Bootstrap Survey: Record First, Sync Later

Bootstrap Mode lets field researchers record observations, GPS tracks, and photos on mobile without needing a pre-prepared survey package. You go into the field first and import the data into the correct survey later — ideal for rapid-response work, unexpected site visits, or situations where there was no time to prepare a survey in advance.

What is Bootstrap Mode?

A normal survey workflow requires preparing a survey package on the web portal, downloading it to the device, and then collecting data tied to that package. Bootstrap Mode removes the preparation step entirely. You start recording immediately, and the session is exported as a .tnbs file when you are done. That file is then imported into a survey on the web.

Data imported via Bootstrap Mode becomes real observations in TerraSitu, with source set to Bootstrap so it is traceable.

Starting a Bootstrap Session on Mobile

1. Open the TerraSitu mobile app.
2. Tap More in the bottom navigation bar.
3. Tap Bootstrap Surveys, then New Session.
4. Give the session a name that will help you identify it later (e.g. "Fauna Spotlighting — Lot 47 Buffer Zone").
5. Tap Start Session. The app will begin recording GPS automatically.

Recording Observations

Within a bootstrap session, recording works identically to a standard survey:

• Tap the + button to add an observation.
• Fill in species (common or scientific name), count, and any notes.
• GPS coordinates are captured automatically if location services are enabled.
• Attach photos by tapping the camera icon on the observation form.

There is no limit on the number of observations per session.

Exporting a Session as a .tnbs File

When fieldwork is complete:

1. Navigate back to More → Bootstrap Surveys.
2. Tap the session you want to export.
3. Tap Export.
4. Choose a destination from the share sheet — AirDrop, email, Files app, or a cloud service you use.

The exported file has a .tnbs extension and contains all observations, GPS track points, and references to any attached media.

Tip: Export the session before uninstalling the app or resetting the device. Sessions are stored locally and cannot be recovered once the app data is cleared.

Importing on the Web Portal

Once you have the .tnbs file on your computer:

1. Navigate to the survey you want to import the data into.
2. Scroll to the Bootstrap Import section at the bottom of the survey page.
3. Drop your .tnbs file onto the upload area, or click to browse.
4. A preview will appear showing the session name, observation count, and GPS track status. Review it to confirm it is the correct file.
5. Click Review Import to inspect the individual observations in a table view. The GPS track path (if present) is displayed as a line preview.
6. Click Import [N] observations, tick the confirmation checkbox, and click Import.
7. Once complete, you will see a success banner with the count of observations imported. Any records that could not be fully imported will appear as warnings with a description.

What Happens to Imported Data

• Each observation in the .tnbs file becomes a standard Observation record in the survey.
• The GPS track (if present) is attached to the survey as a GPS track record.
• The source field on each observation is set to Bootstrap, making it easy to filter or audit bootstrap-imported data separately.
• Observations appear in the survey's observation list and on the map immediately after import.

Media Files

If your observations include photos, the media files may or may not be embedded in the .tnbs file depending on how the export was initiated. If photos are not embedded, you will need to upload them separately through the observation detail page after import.

Tips

• GPS accuracy: GPS works best outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Avoid recording in dense buildings or underground if accurate coordinates matter.
• Session naming: Use descriptive session names that include the date and location — this makes it much easier to identify the correct session when importing weeks later.
• Multiple sessions: You can import multiple .tnbs files into the same survey. Run through the import wizard once per session file.
• Always export before clearing the app: Uninstalling the app or clearing app data permanently removes all unsaved bootstrap sessions.