Choosing an Export Format in Orbitas

Table of Contents

At its core, Orbitas serves as a powerful integration hub designed to bridge field data collection with downstream office GIS and engineering workflows. Because seamless data exchange is critical to project success, export functionality is one of the most vital aspects of the Orbitas platform.

To ensure every user can immediately produce actionable information, Orbitas provides three fundamental export formats to every new client out of the box:

  • PNEZD (CSV): A plain text format specifying Point number, Northing, Easting, Elevation (Z), and Description, ideal for CAD and land surveying workflows.
  • Esri Shapefile: Developed and regulated by Esri, it’s the legacy industry standard vector format for desktop GIS software to store the location, shape, and attributes of geographic features. 
  • Google KMZ: A compressed spatial format uniquely capable of natively embedding field photos taken within Orbitas directly into the spatial file structure.

Vector vs. Raster Formats

Understanding the distinction between vector and raster data formats is essential when selecting the right file export for your project:

  • Vector Data (Points, Lines, Polygons): Represents features with precise coordinates and tabular attributes. Best suited for asset management, utility mapping, boundaries, and CAD integration. Examples include Shapefiles, GeoJSON, and AutoCAD DWG drawings.
  • Raster Data (Pixel Grids): Grid-based representation of spatial data using uniform rows and columns called cells or pixels, where each cell contains a numeric value representing a real-world phenomena at that location. Ideal for imagery, elevation models, heatmaps, and basemaps. Examples include GeoTIFFs and aerial orthomosaics.

Choosing the Right Format

Selecting the correct export format depends on software compatibility, dataset size, and workflow requirements. While the classic Shapefile remains widely recognized, modern GIS standards offer significant improvements in both performance and efficiency.

 

Format Vector/Raster Primary Use Case Key Features & Limitations
Shapefile (.shp) Vector Legacy desktop GIS analysis Split into multiple files; 2GB size limit; 10-character field name restriction.
GeoPackage (.gpkg) Both Field data collection and mobile GIS, multi-layer project and data sharing  Open, self-contained, and platform-agnostic; OGC-standard; single SQLite file; bypasses 2GB & naming limits; supports multiple layers.
GeoJSON (.geojson) Vector Web mapping and visualizations; API integrations Human-readable text format; lightweight for web applications; inefficient for multi-gigabyte files.
FlatGeobuf (.fgb) Vector High-performance web streaming Binary spatial format optimized for fast HTTP spatial queries without full file download.
File Geodatabase (GDB) Both Esri ArcGIS Enterprise workflows Proprietary Esri format supporting complex topologies, relationship classes, and networks.
CAD (DWG/DXF/DGN) Vector Engineering & design drafting Supports custom-defined layers, blocks, and seed files for AutoCAD and MicroStation.

Industry-Specific Formats Supported in Orbitas

Beyond standard GIS files, Orbitas supports a broad array of industry-tailored export options:

  • Utility Systems: Futura Shapefiles, Milsoft’s Windmil ASCII, Partner Software XML, and electric utility assembly exports.
  • CAD & Tabular Data: AutoCAD DWG, Bentley MicroStation DGN, Microsoft XLS, Drawing Exchange Format (DXF), and Geotagged Photo ZIP archives.
  • Database & API Integrations: Direct exports into PostGIS, SQL Server, and custom REST API endpoints.

Automated Projections and Spatial Processing

Powered by Safe Software’s industry-leading FME engine, Orbitas handles complex spatial coordinate transformations automatically. One key automated feature is Auto State Plane, which evaluates the collected field coordinates and automatically projects data into the correct State Plane Coordinate System or UTM zone upon export without requiring manual coordinate system conversion.

Custom Calculations & Professional Services

When standard exports aren’t enough, Tri-Global Technologies offers professional services to create custom export routines that perform real-time field calculations:

  • Line Locator Integration: Combines underground line locator depth readings, such as the Vivax-Metrotech vLoc3-Pro, with GNSS elevations to generate true top-of-pipeline profile elevations.
  • Utility Clearance Reports: Generates custom PDF documentation calculating overhead utility line clearances at road crossings.
  • Forestry Buffer Calculations: Deducts property boundary buffers to calculate net acreage for chemical applications.
  • Automated Feature Classification & Geocoding: Translates field assembly codes (such as pole assemblies) into specific GIS feature classes, or reverse-geocodes GNSS points to populate street addresses.

The Future: AI-Enhanced Exports

Orbitas continues to innovate by integrating AI vision models directly into the export pipeline. Future releases will feature automated optical character recognition (OCR) to extract asset serial numbers and equipment specs from field photos directly into tabular export attributes.

Conclusion

Whether utilizing standard exports like PNEZD and KMZ, leveraging modern spatial formats like GeoPackage, or utilizing customized calculation workflows, Orbitas ensures your field data connects seamlessly to your enterprise GIS and engineering platforms.

Additional Reading

Mastering PNEZD Imports in Orbitas

Let’s Build What’s Next—Together

Ready to take the next step? Upload your resume and share any relevant work or project links. If there’s a role for you now, or in the future, we’ll be in touch.