Step by Step Field Survey with the QField Android App
FIELD SURVEY GUIDE
From QGIS project setup to offline data capture and sync back to the desk
A practical walkthrough for surveyors and GIS teams
Why QField for field work
OVERVIEW
Your QGIS project, in your hand
Layers, symbology, forms and CRS travel with you exactly as designed on the desktop.
Built for offline
Packaged basemaps and vector data mean full functionality with no mobile signal.
GNSS-aware capture
Uses the device GPS or an external receiver, with accuracy thresholds and averaging.
Round-trip editing
Field edits merge back into the master project without manual re-typing.
Before you leave the office
PREREQUISITES
Prepare the project in QGIS
STEP 1 OF 6
1
Everything you fix at the desk saves ten minutes per point in the field.
Add your layers and set a single, correct project CRS for the survey area.
Design attribute forms with drop-downs, value maps, defaults and constraints so typing is minimal.
Style for a small screen large symbols, bold labels, high-contrast colours readable in sunlight.
Set editable layers mark reference layers read-only so they cannot be changed by accident.
Tip: use value relations and default values to cut field entry errors dramatically.
Package the project with QFieldSync
STEP 2 OF 6
2
The plugin converts a desktop project into a self-contained field package.
Configure layer actions choose copy, offline editing, or keep as remote source per layer.
Set the basemap generate an offline raster of your imagery for the survey extent only.
Choose an area of interest smaller extents mean faster packaging and lighter files.
Package for QField export to a folder or push the project to QFieldCloud.
Keep the package under a few hundred megabytes so it opens quickly on the device.
Transfer the package to the device
STEP 3 OF 6
3
Pick the route that matches your team's connectivity and size.
QFieldCloud sign in on both sides and the project syncs over the air, changes included.
USB cable copy the exported folder into the device's QField storage directory.
Cloud drive or SD card workable for large packages or fully disconnected teams.
Verify on device open the project once before travelling and confirm all layers draw.
Set up QField on site
STEP 4 OF 6
4
Two minutes of setup protects the whole day's data.
Open the project from the QField file browser and wait for all layers to load.
Enable positioning turn on GPS, allow location permission, and let the fix stabilise.
Check accuracy settings set an accuracy threshold so poor fixes are refused or flagged.
Switch to edit mode unlock the pencil and select the layer you will digitise into.
Pick your map theme switch between capture, review or imagery views as needed.
Capture data in the field
STEP 5 OF 6
5
The core loop: locate, digitise, describe, verify.
Position the crosshair centre on the feature or lock to the GPS cursor for exact coordinates.
Digitise the geometry tap to add a point, or add vertices for lines and polygons; use snapping.
Fill the form complete the attribute form and save; required fields are enforced.
Attach photos and notes the camera widget links images to the feature automatically.
Average the position for high-precision points, collect over several seconds before saving.
Save each feature before moving on and keep the device screen shaded for visibility.
Inside the capture screen
INTERFACE — MAP VIEW
Layer and map theme switcher
Positioning toggle — centres the map on your GNSS fix
Digitising tools for point, line and polygon layers
Crosshair marks the exact coordinate that will be recorded
Blue dot is your live GNSS position and accuracy halo
Add feature button commits the geometry and opens the form
Centre the crosshair, confirm accuracy, then tap add — the geometry is captured where the crosshair sits.
Inside the attribute form
INTERFACE — FEATURE FORM
Back arrow returns to the map without losing the geometry
Field icons signal the expected data type
Drop-downs come from the value maps you set in QGIS
Notes box for anything the schema does not cover
Date and surveyor default in automatically
Camera widget attaches a geotagged photo to the feature
Green tick saves the feature; the red cross discards it — always save before walking on.
Review, then sync back
STEP 6 OF 6
6
Close the loop the same day the data is collected.
Review in the field use search, the feature list and measurement tools to check coverage.
Fix issues on the spot revisiting a site is far more expensive than a 30-second edit.
Sync or copy back push through QFieldCloud, or return the folder to the desktop.
Import with QFieldSync the plugin merges field edits into the master QGIS project.
Validate and archive run topology and attribute checks, then back up the raw package.
Field day checklist
PRACTICE
Before setting off
During the survey
End of day
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
TROUBLESHOOTING
Layers missing on the device
A layer was left as a remote source. Re-package with offline editing enabled.
Nothing can be edited
The layer is read-only or edit mode is off. Check layer actions in QFieldSync.
Points land in the wrong place
Mixed CRS. Set one project CRS and confirm the GPS datum matches.
Poor or drifting accuracy
Wait for the fix, raise the accuracy threshold, or use an external receiver.
Edits lost after sync
Two people edited the same package. Assign areas or use QFieldCloud per user.
The six steps at a glance
SUMMARY
1
Prepare the QGIS project
2
Package with QFieldSync
3
Transfer to the device
4
Set up QField on site
5
Capture the data
6
Review and sync back
Good field data starts at the desk — package carefully, capture patiently, sync the same day.