The European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) regulation requires your customer to prove that the commodities we import are grown on land that was not deforested after December 31, 2020.
To do this, your customers may ask you for a precise digital map of every plot of land where the goods you supply are grown. There are multiple techniques and tools to collect this data. The following is a recommendation on how to collect this information before you submit it to sourcemap.
Please note that the software recommended below are not built or supported by Sourcemap. Please consult the websites associated with the tools for for specific information.
What Geospatial Data Do You Need to Collect?
We need the boundary of each plot of land used for cultivation, or a point location for small plots of land. This data should be in the form of:
Point: Used for small plots of land, specifically those under 4 hectares (or in some interpretations, 0.5 hectares). A point geometry consists of a single pair of longitude and latitude coordinates.
Polygon: Required for plots of land larger than 4 hectares. A polygon is an enclosed area defined by a series of at least four coordinate pairs, where the first and last coordinates are identical to close the shape. Polygons must not have crossing lines (like a figure eight) or holes.
MultiPoint/MultiPolygon: These types are for collections of points or polygons.
Recommended Tools for Data Collection
You can use any of these free mobile apps to record your plot boundaries or points. We recommend choosing one and becoming familiar with it. You can locate these apps in the Apple or iPhone app stores.
- GPS Fields Area Measure: A simple app designed specifically for measuring land area by walking the perimeter.
- Google My Maps: A versatile tool from Google for creating custom maps. You can draw polygons manually or record a GPS track.
- KML-Z an Area & Distance: Another straightforward app for measuring and drawing areas, which easily exports to the KML format we need.
General Steps for Collecting Your Farm's Polygon Data
While each app looks slightly different, they all follow the same basic process. The most accurate method is to physically walk the boundary of your land.
Preparation
- Charge your phone: Ensure your phone has a full battery before you go to the field.
- Enable location services: Go to your phone's settings and turn on Location/GPS, setting it to "high accuracy" if available.
Start a New Measurement
- Open your chosen app.
- Look for an option to create a new map, add a layer, or start a new measurement (often a '+' symbol).
Step 3: Record the Plot Boundary
You will use one of two methods: GPS tracking or manual drawing. We highly recommend GPS tracking for the best accuracy.
- Method A: GPS Tracking (Recommended)
- Find the feature for GPS Measuring, Recording a Path, or Adding a Line/Shape.
- Stand at a corner of your plot and press the Start button.
- Walk along the exact edge of your cultivated land. The app will record your path on the map.
- When you have walked the entire perimeter and returned to your starting point, press Stop or Done. The app will connect the ends to form a closed polygon.
- Method B: Manual Drawing (If you cannot walk the area)
- Find the feature for Drawing a Shape or Adding a Polygon.
- On the satellite map, zoom in until you can clearly see your plot of land.
- Tap on the screen to place points at each corner of your plot.
- To finish, tap on your very first point to close the shape and form the polygon.
Save and Name Your File
- Find the Save button.
- Give the file a clear, unique name.
- Save your work.
Add an Identifier to Your Plot
This step is very important for troubleshooting. To help us quickly identify each plot and resolve any issues, please add information inside the saved file itself.
- After saving, find your plot in the app's list of saved items.
- Select the plot to view its details. Look for an Edit, Properties, or info (i) icon.
- You should see fields for Name and Description. Please fill them out as follows:
- Name: Use the same unique name as the filename from Step 4.
- Example: AdamaTraore_PlotC_2025-08-12
- Description: Copy the template below, paste it into the description field, and fill in your details. This helps us link the map to your specific products.
Producer Name: [Your Full Name]
Plot ID/Name: [The name or ID you use for this plot, e.g., Plot C, Back Field]
Commodity: [The crop grown here, e.g., Cocoa, Coffee]
Collection Date: [The date you walked the boundary, e.g., 2025-08-12]
- Save the changes to the plot's information.
Submit Data to Sourcemap
When your customer sends you a EUDR request through Sourcemap, requests requiring geospatial data will contain an upload button where you can add the geospatial data you collected.