Ask a spatial question
Start with the decision you need to support, then identify the data and scope. This walkthrough uses Geova AI in Mapplex.
Before you start
- Open the intended workspace and project.
- Confirm the relevant layers, field names, units, and data are available.
- Check AI access, network connection, and credits where required.
- Use the actual names from your project. The layer names below are examples.
1. Identify the data
Open Geova AI. If you are unsure what is available, use Explore Data to inspect the project’s layers and fields.
Use @ to select a layer and # to select a field from the available mentions. This avoids relying on an ambiguous name.
2. Define the question and scope
| Need | Example question |
|---|---|
| Count work | How many records are in the Inspection Sites layer? |
| Compare conditions | Group Inspection Sites by Condition and show missing values. |
| Check proximity | Which inspection sites are within 100 metres of the drainage corridor? |
| Use a deliberate subset | Summarize the selected inspection sites by Condition. |
Ordinary analysis uses the complete referenced layers available to the project by default. Zooming the map does not silently limit a question to what is on screen. Explicitly request the current map area or selection when that is the intended scope.
3. Submit and inspect
Send the question and review the response. Check the layer names, units, record counts, generated query where available, and any warnings. Open the map preview when it helps inspect spatial relationships.
If the result uses the wrong field, scope, or distance, refine the question before saving or exporting anything.
Expected result
You have a result tied to an identifiable dataset and operation, with enough context to decide whether it answers the question. Continue with Understand & review results.
If something does not work
- The layer is ambiguous: select the intended layer from mentions.
- No matching results: check field values, units, filters, and whether the source records exist.
- The result seems too broad: specify the intended selection, boundary, or map extent.
- The question is not understood: use a precise English or Arabic question, or mixed English/Arabic GIS terms, and the actual project names.
- AI is unavailable: check workspace access, connectivity, and required credits.
For response types, mentions, exports, and controlled actions, see the Mapplex AI reference.