Building Your Property Map

Creating locations and subdivisions in Kora transforms abstract addresses into visual, interactive maps. This section walks through the process of defining your property boundaries. You learn to organise internal divisions and mark important features. This builds the spatial foundation for all animal management.

Creating a New Location

Locations represent your primary properties or facilities. Most users have one location (single farm, zoo, clinic). Others manage multiple locations (regional operations, multi-site facilities, distributed conservation areas).

Basic Location Workflow

Step 1: Navigate to Location Management

• Open Maps or Locations from main menu
• Click Add New Location or plus button

Step 2: Enter Location Details

Address Information:

• Street address
• City and state or region
• Postal code
• Country

GPS Coordinates (optional but recommended):

• Latitude and longitude
• Elevation (if relevant)
• These can be entered manually or captured automatically if using GPS-enabled device

Location Type:

• Select the type that best describes this location
• The system provides context-appropriate options
• Farms: pasture, paddock, barn
• Zoos: exhibits, facilities
• Conservation: protected areas, wildlife habitat
• Marine: tanks, marine pools, aquaculture
• Choose the primary type (you can have diverse subdivisions within a single location)

Area:

• Total property size
• Choose appropriate units (hectares, acres, square metres)
• Used for stocking density calculations and planning

Step 3: Draw Boundaries (Optional but Powerful)

Why draw boundaries?

• Visual representation of your property on maps
• Precise area calculations
• Subdivision boundaries must fit within location boundaries
• Biosecurity zone mapping requires boundaries
• Animal position visualisation shows exactly which area they occupy

How to draw boundaries (desktop recommended):

1. Click Draw Boundary button
2. Map enters drawing mode
3. Click points along your property perimeter (follow fence lines, roads, natural boundaries)
4. Continue clicking to trace the complete boundary
5. Click the first point again to close the shape (or click Complete button)
6. System calculates area automatically
7. Review and save

Tips for accurate boundaries:

• Use satellite view to see fence lines, roads, natural features
• Zoom in for precision at corners and complex areas
• Do not worry about perfection (you can edit later)
• Start simple (rough outline), refine over time

Uploading existing boundaries (advanced):

• If you have GPS data from survey equipment or mapping software, you can upload boundary files
• System accepts standard geographic data formats
• Useful for large properties with professional surveys

Step 4: Save Location

• Review all details
• Click Save or Create Location
• Location appears on map
• Ready for subdivisions and animals

Time required: 5 to 10 minutes for basic location, 15 to 30 minutes with detailed boundary drawing

Creating Subdivisions

Subdivisions divide locations into manageable sections. Think of them as the rooms inside a house. The location is the property, subdivisions are the internal organisation.

Subdivision Workflow

Step 1: Select Parent Location

• Open the location where you want to add a subdivision
• Click Add Subdivision or plus button in subdivisions section

Step 2: Enter Subdivision Details

Name:

• Descriptive name appropriate to your context
• Farm: North Paddock, Barn 3, Quarantine Pen
• Zoo: Lion Exhibit, Elephant Enclosure, Quarantine Section
• Wildlife: Northern Territory, Waterhole Zone, Monitoring Area
• Marine: Main Reef Tank, Quarantine Tank 2, Deep Water Section

Type:

• Select subdivision type matching your use
• The system provides context-appropriate options organised by function
• Examples: Animal enclosures (paddock, pen, stall), specialised areas (quarantine zone, treatment area, feeding area), production zones (milking station, nesting area), work areas (handling area, loading area)

Size:

• Subdivision area (must be smaller than parent location)
• Use same units as location for consistency

Usage:

• Describe current purpose
• Rotational grazing currently resting
• Breeding cows only
• Temporary quarantine for new arrivals
• Public viewing exhibit for African lions

Fencing and Barrier Status:

• Condition (excellent, good, fair, poor)
• Type (electric, post-and-rail, chain link, moat, glass barrier)
• Last inspection date
• Helps track maintenance needs

Accessibility:

• How easily can animals and people access this subdivision?
• Important for emergency planning and welfare assessments

Notes:

• Any additional information
• Capacity limits, seasonal considerations, special protocols

Step 3: Draw Subdivision Boundaries

Subdivision boundaries must fit within parent location boundaries. You are dividing the location into sections, not creating new area.

Drawing process (similar to location boundaries):

1. Click Draw Boundary
2. Map zooms to parent location
3. Click points to trace subdivision perimeter
4. Subdivision boundary shown in different colour from location
5. System validates subdivision fits within location
6. Close shape and save

Subdivisions can touch but not overlap. If subdividing an entire location into paddocks, the subdivisions should fit together like puzzle pieces. They collectively cover the location.

