Language Support

Translating your content to support multiple languages.

If you have enabled support for multiple languages under Basic Settings, you'll start to see some options available to you in Data Layers, Sketch Classes, Forums and Surveys. When navigating the administrative (and user) interface, look for the icon indicating that multi-language support is provided.

Data Layers

Data layers have a single property that can be translated into multiple languages: Title. This is name of the layer as it appears to end users. To edit the name of a layer, navigate to Data Layers > Overlay Layers, right click on the name of a layer and choose Edit. (This was covered in the Data Layers section.) Under the Settings tab, click on to view your options.

I've enabled multi-language support in this project so that I can view the names of data layers in either English or Portuguese.

For each layer, enter the translations for all of the languages you have indicated you want supported in your project and click save.

The default name for this layer is "Caution". I've used Google Translate to translate this into Portuguese, "Cuidado".

When you have published your data layers, users will be able to view layer names in either English or Portuguese.

Sketch Classes

Sketch class names, attributes and attribute values can all be viewed in multiple languages. Once you have created your sketch class and added attributes using the steps described previously, in the Settings dialog, click the icon to enter in one or more translations for the sketch class name.

I've left the default English sketch class name (MPA) but added a Portuguese translation (Área Marinha Protegida).

Sketch class attributes

The "name" field will always be auto-translated based on the interface language you've selected. I'm viewing the administrative dashboard in English, so the name field is labeled "Name".

The text for attributes (e.g., questions or subquestions) can be translated by clicking on the dropdown at the top of the attribute form and selecting a different language. Below, I've selected "French" and added translations from the original English ("What ecosystems and features are in your chosen area? Choose as many ecosystems and features as there are in the area.").

Viewing the attribute form with French translations (originally in English). This project also supports Portuguese and Spanish translations.

In Multiple Choice, Combo Box or Matrix fields, you will need to translate the labels for each option, while keeping the values the same. In the example below, I'm viewing the labels and values for a Multiple Choice field in English:

Viewing multiple choice labels and values in English.

Clicking the dropdown menu and choosing French, shows how I have translated the labels into French, but the kept the values for each option in the original English. As the instructions in the dialog indicate, values are not required. However, if you use them for, say, exporting user drawn shapes for use in a desktop GIS, you need to ensure that the values are consistent between languages.

I've translated the labels for this multiple choice field into French, but kept the values the same (in the original English).

Surveys

Surveys are a big topic and, for now, we'll just cover a few items. Take some time to play around with the survey tool builder described here, and look for the icon for places where you can provide translation for your survey content.

In short, you can provide translations for every element of your survey, including:

• Introductory paragraph

• "Begin" button

• All of the content for forms, including questions and options.

• The save screen and the "Thank you" screen

The instructions for providing translations are basically the same as they are for the sections on sketch class attributes (above). Try it out and if you have questions, email Will McClintock for help.