A Collection is a special field type that allows users to enter a repeatable group of fields, enabling detailed structured reporting of items like multiple sightings, multiple confiscated objects, or repeat observations within a single event.
Each “item” in a collection replicates the same set of fields. Users can dynamically add multiple items during Event submission, each captured via a familiar modal interface that reflects the configured collection layout.
Core Concepts
- A Collection is like a form-within-a-form: it contains its own fields, structure, and display rules.
- The collection canvas is a separate view used to build out that inner form.
- Each added item (e.g., a "Suspect" or "Rhino Sighting") uses this structure, displayed in a modal that mirrors the canvas configuration.
- You can nest collections within collections, allowing for structured multi-level data input.
Field Configuration
| Setting | Description |
| Label | Field label displayed on the main Event Type to indicate what type of repeated information is being captured (e.g., “Confiscated Items,” “Suspects”). |
| Button Text | Custom text for the “Add Item” button (e.g., “Add Suspect,” “Add Damage Entry”). |
| Item Identifier | Select one field from within the collection (once added) to be shown as the title of each item in the Event Type view (e.g., suspect name or animal ID). |
| Description | Helper text shown beneath the collection label for context. |
| Min/Max Items | Optional limits for how many entries a user must/can submit. |
| Canvas Layout | A dedicated configuration interface where you design the structure of a single item. Functions just like the main form builder. |
Using the Collection Canvas
The Collection canvas is where you configure what each item in the Collection should capture. It behaves almost identically to the main form canvas:
- Drag fields (e.g., Text, Numeric, Choice List) into the canvas to define what data belongs to each item.
- Add headers and sections inside collections if needed.
- Once you've added fields, you can assign one of them as the Item Identifier, which is shown as the item’s label when collapsed (like a title or summary line).
Example:
If you're creating a "Suspects" collection:
The Label is “Suspects”
The Button Text is “Add Suspect”
Inside the canvas, you might add: Name, Age, Affiliation, Notes
The Item Identifier could be the “Name” field, so each entry reads “Suspect: John Doe”
Working with Collections in Event Types
During data entry:
- Each time a user clicks “Add Item,” a modal appears showing the form you created in the collection canvas.
- They complete that form and save the item.
- Each item is listed under the Collection, using the Item Identifier to distinguish them.
- Items can be expanded or collapsed, edited, or removed (based on form rules).
Nested collections work the same way with a dedicated canvas for each level.
Use Cases
- Multiple suspects interviewed or apprehended
- Multiple types of environmental damage in one spot
- Recovered items during patrols
- Repeat observations during a survey
Data Loss Warning:
Deleting fields or entire collections after data has been submitted can break the ability to view historical events properly. Inactive fields still display past values.