Outputs
Outputs define how data can be safely consumed outside the core application UI.
They provide structured, read-only access to application data without allowing edits, mutations, or bypassing business rules.
Outputs are designed for:
- Reporting and analysis
- External tools and workflows
- Data delivery to clients or consultants
- Exporting structured snapshots of data
What Is an Output?
An output is a data delivery mechanism, not a data editor.
All outputs share these characteristics:
- Read-only
- Permission-aware
- Query-driven
- Derived from live application data
Outputs never modify data and never act as a back door into the database.
Types of Outputs
The application supports multiple output types, each optimized for a specific workflow.
📄 CSV Export
CSV Export allows users to generate downloadable, join-aware CSV files from application data.
This output is best suited for:
- Reporting
- Spreadsheet analysis
- Accounting and finance workflows
- Sharing data externally
Key characteristics:
- File-based (snapshot in time)
- Explicit column selection
- Foreign key expansion
- Deterministic joins
➡️ See: CSV Export
🗺️ GIS Data Access
GIS Data Access exposes live, read-only spatial data to external GIS tools.
This output is best suited for:
- Mapping and visualization
- Spatial analysis
- Engineering and planning workflows
Unlike CSV Export, GIS Data Access provides live connections, not file downloads.
➡️ See: GIS Data Access
Choosing the Right Output
| Use Case | Recommended Output |
|---|---|
| Tabular reporting | CSV Export |
| Spreadsheet analysis | CSV Export |
| One-time data snapshot | CSV Export |
| Live spatial workflows | GIS Data Access |
| GIS mapping & analysis | GIS Data Access |
Read-Only by Design
All outputs are intentionally read-only.
This ensures:
- Data integrity
- Consistent validation
- Clear ownership of edits
- Safe sharing outside the application
All data modifications must occur inside the application UI.
Future Outputs
The Outputs system is designed to grow.
Planned or potential future outputs include:
- Excel (XLSX) exports
- PDF reports
- Scheduled or automated exports
- Tokenized or public data links
Each new output will follow the same read-only, permission-aware design principles.
Summary
Outputs provide a controlled bridge between application data and external workflows.
They allow teams to:
- Extract exactly the data they need
- Maintain a single source of truth
- Avoid unmanaged copies of data
- Deliver information confidently and safely
Use Outputs when you need to consume data—without changing it.