Georeferenced Surveys and Inventories
We record features, routes, observations and attributes directly in the field to build georeferenced inventories that can be viewed, queried, analyzed and updated in a geographic database organized around each project's needs.
Surveying the territory means more than placing features on a map
A georeferenced inventory combines each feature's location with information that identifies, describes and relates it to the rest of the project. The recording structure is defined from the outset so that field data can subsequently be used in an organized way.
Every record is linked to a location on the ground
Points, routes, areas and other features can be recorded spatially to establish where they are and subsequently relate them to properties, infrastructure, resources and other geographic variables.
A location needs information explaining what is being recorded
Each feature may include codes, categories, descriptions, conditions, measurements, observations and other attributes defined according to the project's specific needs.
Photographs and observations enhance each record
Features can be supplemented with photographs, comments, dates, status information and other observations that provide context and better document the conditions encountered during the survey.
Records become part of a structure that can be maintained
Collected information can be organized in a geographic database for easier consultation, classification, mapping, analysis and updating as the project generates new data.
A useful inventory starts by defining what information we need
Before fieldwork, we define the features to record, the attributes required for each one and how the information will be organized. This helps maintain consistent criteria throughout the survey.
The result is a database that is easier to query, compare and update, rather than an isolated collection of coordinates, photographs and notes without a shared structure.
Georeferencing is not simply obtaining a coordinate. The value of the survey lies in connecting every location to structured information so recorded features can be identified, queried, analyzed and updated throughout the project.
Which features can be included in a georeferenced inventory?
Survey content depends on project needs. We can record point features, routes, infrastructure, resources, observations and other site conditions, linking each location to the attributes needed to identify and analyze it later.
Features at specific locations
We record sites of interest, structures, facilities, access points, field observations and other point features, adding the information needed to identify and classify them within the project.
Inventory built features and operational assets
Roads, works, facilities, structures, utilities and other assets can be organized spatially to understand their location, characteristics, condition and relationship to the surrounding area.
Record routes, trails and linear features
We can document routes, trails, access roads, tracks and other linear features for subsequent use in maps, inventories, connectivity analyses or territorial management systems.
Record relevant physical and natural features
Watercourses, springs, outcrops, sites of interest, landscape features and other resources can be included when relevant to the project's territorial assessment or management.
Document situations observed directly in the field
Erosion, deterioration, obstructions, terrain changes, maintenance needs and other conditions can be recorded with their location, category, status and observations to facilitate follow-up.
Link images and observations to their locations
Field photographs can be associated with specific inventory features, together with comments, dates and other attributes, keeping visual evidence organized within the geographic database.
Different features may require different information
A trail, a structure, a photograph and an incident do not require the same attributes. We therefore define in advance what information should accompany each type of inventory feature.
This ensures consistent records and makes subsequent classification, queries, filtering, mapping and information analysis easier.
The inventory is designed around the information the project will need later. We define the features to record, the attributes each requires and the way they should be organized so fieldwork becomes a useful geographic database rather than an isolated collection of data.
We design the inventory before recording begins
We establish in advance the features needed for the project, the information accompanying each record and how the data will be organized. This supports consistent fieldwork and produces a geographic database ready for consultation, analysis and updates.
We design the inventory structure
We define the features to record, categories, attributes, data fields, supporting evidence and criteria needed to give all records a consistent structure.
We collect information in the field
We capture each feature's location and defined attributes, adding photographs, observations, routes, condition records and other evidence when needed to document site conditions.
We review and structure the geographic database
We check record consistency, organize the collected information and prepare the geographic database for mapping, consultation, classification, analysis and further use in the project.
Fieldwork is more effective when we know in advance what information we need
Recording first and organizing later can lead to information that is difficult to compare or maintain. We therefore design a data collection structure around the project's specific objectives from the outset.
This enables consistent categories, reduces incomplete records and keeps a clear relationship between each feature, its attributes, its location and the field evidence collected.
Information organized for consultation
Recorded features are integrated into a spatial structure that makes it possible to view their characteristics, locate specific records and work with the information collected later.
Visualize the distribution of recorded features
Information can be mapped to understand where records are located, how they are distributed and what spatial relationships exist among them.
A database that can continue to grow
When required, the project can maintain the same structure to add new records, update conditions, document changes and keep an organized spatial history over time.
The survey does not end when the site visit is over. Its value emerges when records are reviewed, organized and turned into a coherent geographic database for ongoing mapping, analysis, consultation and project monitoring.
Turn field observations into organized geographic information
A georeferenced inventory shows which features exist, where they are, what characteristics they have and how they change over time. This information supports planning, inspections, maintenance, monitoring and analysis across different types of projects.
Know what features exist and where they are located
We can inventory facilities, structures, access points, works and other assets to create a spatial database that supports their consultation, classification and management within a project.
Record routes and features distributed along them
Trails, roads and routes can be documented alongside access points, points of interest, signage, incidents and other characteristics needed for planning, interpretation or maintenance.
Document relevant territorial features
Watercourses, springs, outcrops, landscape features and other resources can be recorded spatially for use in studies, inventories and territorial management processes.
Record observations where they occur
During inspections, we can document conditions, incidents, photographs and comments associated with specific locations, clearly linking each observation to the place where it was made.
Organize maintenance needs and outstanding work across a site
The inventory can include conditions, priorities, observations and intervention needs to help identify features requiring maintenance, review or subsequent follow-up.
Compare conditions and update records over time
When surveys are repeated, a common geographic structure makes it possible to add observations, update conditions and document changes without losing the organization of previous records.
An inventory can become a tool for territorial management
When information is structured from the beginning, records can be used beyond a single field visit or the production of a map.
The same database can help locate features, query attributes, filter conditions, record new observations and retain a spatial history of changes throughout project development.
An inventory becomes more valuable when it remains useful after the field survey. A well-structured georeferenced database supports the transition from field recording to consultation, monitoring and territorial information management at different project stages.
When collected information needs to support analysis, mapping or management
A georeferenced inventory can be a project's final deliverable or the foundation for other territorial work. Once organized, the information can be mapped, analyzed, used to document a site or integrated into planning and management processes.
Mapping and Spatial Analysis
Field information can be combined with other geographic layers to produce maps, analyze patterns, relationships, proximity and distributions, or develop a broader territorial interpretation.
Explore this serviceTrail Mapping and Signage
Surveys of routes, intersections, points of interest, trail conditions and signage features can support the planning and development of wayfinding and interpretive systems in the field.
Explore this serviceProperty and Land Assessment
When a property needs closer examination, firsthand field information can complement existing map databases and provide evidence of conditions that may not be visible in secondary sources.
Explore this serviceThe same information can be used in different ways to meet project needs
A field record may begin as part of an inventory and later be used to create maps, perform analyses, document changes or inform territorial decisions.
That is why we structure information for reuse and integration with other data, rather than limiting it to the immediate deliverable for which it was collected.
A field survey can be the starting point for a much broader geographic database. When information is captured and structured properly, it can be reused for mapping, analysis, monitoring, documentation and other management processes without starting again from scratch.
Do you need to record features across a site and organize them in a geographic database?
We can review what information the project needs to collect, which features should be georeferenced and which attributes should be recorded to design an inventory that remains useful from fieldwork through consultation, analysis and future updates.