Categories sheet

Define the main observation types users will record in the field.

Columns

Name (Column A, required)

• Category name in your primary language.
• The background color of this cell becomes the category color in CoMapeo.
• Used as the border color in the category list and the dot color on the map.
• Examples: River, Building, Animal Sighting.

Icon (Column B, required)

Accepted formats:

• Inline SVG (recommended)
• Plain text keyword (auto-lookup)
• Drive URL (https://drive.google.com/file/d/FILE_ID/view)
• Cell image
• Data URI
• HTTPS URL

See Categories sheet tasks.

PNG files are converted to SVG during export. PNG sprites are not fully supported.

Fields (Column C)

Comma-separated list of field names this category uses. Field names must exist in the Details sheet.

Example: Name, Width, Condition

This column may be labeled Details in older templates.

Applies (Column D)

Where this category is used:

• observation
• track
• observation, track
• Abbreviations o, t are accepted

Requirement: At least one category must include track.

If the column is missing, the plugin auto-creates it with observation, track for the first row.

Category ID (Column E)

Auto-generated unique ID used during import/export. Avoid manual edits.

Changing an ID after data collection can break links to existing observations in CoMapeo.

Notes

• Do not place hex colors in Applies. Colors are set via the background color of column A.