Terraso Story Maps supports a variety of map file formats, including CSV, Excel, GeoJSON, KML, KMZ, and Esri shapefile format. Prepare these files in advance so you can use them to make maps in groups and landscapes, and add them as layers in your story maps.
CSV and Excel files
CSV and Excel files are common, table-based ways to store point-based information.
Preparation tips for CSV and Excel files
For the best experience making a map with Terraso, review each file with the following in mind:
- To make a map with point-based data, latitude and longitude coordinates should be in separate columns. These columns tell Terraso Story Maps where to place points on a map.
- Make sure your latitude and longitude columns are labeled appropriately. During the map creation process, Terraso will try to guess which columns contain latitude and longitude coordinates based on the name of the columns. (If you don’t provide this label you can still manually designate which columns are latitude and longitude.)
- Remove any rows except for headers that contain data but lack latitude and longitude.
- Terraso Story Maps will read only the first sheet of an Excel file. Make sure any data you want to visualize is in that first sheet.
Spatial and vector files
Terraso Story Maps supports the spatial and vector-based map file formats GeoJSON, KML, KMZ, Esri shapefile, and GPX file formats. Use this file format to share maps with points, lines, and polygons.
Note: Terraso Story Maps does not currently support maps with multiple styles or raster maps. Contact us and we can help you add those files to your map.
Making and using your map file
If you want to get started making maps in Terraso but don’t have a data file, don’t worry: there are many easy-to-use and free tools on the Internet to help you get started. Read our guide on making map files. Once you have prepared your data file, you are ready to make maps in groups and landscapes, and add them as layers in your story maps.
