Collecting staff and volunteer signatures

There are two methods for collecting a signature in Landscape: A signature report block and a signature form question. Here's how each one works, and why you might use one instead of the other. If you need a quick video of how to sign a standard report, skip to this part.

Signature Report Block

This is the most common way to collect a signature. A signature report block allows you to collect a signature in the draft report. This is done by first running a report, then clicking the signature block to manually enter text (name and role) and/or uploading a signature image. This process is more like signing a .pdf. It's appropriate to use this if your staff and/or volunteers are the ones running the reports themselves.

Adding a signature block to a report template.

Signing a signature block in a report.

Adding a signature block to a report template

A signature block can be added to a report template by selecting the 'Signature' report block when adding a new block.

By default, the signature block will show the [[@Signature:X]] field, which collects and displays the signature text. You can also add custom text and other fields by using the 'Insert Field' button.

For an example of a typical signature block in a template, check out the 'Annual Monitoring Report' template.

Signing a report using a signature block

First, run the correct report using the 'Run Report' button. Usually from within the site visit record itself.

Scroll down signature block and click on it.

Enter your information. You can upload a .jpg of your signature at this stage as well. Click 'OK' to save.

Here's a video of the process from start to finish. Note that the video has no audio.

Signature Form Question

A signature form question operates like any other form question, in that it allows the user to collect data within a form, just like a single choice, multiple choice, or short answer question. This signature can then be brought into the final report.

This is useful for organizations who want to limit staff or volunteer interaction with the website, and instead prefer them to interact with the mobile app.

Adding a signature form question to a form template

To add a signature form question, go to Settings > Forms (must be an administrator to access settings) and add a new question. Select 'Signature' as the type.

Signing a form with Landscape Mobile

Here's what the signature form question then looks like while looking at a fillable form in a site visit from the mobile app. Simply draw on the line with your finger. Click 'clear' to start over, or 'save' to save the image. The signature will not be saved until you click 'Save Signature'.

Note that the video has no audio.

Once you've synchronized your site visit, you can run the report as usual. The signature will appear in line with the other form questions:

You may want to then eliminate the signature block in your report (described below) or reserve the signature block for staff review.

Collecting physical signatures on documents (pen and ink)

If you need to collect a physical signature, as is common for baseline reports, then you'll need to save the report as a .pdf, print it, sign it, then upload the final signed document back to Landscape. A line for collecting a signature can be created quickly by using a 'Basic' block in a report template.