Common upload problems and solutions

Learn about common problems when uploading a project in Create Project, and how to fix them.

There are several common issues that you may run into when uploading a project in Transect. This article will help you troubleshoot those issues.

• The project is a Google Earth KML or KMZ file that has lots of different lines, polygons, and/or points, but none or only one of them is showing when you hit 'Save Geometry.'
• You are getting a self-intersection error when you hit 'Save Geometry'.
• Your project successfully uploads, and you successfully create a report, but the buffer is showing both inside and outside of the project boundary.
• The project just won't upload, no matter what you try.

The project is a Google Earth KML or KMZ that has lots of different lines, polygons, and/or points, but none or only one of them is showing when you hit 'Save Geometry.'

1. Ensure that your file includes only one geometry type: either all lines or all polygons. Uploads with multiple geometry types are not supported in Transect at this time. 
2. Ensure that all of your geometries are in ONE folder when opened in Google Earth. Transect cannot support KML or KMZ files with subfolders. To move your files into one folder, open them in Google Earth, create a new folder in My Places, and drag/drop your line or polygon files. Right-click on the folder name to 'Save Place As' to your desktop or project folder, and use this saved file in your Upload on the Projects Page in Transect. An example of an appropriate Google Earth folder structure is shown in the red box below:

You are getting a self-intersection error when you hit 'Save Geometry.'

This is because the file you are trying to upload has lines crossing other lines. Intersecting lines are not supported by Transect at this time. You have two options. You can either:

1. Untangle the polygons or lines yourself using a free program like Google Earth, or
2. Notify us using the help widget that you would like for us to fix it, and we will!

Your project successfully uploads, and you successfully create a report, but the buffer is showing both inside and outside of the project boundary.

Does the project map in your report look like this?

In the example above, the KML file *looks* like a closed square polygon, but it is actually a line that is drawn in the shape of a square polygon. Because it is a line, Transect puts the buffer on either side of the shape. 

To correct this issue yourself, redraw your project in a free program like Google Earth, being sure to use the polygon tool:

Save your newly created polygon as a KML by right-clicking on the name of the polygon in the lefthand table of contents in Google Earth and choosing "Save Place As...". In Transect, navigate back to Create Project, and use the Upload button to browse for and upload your polygon KML.

The project just won't upload, no matter what you try.

Intersecting geometries (i.e., lines crossing other lines), invalid geometries, two or more polygons sharing boundaries, and/or an unrealistic amount of vertices are common issues that cause errors in the upload process. No worries, just notify us that you're having issues using the help widget or at support@transect.com, and we'll upload it for you right away.