You can record a location in your survey using the location question on Collect. This helps you add a layer of validation to your data. You can either add a question that records the current location automatically or you can allow a respondent to mark a location on the map.


In addition to the basic things like question title, Collect allows you to add some validations to ensure quality of the recorded location. In this article, we will discuss:

  • How to create a location question on Collect web
  • How to answer a location question on Collect app


A. Creating a Location Question


A location question has multiple elements like question title, question keyword, description, and some validations and settings. To understand them better, we will take a sample location question and create it on Collect.


Example 1: Using a "Get current location" question type


In a school survey, we want to ensure that the data collection is actually happening at the school and not somewhere else. For this, we want to add a location question that records the current location of the person collecting data. It will look like the image below.


To create this question on the Collect web dashboard, we will add the following details:


  • Question Title: "Record the location"
  • Mandatory Question: Yes (Check-marked)
  • Question Keyword: "location_automatic"
  • Location Settings: Get current location
  • Location accuracy: High. 


Example 2: Using a "Mark the location on the map" question type


In certain cases, you want to get a location that might be different from the current location. For this, you can allow people to mark a location on the map. It will look like the image below.


To create this question on the Collect web dashboard, we will add the following details:

  • Question Title: "Mark location of the school on the map"
  • Mandatory Question: Yes (Check-marked)
  • Question Keyword: "location_marked"
  • Location Settings: Mark the location on the map


B. Answering a Location Question


Example 1: Answering a "Get current location" question type


Step 1. Log into the Collect app.

Step 2. Open the form, scroll down to the "Location" question, and press on it. (Make sure you are in an open area while fetching the location.)

Step 3. During your first attempt to capture location on Collect, a pop-up message will appear seeking your permission to use your device's GPS. Press "Allow". 

Your location will be fetched automatically.

Example 1: Answering a "Mark the location on the map" question type


Step 1. Log into the Collect app.

Step 2. Open the form, scroll down to the "Location" question, and press on it. (Make sure you are in an open area while fetching the location.)

Step 3. Select a location on the Google Map. This location will be fetched and stored.

Note:


In addition to location question, Collect supports 25+ other question types like image, location, signature, etc. You can read more about them in this detailed guide.