Step 4: Save Subdivision

• Review details
• Save subdivision
• Appears on map within parent location
• Ready for animal assignments

Time required: 3 to 5 minutes per subdivision

Subdivision Organisation Strategies

Complete subdivision (covering entire location):

• Divide location into non-overlapping sections
• Every area belongs to a subdivision
• Animals always assigned to specific subdivision
• Example: Farm divided into North Paddock, South Paddock, East Paddock, West Paddock (four subdivisions covering entire property)

Partial subdivision (key areas only):

• Define important sections, leave general areas undefined
• Animals can be in location-level (no specific subdivision) or in defined subdivisions
• Example: Zoo with specific exhibits defined (Lion Exhibit, Elephant Enclosure) but general grounds not subdivided

Hierarchical notes:

• Current system supports Location to Subdivision (two levels)
• Subdivisions cannot contain sub-subdivisions
• Organise appropriately: if you need Barn 3 to Stall 5 to Section A, consider whether three levels are necessary
• Barn 3 Stall 5A as a single subdivision name may work better

Location and Subdivision Types

Kora provides diverse location and subdivision types appropriate to all contexts. The system offers types covering farms, zoos, conservation, aquaculture, research, veterinary practice, and specialised facilities. This approach does not prescribe limited options.

Location type categories include:

• Production areas - Pastures, paddocks, fields, grazing areas
• Animal housing - Barns, stables, coops, pens, aviaries, shelters
• Specialised facilities - Quarantine areas, breeding centres, milking parlours, shearing sheds, veterinary facilities
• Storage and processing - Feed storage, equipment sheds, processing facilities
• Water resources - Ponds, tanks, wells, irrigation systems
• Conservation and research - Research stations, conservation zones, wildlife habitats, protected areas
• Public access - Visitor centres, education areas, viewing areas
• Marine and aquatic - Marine habitats, aquarium tanks, marine pools, touch pools, breeding tanks, hatcheries, aquaculture facilities

Subdivision type categories include:

• Animal enclosures - Paddocks, pens, stalls, runs, yards, corrals
• Specialised areas - Quarantine zones, isolation areas, treatment areas, examination areas, recovery areas
• Production zones - Feeding areas, watering stations, milking stations, nesting areas
• Movement and access - Alleyways, chutes, loading areas, holding pens, gateway areas
• Breeding and reproduction - Breeding pens, maternity areas, nursery areas, weaning areas
• Work areas - Handling areas, sorting pens, scale areas, treatment chutes
• Pasture divisions - Rotational grazing, summer pasture, winter pasture, reserve grazing
• Marine subdivisions - Deep water zones, shallow water zones, tank sections, quarantine sections, breeding pools, nursery pools, touch tank areas

The system adapts type offerings based on your context. Conservation users see wildlife-relevant types. Marine facilities see aquatic options. Farms see agricultural types.

Choosing types: Select the type that best describes the primary use. Do not overthink it. Types help with organisation and filtering but do not restrict functionality. A Paddock type subdivision works the same as a Quarantine Zone type. The type just helps you (and the system) understand the intended purpose.

Adding Features to Locations

Features are specific points or areas of interest within locations or subdivisions. Water sources, buildings, infrastructure, equipment, observation points, and other important elements all qualify as features.

Why Mark Features?

• Operational planning - Know where water sources are for animal distribution
• Emergency response - Quickly locate veterinary facilities, isolation areas, or equipment
• Conservation tracking - Mark feeding stations, nesting sites, observation points
• Maintenance scheduling - Track infrastructure requiring upkeep
• Team communication - Shared reference points (Meet me at the North Gate)

Adding Features Workflow

Step 1: Open Location or Subdivision

• Navigate to map showing desired location
• Click Add Feature or feature icon

Step 2: Choose Feature Type

Feature categories include:

• Structures - Buildings, shelters, barns, silos, storage facilities
• Transportation - Roads, tracks, paths, bridges
• Boundaries - Fences, gates
• Water features - Water sources, wells, dams, reservoirs, rivers, streams, wetlands
• Land features - Fields, pastures, forests, grasslands, habitat areas
• Natural features - Mountains, hills, valleys, caves, rock formations
• Conservation features - Wildlife corridors, nesting sites, feeding stations, observation points, habitat protection areas, research plots
• Farm infrastructure - Irrigation systems, windbreaks, compost areas
• Animal management - Paddocks, pens, breeding areas, quarantine areas, veterinary facilities
• Equipment and infrastructure - Equipment storage, fuel stations, power sources
• Conservation-specific - Protected areas, biodiversity hotspots, reintroduction sites, monitoring stations
• Hazards - Hazardous areas, contaminated sites, erosion risk zones
• Climate - Microclimate zones, weather stations
• Other - Landmarks, historical sites, custom features

Step 3: Mark Feature on Map

• Click location on map where feature exists
• Place marker at precise GPS coordinates
• For linear features (fences, roads), draw line along path
• For area features (ponds, fields), draw boundary polygon

Step 4: Add Feature Details

• Feature name (e.g., North Well, Main Gate, Feeding Station 3)
• Description (size, capacity, condition, purpose)
• Save feature

Step 5: View Features on Map

• Features appear as icons appropriate to type
• Click feature marker for details
• Use feature layer toggle to show or hide features

Time required: 1 to 2 minutes per feature

How many features to add? Start with essential features (water sources, main buildings, key infrastructure). Add more over time as needed. Every feature adds value but also adds map complexity. Balance detail with clarity.

