemap sources.
- MBTiles support.
- Point import, including GPX point import.
- GPX export for supported point workflows.
- Track import, including GPX routes and tracks.
- GPX export for supported track workflows.
- Create Track From Map.
- Track cleanup workflows.
- Point From Address.
- Triangle Solver.
- Curve Solver.
- Projected photo stamp fields.
- Custom photo logos.
Pro
Pro includes everything in Basic and adds the advanced survey, coordinate, and alignment workflows.
- Alignment map and alignment management workflows.
- Alignment import, create, edit, share, delete, and settings workflows.
- Track-to-alignment workflows.
- Localization workflows and local-coordinate displays.
- Projection Check.
- Custom projection import, define, and manage workflows.
- Store point by station/offset.
- Local-coordinate and alignment station/offset photo stamp fields.
- Station text controls.
- Level Notes.
- DXF import workflows for backgrounds and alignments.
- SHP/ZIP shapefile import workflows.
Shapefile export is not currently listed as a supported export feature.
Workflows
Set up a project
Create or open a job, confirm units and projection, and keep project files separated.
Projects keep each job separated so points, photos, tracks, alignments, layers, offline data, and exports do not get mixed accidentally.
Use the Project area to open an existing project, create a new one, import a Surveyor’s Edge project package, export a project package, rename a project, or delete old projects.
Common steps
- Go to Home → Project.
- Choose Create Project, Open Project, or Import SEPROJ File.
- Set or review the project name, projection, linear units, and area units.
- Use Export when you need a complete project package for backup, transfer, or sharing.
Workflows
Choose or check a projection
Use projection tools to keep imported and collected data in the right coordinate basis.
Projection settings describe how the project relates to the earth. They affect projected northing/easting, distances, offsets, stationing, imported data, and display conversions.
Built-in projection assignment and standard projected/geographic display are available in Free. Custom projection import, custom projection definition, custom projection management, and Projection Check are Pro workflows.
Projection tools can help users select a built-in or suggested projection, import a definition, define a custom projection, or run a projection check with known coordinates when those tools are available in the active tier.
Changing projection metadata should not be described as rewriting imported geometry. It changes how coordinates are interpreted and transformed.
Common steps
- Go to Home → Project → Projection.
- Use Modify Projection to select an available built-in, suggested, State Plane, UTM, global, custom, or user-defined projection option.
- In Pro, use Import for EPSG, WKT, PRJ, or PROJ4 definitions when a custom definition is needed.
- In Pro, use Define when a project-specific coordinate system must be entered manually.
- In Pro, use Check to compare known geographic, projected, and local coordinates.
Workflows
Use localization for local/site coordinates
Transform local or assumed grid coordinates into project projected coordinates.
Localization is a Pro workflow used when a file or entered coordinate is in a local, assumed, contractor, or site grid coordinate system.
A localization converts local coordinates into project projected coordinates. It does not directly convert to Web Mercator; the map display pipeline handles display projection afterward.
Local-coordinate layers and alignments can stay hidden until an active localization is available, because they cannot draw in the correct project location without that transform.
In lower tiers, the Localization area may open as a Pro-only locked workflow.
Common steps
- Go to Home → Localization.
- Create a localization manually, from local + projected points, from local + latitude/longitude, or from observed GPS/control points.
- Load or import a SELOC file if the localization already exists.
- Set the correct localization active.
- Use Check Coordinates or a localization report to verify assumptions.
Workflows
Import CAD/GIS layers
Bring supported map overlays and project background data into the field map.
Layers bring project context into the map. Surveyor’s Edge can manage vector backgrounds and MBTiles raster layers, including visibility, draw order, scale ranges, source projection, source units, and storage behavior where supported.
Free includes limited KML/KMZ background import: 1 source file per project and the first internal layer found in that import. Basic adds custom XYZ/WMTS sources, MBTiles support, offline XYZ downloads, and multi-layer KML/KMZ import. Pro adds DXF background import and SHP/ZIP shapefile import.
Files can be known projected data, geographic data, or local-coordinate data that requires localization. Localization is a Pro workflow.
Layer cards use clear visual status cues to show whether data is visible, hidden, scale-limited, unloaded, or blocked by an issue such as missing localization.
Common steps
- Open Layers from the Project area or a map page.
- Choose Import Layer From Device when you need to bring in a supported file.
- Select the source file and confirm coordinate handling.
- Review source projection and units when applicable.
- Adjust visibility, order, style, scale range, and Keep Loaded where those controls are available.
