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Export CSV

The Export CSV tool allows users to generate downloadable CSV files from database data using a query-driven, join-aware form.

Unlike basic table exports, this tool supports:

  • Foreign key expansion
  • Multi-table joins
  • Explicit column selection
  • Deterministic, safe SQL generation

Exports are streamed directly from the database and downloaded to the user’s device.

What Is Export CSV?​

Export CSV is a data extraction tool, not a static dump.

Each export:

  • Starts from a base table
  • Optionally joins related tables
  • Selects explicit fields to include
  • Produces a downloadable CSV file

The export uses the same join planning logic as GIS Layers and other advanced views, ensuring consistency across the platform.

Opening the Export CSV Form​

The Export CSV form can be opened from:

  • Quick Actions → Export CSV
  • (Future) Table views or admin utilities

The form opens as a self-contained popup and handles the entire export process internally.

Core Concepts​

Base Table (t0)​

The base table is the starting point of the export query.

  • Acts as FROM table AS t0
  • All joins originate from this table
  • Determines the initial column list

The base table must be selected before columns can be chosen.

Selected Columns​

Selected columns define:

  • What data appears in the CSV
  • The structure of each exported row
  • The CSV header names

Only selected columns are queried and exported.

Unchecked columns are not included in the export.

Foreign Key Expansion​

If a column represents a foreign key, it may be expanded.

When expanded:

  • The related table’s columns become selectable
  • A deterministic LEFT JOIN is created automatically
  • Multiple join levels are supported

Foreign key expansion allows exporting:

  • Human-readable names instead of IDs
  • Related attributes from connected tables
  • Flattened, denormalized CSVs

Join Behavior​

All joins generated by Export CSV are:

  • LEFT JOINs
  • Deterministic and deduplicated
  • Automatically aliased (t0, t1, t2, …)

This ensures:

  • No accidental row loss
  • Predictable SQL output
  • Safe handling of optional relationships

Column Tree Interface​

Columns are presented in a recursive tree:

  • Base table columns appear at the top level
  • Foreign key columns can be expanded
  • Related table columns appear nested

Users may:

  • Search base table columns
  • Expand or collapse relationships
  • Select fields at any depth

Each selected field becomes a column in the exported CSV.

Output Format​

CSV Structure​

The exported CSV includes:

  • A header row with column aliases
  • One row per database record
  • Flattened values from joined tables

Column names use a predictable pattern:

relatedtable__column