Editing Locations and Subdivisions

Boundaries, details, and features change over time. The map stays current through editing.

Editing Location and Subdivision Details

To edit details (name, type, size, usage, notes):

1. Click location or subdivision on map or find in location list
2. Click Edit or pencil icon
3. Update fields as needed
4. Save changes

Changes take effect immediately across all users.

Editing Boundaries

To edit existing boundaries:

1. Open location or subdivision
2. Click Edit Boundary
3. Map enters edit mode showing boundary with control points
4. Drag control points to new positions (adjust corners, curves)
5. Add new control points by clicking on boundary line (insert points between existing)
6. Delete control points by clicking and selecting Remove
7. Refine shape until accurate
8. Save updated boundary

Common boundary edits:

• Corrections - Fix inaccurate original drawings
• Expansions - Property acquired additional land
• Refinements - Add detail to rough initial boundaries
• Seasonal adjustments - Some subdivisions change size seasonally (expand winter feeding area, contract summer grazing)

Deleting Locations and Subdivisions

Before deleting:

• Move or remove all animals from location or subdivision
• Archive any important notes or data
• Consider whether deactivating (marking inactive) is better than deleting

To delete:

1. Verify no animals present
2. Open location or subdivision
3. Click Delete or trash icon
4. Confirm deletion
5. Location or subdivision removed from maps and system

Deleting locations also deletes all subdivisions within that location. Proceed carefully.

Multi-Location Management

Users managing multiple properties see all locations on the map view.

Switching between locations:

• Map initially shows all locations zoomed out
• Click any location boundary to focus on that property
• Search by location name to navigate quickly
• Toggle location visibility to focus on one at a time

Location types help organisation:

• Filter by type (Show only farms, Show only conservation areas)
• Colour-code by type on map
• Group similar locations in lists

Use cases:

• Regional conservation organisation managing multiple reserves
• Veterinary practice with multiple clinic locations
• Zoo system with multiple facilities
• Livestock operation with properties in different regions

Location Setup Examples

Example 1: Small Dairy Farm

• Location: Valley View Farm, 150 hectares, Type: Pasture
• Boundary: Drawn along fence lines using satellite imagery
• Subdivisions: 6 paddocks (North, South, East, West, Quarantine, Home Paddock), Milking Parlour, Barn
• Features: 3 water troughs, 2 gates, feed storage shed, veterinary handling area
• Time to set up: Approximately 45 minutes (including boundary drawing)

Example 2: Medium Zoo

• Location: City Zoo, 15 hectares, Type: Zoo
• Boundary: Property perimeter including public and staff areas
• Subdivisions: 12 exhibits (Lion, Elephant, Primate, Aviary, etc.), 4 behind-the-scenes areas (Quarantine, Veterinary, Food Prep, Equipment), 3 public areas (Entrance, Education Centre, Visitor Paths)
• Features: Water features (pond, stream), buildings (admin, veterinary clinic, food storage), observation points, emergency gates
• Time to set up: Approximately 2 hours (detailed exhibit boundaries)

Example 3: Wildlife Reserve

• Location: Northern Conservancy, 8,000 hectares, Type: Protected Area
• Boundary: Reserve boundary (surveyed GPS data uploaded)
• Subdivisions: 5 territories (North, South, East, West, Core Protected), 2 monitoring zones, 3 habitat types (Grassland, Woodland, Wetland)
• Features: 15 waterholes, 8 observation points, 3 research stations, 5 ranger posts, 12 camera trap locations
• Time to set up: Approximately 3 hours (large area, many features)

Example 4: Aquarium

• Location: Coastal Aquarium, 2 hectares, Type: Marine Habitat
• Boundary: Facility building and grounds
• Subdivisions: 15 main exhibits (Reef Tank, Shark Tank, Kelp Forest, etc.), 8 behind-the-scenes tanks (Quarantine 1 to 4, Medical 1 to 2, Breeding 1 to 2), 3 support areas (Water Treatment, Food Prep, Equipment)
• Features: Water intake system, filtration systems, backup power, emergency water supplies
• Time to set up: Approximately 90 minutes

Best Practices for Location Management

Start simple, add detail over time: Create location with basic details first. Add boundaries and subdivisions incrementally. Perfect is the enemy of good. Rough boundaries are better than no boundaries.

Use satellite imagery for accuracy: When drawing boundaries, satellite view shows fence lines, roads, waterways, and vegetation. Trace these visible features for accurate boundaries.

Name subdivisions consistently: Use naming conventions that make sense to your team. North Paddock, South Paddock is clear. Paddock 1, Paddock 2 is less clear unless there is a logical numbering system.

Update as changes occur: Fence moved? Update boundary. New water trough installed? Add feature. Keep maps current and they remain valuable.

Involve the team: If multiple people use Kora, have them verify location accuracy. The person who works in North Paddock daily knows if the boundary is right.

Document assumptions: If you estimated a boundary (no GPS data available), note that in location notes. Future you (or future team members) will appreciate knowing the boundary precision.