Workflows
Download and manage offline maps
Prepare basemaps and tile data for remote areas or poor service.
Offline XYZ downloads, custom XYZ/WMTS sources, and MBTiles support are available in Basic and Pro.
Offline map tools help users keep working when cellular data is unreliable or unavailable. Surveyor’s Edge supports offline basemap tile downloads, program map cache management, MBTiles libraries, and an Offline Tiles Only mode that prevents live tile downloads.
Data management tools help users review storage, clear cache, manage MBTiles files, and understand loaded vector geometry.
Common steps
- Go to Home → Data → Offline Map Management.
- Choose the basemap source and area to download.
- Use Stored Offline Data to review or clear downloaded tile areas.
- Use Program Map Cache to clear cached online tiles without deleting planned offline downloads.
- Use Offline Tiles Only when you want to prevent live tile downloads.
Workflows
Navigate in the field
Use the Navigation map to orient yourself and move toward project targets.
Core map viewing, GPS position, and standard distance/bearing navigation are available in Free.
The Navigation map helps users see their current position, map context, target state, speed, distance, and bearing.
Map tools can show backgrounds, points, photos, tracks, and alignments depending on project settings and tier. Alignment-aware navigation context, including station/offset readouts and alignment-specific tools, is part of the Pro alignment workflow.
Follow modes can intentionally keep the user location or selected target centered, while user panning and zooming should remain under the user’s control.
Common steps
- Open Navigation from Home or the quick dock.
- Start GPS if needed.
- Choose a target such as a point or path where applicable.
- Use distance and bearing feedback to move toward the target.
- Use layers, basemaps, scale bar, zoom controls, and measurement tools to maintain context.
Workflows
Work with alignments
Reference design lines using station, offset, active alignment, and map context.
Alignments are a Pro workflow.
Alignments help users work with design lines, corridors, roads, utilities, drainage paths, and other station-based project geometry.
The Alignment map shows the active alignment, current position, station, offset, points, photos, tracks, backgrounds, and map tools.
Alignments can be imported from supported files or created from points, map input, or tracks. Track-to-alignment workflows are also part of Pro.
In lower tiers, the app shows an upgrade message before entering alignment workflows.
Common steps
- Go to Home → Alignment.
- Import, create, or set the active alignment.
- Use View Map to see station and offset context.
- Use Edit Alignment for name, start station, coordinate handling metadata, units metadata, reverse state, and preview.
- Share alignment deliverables when needed.
Workflows
Log, create, import, and share points
Collect project points, average readings, import point files, and export common formats.
Point tools support quick GPS-based point logging, typed coordinate entry, point import, point editing, deletion, and sharing.
Free includes GPS point logging and manual point creation from northing/easting or latitude/longitude.
Basic adds point import, including GPX point import, and GPX export for supported point workflows.
Pro adds station/offset point storage when an alignment workflow is available.
Users can manage active point files so multiple point collections can exist in one project without mixing field records.
Point sharing can include common formats such as CSV, PNEZD, PENZD, XYZ, GPX in Basic and Pro where supported, KML where available, and projection definition sidecars when available.
Common steps
- Open Points from Home or tap the quick dock Point button.
- Use Log Point to store the current GPS/project position, optionally averaging readings.
- Use Create Point for Northing/Easting or Latitude/Longitude entry. Station/Offset point creation is a Pro alignment workflow.
- In Basic and Pro, use Import Points to bring in supported point data, including GPX point data where supported.
- Use Share Points to create deliverable files. GPX export is available in Basic and Pro where supported.
Workflows
Take, stamp, and share photos
Create project-aware field photos with notes, coordinates, alignment references, and optional branding.
Photo tools turn field photos into project records. A photo can include point number, description, note, coordinates, heading, alignment references, and optional logo overlay depending on the active tier and photo settings.
Free includes photo capture, import, edit, share, and export within the Free photo-record limit. Free photo stamps include geographic coordinate fields.
Basic adds projected photo stamp fields and custom photo logos.
Pro adds local-coordinate photo stamp fields and alignment station/offset photo stamp fields.
Photos can be exported as stamped images or shared with supporting data, including KML so photo locations can be viewed on a map where available.
Photo settings control display symbols, labels, image size, image quality, text sizes, logo overlay, and stamp content.
Common steps
- Open Photos or tap the quick dock Photo button.
- Use Camera or Import to select an image.
- Add point number, description, and note.
- Review or update the stamped preview.
