This guide walks you through how to create, configure, run, and download results from a Download Subject Tracks Workflow in Ecoscope.
This workflow type is designed to export detailed Subject data — including location history and tracking attributes — from your connected EarthRanger data source. Results are available in CSV or Parquet format for use in external analysis tools.
This workflow type is available both on Ecoscope Web and on Ecoscope Desktop (v1.0.0 and newer). Salient differences, when applicable, are called out below.
We strongly recommend using Ecoscope Web. Web exports are faster, more secure, and handle larger datasets.
Results Dashboard
When a workflow runs successfully, the Results Screen May Display (depending on configuration):
- Context Panel: A summary of your workflow configuration, including the title, description, time range, and time zone used.
- Dashboard Tab: described below
- Files Tab: described below
Dashboard Tab
This tab is visually and functionally identical on Cloud and Desktop.
The Dashboard Tab May Display (depending on configuration):
- Subject Trajectories Map: A spatial view of Subject tracks plotted on a map.
Empty Dashboard tab
Note that when your configuration does not result in any actual data to process (for example, due to filters you selected while configuring the workflow), you will see an empty dashboard tab.
Note: If your dataset is large, consider enabling the Skip Map option during configuration. Skipping the map significantly reduces processing time without affecting the completeness of your data export.
If you skip map generation, the dashboard tab will be empty.
Files Tab
This tab has subtle visual and behavioral differences on Cloud and Desktop. See below for details.
Ecoscope Web
The Dashboard Tab May Display (depending on configuration):
- List of Downloadable Files: A table list of downloadable files for the exported Patrol data. You can click on the download icon on any row to save that file to your computer.
Empty Files tab
Note that when your configuration does not result in any actual data to process (for example, due to filters you selected while configuring the workflow), you will see an empty files tab.
Note that the download links on the cloud stay valid for 20 minutes (from when the Files tab loads) to keep your data secure. You're able to start the download at any point before the 20 minutes expire. If you stay on this screen for more than 20 minutes, you will see a button that asks you to Refresh the download links. If you refresh your browser while on the Files tab, the 20 minute timer restarts with new links for the same files.
If your dashboard has multiple Views selectable from the Context Panel, then changing to a new view will update the Files tab to show you downloadable files associated with that View.
Ecoscope Desktop
The Dashboard Tab May Display (depending on configuration):
- Open Results Folder: A button at the top right of the dashboard to download your exported data files.
- List of Downloadable Files: A table list of downloadable files for the exported Patrol data. You can click on the download icon on any row to save that file to a folder of your choice.
Empty Files tab
Note that when your configuration does not result in any actual data to process (for example, due to filters you selected while configuring the workflow), you will see an empty files tab.
Note that the download links on the desktop do not expire as the files already exist on your hard drive.
If your dashboard has multiple Views selectable from the Context Panel, then changing to a new view will update the Files tab to show you downloadable files associated with that View.
Before You Begin
This workflow is available on both Ecoscope Web and on Ecoscope Desktop.
We strongly recommend using Ecoscope Web. Web exports are faster, more secure, and handle larger datasets.
On Ecoscope Web, it is available by default on the workflow template library for all users.
On Ecoscope Desktop, it must be imported from the Workflow Template Catalog before it can be configured or run.
If you haven't done this yet, follow the steps in Adding Workflow Templates in Ecoscope Desktop to import the Download Patrols Workflow into your instance. Once the template has been added, return to this article to continue.
Configure New Workflow
To create a new workflow, navigate to Workflow Templates from the top navigation bar and select Download Subject Tracks Workflow.
Workflow Details
This section allows you to name and describe your workflow so that it's easy to find and identify.
- Workflow Name: This must be unique. If you try to submit a name that has already been used, you'll receive a validation error.
- Workflow Description: This is optional. The description will be displayed on the results view to help you or your team remember the configuration context or purpose of the export.
Time Range
This section defines the time window of the data you want to export. The selected time range determines which Patrols will be pulled from your data source.
You will configure:
- Since – Start date and time
- Until – End date and time
- Timezone – Required to provide fidelity over precise time selection
Data Source
Select a data source from the dropdown.
If only one data source is configured, it will be selected automatically and you will be shown the Workflow Configuration page.
Note: You won't be able to proceed unless at least one data source has been connected.
Get Subject Group Observations from EarthRanger
Enter the exact name of the Subject Group you want to export observations for, as it appears in EarthRanger (e.g. Ecoscope).
- Subject Group names can be found in your EarthRanger Admin site under Observations → Subject groups.
- This field is required. The workflow will not run without a valid Subject Group name.
Process Observations
This section allows you to apply filters and transformations to Subject observation data before it is exported. The data available here includes all columns from the previous steps plus the normalized Subject and observation details. All subsections are under Advanced Configurations and are optional.
Persist Subject Trajectories
Select the output format for your exported Subject trajectory data. You can select one or both:
- CSV – Human-readable format, compatible with spreadsheet tools.
- Parquet – Compressed columnar format, ideal for large datasets and programmatic use.
Choose Parquet when working with large volumes of data or when using tools that support it, to significantly reduce file size and processing time.
Generate Maps
Enable Skip Map to run the workflow without generating a spatial map of the Patrol tracks.
Skipping the map is recommended when:
- Your dataset is large
- You only need the data file and not a visual output
- You want to minimize processing time
Disabling the map does not affect the completeness of the exported data.
Run the Workflow
After submission, you'll be returned to the My Workflows view. Your new workflow will appear in the list with:
- Status: Ready
- No values yet for Last Run Start or Last Run Duration
- A Run button will be available
Click Run to begin processing. The status will change to Running.
Note: Processing time depends on the data volume and output format. Most workflows complete within one minute. Some workflows may take up to 10 minutes for very large datasets.
If the workflow fails, it will show a Failed status. Refer to Known Errors and Solutions in case this happens to you.
View and Download Results
Once the workflow finishes successfully (status: Success), click on the workflow name to open the results view.
You can now:
- Download the exported file in your selected format (CSV or Parquet)
- Review the record count and export summary
- Explore the map panel showing Patrol tracks, if you did not enable Skip Map