- Store the photo, export stamped photos, or share photos with KML/data as needed.
Workflows
Log, clean, create, and share tracks
Record paths, import tracks, manually create tracks, clean noisy paths, and share outputs.
Track logging is available across all tiers, including background logging where platform permissions and device behavior allow it.
Track tools can record paths, document site walks, routes, field movement, as-built traces, and remote work paths.
Basic adds track import, including GPX routes and tracks, GPX export for supported track workflows, Create Track From Map, and track cleanup workflows.
Pro adds track-to-alignment workflows.
Track settings let users distinguish active and inactive tracks by color and line weight.
Common steps
- Open Tracks from Home or long-press the quick dock Track button.
- Use Log Track to record a path using device location updates. Background logging depends on platform permissions and device behavior.
- In Basic and Pro, use Import Tracks to bring in supported track files, including GPX routes and tracks.
- In Basic and Pro, use Create From Map to draw a track manually and Clean Tracks to remove noise or simplify a saved track.
- Use Share Tracks to export supported formats such as KML, CSV, GPX in Basic and Pro where supported, or a compressed package.
Workflows
Export and share data
Package field information for office review, backup, and team workflows.
Export and share workflows help move field work back into office, GIS, CAD, project documentation, or team review workflows.
Export and sharing options depend on the data type and active tier.
Users can export complete project packages, points, photos, tracks, alignments, KML, CSV-style files, GPX in Basic and Pro where supported, and projection definitions when available.
SEPROJ project packages are used for full Surveyor’s Edge project transfer and backup. In Free, imported project packages restore only the first 3 photos and first 3 tracks.
Shapefile import is available in Pro for supported workflows. Shapefile export is not currently listed as a supported export feature.
Common steps
- Use Project Export for complete SEPROJ project packages.
- Use Share Points for CSV, PNEZD, PENZD, XYZ, GPX in Basic and Pro where supported, KML where available, or sidecar projection files.
- Use Share Photos to include photos and optional KML.
- Use Share Tracks for KML, CSV, GPX in Basic and Pro where supported, or compressed output.
- Use Share Alignments for supported alignment deliverables in Pro.
App Pages
Home page
The command center for current project, projection, units, workflow cards, Help, and quick dock.
The Home page shows the current project name, projection, linear units, area units, and major workflow destinations.
The bottom quick dock gives fast access to Home, Navigation, Alignment, Point, Photo, and Track actions from most screens.
Some Home page destinations open core workflows available in Free, while others open Basic or Pro workflows. If the active tier does not include a workflow, the app may show an upgrade message or a locked workflow page.
App Pages
Project page
Open, create, import, export, rename, delete, and configure project-level settings.
The Project page manages the current job and project-level coordinate settings.
It provides access to Open Project, Import SEPROJ File, Create Project, Projection, Units, Export, Rename Project, and Delete Projects.
App Pages
Projection & Units
Review and change project coordinate system and unit settings.
Projection tools help users select, import, define, and check coordinate system settings.
Project units govern stored northings/eastings, distances, offsets, station/offset calculations, inverse results, and measurements.
Built-in projection assignment and standard projected/geographic display are available in Free. Custom projection import, definition, management, and Projection Check are Pro workflows.
App Pages
Localization page
Create, load, import, check, activate, edit, report, share, and delete localizations.
The Localization page helps transform local/site coordinates into project projected coordinates.
It includes a Use Localization toggle, create/import/load actions, coordinate checking, and a selected localization card with active status and residual information where available.
Localization is a Pro workflow. It is used for local, assumed, contractor, or site grids that must be transformed into project projected coordinates.
App Pages
Data Management page
Manage offline maps, cache, MBTiles, loaded geometry, RAM, and device storage.
Data Management provides access to Offline Map Management, Stored Offline Data, Program Map Cache, MBTiles Files, App Memory & Storage, and Offline Tiles Only mode.
It helps users prepare for remote work and diagnose storage or performance issues.
Offline XYZ downloads, custom XYZ/WMTS sources, and MBTiles support are available in Basic and Pro. Free users can still use core map viewing and limited KML/KMZ background import.
App Pages
Layers page
Manage vector backgrounds and MBTiles with visibility, order, style, scale range, source projection, and units.
The Layers page manages map backgrounds and raster tile layers.
Layer cards show visibility, status, projection/source summary, scale range, drag/reorder controls, Keep Loaded, and colored border status.
Free includes limited KML/KMZ background import. Basic adds custom XYZ/WMTS sources, MBTiles support, offline XYZ downloads, and multi-layer KML/KMZ import. Pro adds DXF background import and SHP/ZIP shapefile import.
App Pages
Points page
Log, create, edit, import, share, delete, and configure points.
The Points hub is used for point collection and management.
It includes point logging, coordinate entry, station/offset point creation, import, export, edit, delete, and point display settings.
Free includes GPS point logging and manual point creation from northing/easting or latitude/longitude. Basic adds point import, GPX point import, and GPX export where supported. Pro adds station/offset point storage.
App Pages
Photos page
Take, import, edit, export, share, delete, and configure stamped photo output.
The Photos hub supports project-aware field documentation.
Photos can include notes, descriptions, coordinates, heading, alignment references, and branding. Shared photo packages can include KML for map placement.
Free includes photo capture, import, edit, share, export, and geographic photo stamp fields within the Free photo-record limit. Basic adds projected stamp fields and custom photo logos. Pro adds local-coordinate and alignment station/offset stamp fields.
App Pages
Tracks page
Log, import, create from map, clean, edit, delete, share, and configure tracks.
The Tracks hub manages recorded and imported paths.
It supports logging, manual track creation from map input, track cleaning, editing, deletion, sharing, and track display settings.
Track logging is available across all tiers, including background logging where platform permissions and device behavior allow it. Basic adds track import, GPX routes/tracks, GPX export where supported, Create Track From Map, and track cleanup. Pro adds track-to-alignment workflows.
App Pages
Alignment page
View, import, create, set active, edit, share, delete, and configure alignments.
The Alignment hub is used to work with design/reference paths.
The Alignment Map shows active alignment, current position, station, offset, points, photos, tracks, backgrounds, and map tools.
Alignment workflows are Pro features. Lower tiers show the standard upgrade message before entering the workspace.
App Pages
Navigation map
Navigate to selected points, tracks, or alignment-related targets.
The Navigation map helps users orient themselves and move toward targets while keeping project map context visible.
It can display current coordinates or latitude/longitude, speed, distance and bearing to target, backgrounds, points, photos, tracks, and alignments.
Core navigation is available in Free. Alignment-related navigation context, station/offset readouts, and alignment-specific tools are part of the Pro alignment workflow.
App Pages
Functions page
Use field calculation tools such as inverse, area, bearing-distance, triangle, curve, and level notes.
The Functions hub gathers field calculation and utility tools.
Core calculation tools may be available in Free depending on the workflow. Point From Address, Triangle Solver, and Curve Solver are Basic workflows. Level Notes is a Pro workflow.
Tools include Inverse, Area, Point From Address, Point By Bearing Distance, Triangle Solver, Curve Solver, and Level Notes.
App Pages
Settings page
Control themes, GPS behavior, display styles, map tools, and performance settings.
Settings use themed accordion rows for Theme, Navigation & GPS, Alignments, Points, Photos, Tracks, Performance, and Interface & Controls.
Settings help users tune map readability, point/photo/track/alignment appearance, GPS refresh, photo output, and performance behavior.
File Types
SEPROJ project packages
Surveyor’s Edge project export/import package.
A SEPROJ file is the user-facing Surveyor’s Edge project package.
It can be used for backup, sharing, transfer between devices, or archiving a job.
File Types
SELOC localization files
Saved localization definitions for local-coordinate projects.
A SELOC file stores a localization definition.
It can be imported into a project and activated when local-coordinate data needs to be transformed into project projected coordinates.
File Types
LandXML
Common civil/survey alignment data format.
LandXML is commonly used for civil and survey alignment data.
When importing alignments, missing CRS should not automatically be treated as local coordinates, and geometry should not be numerically rewritten because metadata changes.
File Types
DXF
CAD drawing exchange format for vector backgrounds and sometimes alignments.
DXF files can be used for vector background layers and alignment import.
Coordinate handling depends on whether the source file is known projected data or local/site data requiring localization.
File Types
Shapefile / SHP
GIS vector file format, ideally imported as a complete zipped package.
Shapefiles are GIS vector data. They often require companion files such as SHX, DBF, and PRJ.
A zipped shapefile package is often the cleanest way to keep all required shapefile components together.
File Types
KML / KMZ
Geographic map-overlay and sharing formats used for Google Earth-style workflows.
KML and KMZ are commonly used for geographic map features and map overlays.
Surveyor’s Edge uses KML/KMZ for background/map overlays, photo or location sharing, and exports where available.
Free includes limited KML/KMZ background import: 1 source file per project and the first internal layer found in that import. Basic adds multi-layer KML/KMZ import. Other file import/export behavior depends on the specific workflow and active tier.
File Types
GPX
GPS Exchange Format for supported point and track workflows.
GPX support is available in Basic and Pro.
Supported point workflows can import GPX point data and export GPX where available. Supported track workflows can import GPX routes and tracks and export GPX track data where available.
Free users can still use core point logging, photo workflows within Free limits, track logging, and navigation, but GPX import/export requires Basic or Pro.
File Types
MBTiles
Raster tile packages for offline/background map layers.
MBTiles files are raster tile packages that can be used as map backgrounds.
They can be managed in the layer stack and in MBTiles file management.
File Types
Point export formats
CSV, PNEZD, PENZD, XYZ, GPX where supported, KML where available, and projection sidecars.
Point workflows can support common deliverable formats such as CSV, PNEZD, PENZD, XYZ, GPX in Basic and Pro where supported, and KML where available.
When projection definitions are available, PROJ4 and WKT sidecar files can help preserve coordinate-system context.
Troubleshooting
Why is my layer not visible?
Common reasons a layer may be loaded but not drawn.
A layer can be hidden because the user turned it off, the map scale is outside its visible range, background display settings are hiding it, the source is not loaded, or the layer needs an active localization.
Also check the basemap/background transparency setting. If transparency is set all the way to 100%, a layer or background may be fully transparent even though it is technically turned on.
Green, yellow, and red layer card borders help distinguish visible data, intentionally hidden data, and blocked/problem states.
Troubleshooting
Why are my Google Drive files not visible?
Google Drive may limit what the Android file picker exposes until you browse to the folder first.
Surveyor's Edge uses the device file picker for imports. Google does not always allow apps to view your complete Drive folder structure unless broader account-level file permissions are requested, so some Drive folders or files may not appear immediately from inside the app.
Open the Google Drive app first, browse to the folder that contains the file you want, and then return to Surveyor's Edge and try the import again. Opening the folder in Drive can make that location available through the Android file picker.
Troubleshooting
Why is my local data hidden?
Local layers and alignments need an active localization.
Local-coordinate layers and alignments require an active localization before they can display correctly.
If localization is unavailable, the data can remain loaded but hidden until a localization is created, imported, loaded, and activated.
Troubleshooting
Why is my data in the wrong place?
Projection, units, source metadata, and localization are the first things to check.
Data can appear in the wrong place when the project projection is wrong, the source projection is wrong, units are wrong, local data lacks a localization, or geographic/projected coordinates were confused.
Use Projection Check and review source projection, source units, and localization status before relying on imported data.
Troubleshooting
Why is GPS not accurate enough?
Phone GPS accuracy depends on hardware, conditions, and procedures.
Normal phone GPS can vary significantly depending on device hardware, signal conditions, sky view, multipath, and field procedure.
Use appropriate survey-grade equipment and procedures when survey-grade positional accuracy is required.
Troubleshooting
Why are offline maps not loading?
Check downloaded tile coverage, selected basemap, cache, MBTiles, and Offline Tiles Only mode.
Offline map display depends on downloaded tile coverage, the selected source, the map zoom level, MBTiles availability, and the Offline Tiles Only setting.
If the map looks empty, check whether the current view is inside the downloaded area and whether the selected basemap or MBTiles source is available.
Troubleshooting
Why are large layers slow?
Large vector layers can affect RAM, rendering, and storage.
Large vector backgrounds can use significant RAM and make map rendering slower.
Use scale ranges, visibility controls, Keep Loaded settings, and App Memory & Storage tools to manage performance.
Glossary
Coordinate terms
Plain-language coordinate system definitions.
- Coordinate Reference System (CRS)
- A formal definition of how coordinates relate to the earth.
- EPSG
- A registry of coordinate systems. EPSG codes identify standard CRS definitions.
- Geographic coordinates
- Latitude and longitude coordinates.
- Projected coordinates
- Northing/easting coordinates in a defined projection.
- Local coordinates
- Site, assumed, contractor, or local-grid coordinates that need localization before they line up with project projected coordinates.
- Localization
- A transformation from local coordinates to project projected coordinates.
- Northing
- The Y-like projected or local coordinate value.
- Easting
- The X-like projected or local coordinate value.
- Projection Check
- A tool for verifying geographic, projected, and local coordinate relationships.
- PROJ4 / WKT
- Text formats used to describe coordinate systems.
- Residual
- The difference between transformed coordinates and expected control coordinates in a localization solution.
Glossary
Map and layer terms
Definitions for basemaps, layers, tiles, scale ranges, and display behavior.
- Basemap
- A map tile source such as streets, imagery, topo, or another XYZ tile provider.
- Background layer
- A vector or raster layer displayed behind or alongside project features on map pages.
- Layer stack
- The ordered list of layers that controls draw order.
- MBTiles
- A raster tile package used for offline/background map tiles.
- Scale range
- A layer visibility range that controls when a layer appears at certain zoom levels.
- Vector background
- Point, line, or polygon geometry displayed from formats such as DXF, SHP, KML, or KMZ.
- Viewport
- The visible map area on the phone screen.
- Web Mercator
- A common map display projection used by many online basemaps.
- XYZ tiles
- An online/offline map tile scheme using z/x/y tile coordinates.
- Custom XYZ / WMTS source
- A user-added online basemap or imagery source. Custom XYZ/WMTS sources are available in Basic and Pro.
Glossary
Survey and field terms
Definitions for stationing, offsets, bearings, alignments, points, tracks, and COGO.
- Alignment
- A line or path used for stationing, offsets, navigation, and design reference.
- Station
- Distance along an alignment, commonly displayed in station format such as 12+00.
- Offset
- Perpendicular distance left or right from an alignment at a station.
- Bearing
- Direction from one point to another.
- COGO
- Coordinate geometry calculations such as inverse, bearing-distance point creation, area, triangle solver, and curve solver.
- Connector line
- A line from the current position or selected point to the nearest point on an alignment.
- Point file
- A saved collection of point records.
- Track
- A recorded or imported path made of many points.
- Station text
- Labels drawn along an alignment at configured station intervals.
- Background track logging
- Track recording that can continue while the app is not in the foreground, where platform permissions and device behavior allow it.
Glossary
File terms
Definitions for common file types used by Surveyor’s Edge.
- SEPROJ
- Surveyor’s Edge project package file.
- SELOC
- Surveyor’s Edge localization file.
- DXF
- CAD drawing exchange format used for vector layers and sometimes alignments.
- KML
- Keyhole Markup Language, a geographic file format often used for map features and Google Earth workflows.
- KMZ
- A zipped KML package.
- GPX
- GPS Exchange Format. In Surveyor’s Edge, GPX import/export is available in Basic and Pro for supported point and track workflows.
- LandXML
- An XML format commonly used for civil/survey alignments and project data.
- Shapefile
- A GIS vector format usually made of SHP, SHX, DBF, and often PRJ files.
- PNEZD
- Point format order: Point, Northing, Easting, Elevation, Description.
- PENZD
- Point format order: Point, Easting, Northing, Elevation, Description.
Button Reference
Quick dock buttons
Fast field access to Home, Navigate, Alignment, Point, Photo, and Track.
The quick dock gives fast field access to Home, Navigate, Alignment, Point, Photo, and Track.
Home returns to the Home page. Navigate opens the Navigation map. Point opens Log Point, and long press opens the Points hub. Photo opens Take Photo, and long press opens the Photos hub. Track opens Log Track, and long press opens the Tracks hub.
Alignment opens an alignment workflow. Alignment features are Pro workflows, so lower tiers may show an upgrade message before entering the workspace.
Track logging is available across all tiers, including background logging where platform permissions and device behavior allow it.
Button Reference
Map tool buttons
Common controls on Navigation and Alignment maps.
Common map tools include Start/Stop GPS, scale bar, zoom controls, basemap/tile controls, Layers, map content toolbar, Measure, and follow/center behavior.
Long-press actions may open related settings such as GPS refresh rate or scale bar zoom behavior.
Button Reference
Common page actions
Typical action buttons across Project, Points, Photos, Tracks, Alignments, Layers, Localization, and Settings.
Most workflow pages use familiar actions such as Open, Create, Import, Export, Share, Edit, Rename, Delete, Settings, Save, Cancel, Apply, and Close.
Long-running actions should show busy status and prevent repeated taps until the operation finishes.
Support & Release Status
Support and release status
Surveyor’s Edge is available through Google Play open testing and is published by Surveyors Edge, LLC.
Surveyor’s Edge is available through Google Play open testing. Use the Google Play link to join the beta and install the test version: Open Beta on Google Play.
For support, contact surveyorsedgeapp@gmail.com or visit the Support page. Legal and data-use details are available in the Privacy Policy and Terms / Disclaimer.