Map Editor Tool

Overview

The Map Editor Tool is a comprehensive spatial editing system that provides professional-grade geometric creation, modification, and spatial analysis capabilities. This sophisticated tool integrates ArcGIS drawing tools with advanced spatial operations, offering multiple geometry types, intelligent snapping systems, complex spatial analysis functions, and export capabilities optimized for professional GIS workflows and spatial data management applications.

Core Features

Interface Access

1. Locate Map Editor Icon
2. Click to open editor panel

Multiple Mode Drawing

Enable continuous drawing by toggling the Multiple switch in the editor toolbar. When active, completing a feature (point, line, or polygon) automatically re-initiates the same drawing tool, allowing you to draw the next feature immediately without re-clicking the draw button. Toggle the switch off to return to single-draw mode.

Real-Time Measurement Display

Toggle the Measure switch in the editor toolbar to display live measurements while drawing:

• Polygons: Shows area in hectares (ha) and square metres (m²) at the polygon centroid
• Polylines: Shows length in metres (m), automatically converting to kilometres (km) at 1,000 m or above
• Measurements update in real-time as you add vertices or edit shapes
• A final measurement label persists on the completed feature
• Calculations use geodetic (curved-earth) measurement for accuracy

INFO

Measurement operators are lazy-loaded when you first enable the Measure toggle, so there may be a brief delay on first activation.

Advanced Snapping System

The editor includes a sophisticated snapping system that:

• Enables precise feature alignment
• Supports multiple layer snapping sources
• Provides real-time snapping feedback
• Maintains accuracy during digitization

Geometry Creation

Selection Tool

1. Choose layer from dropdown
2. Click 'Select' button
3. Click layer on map
4. Click 'Select' again to deactivate

Drawing Tools

Available geometry types:

• Polygon:
• Line:
• Point:

Drawing steps:

1. Select geometry type
2. Click map to draw
3. Double-click to complete

Spatial Operations

Available Operations

• Intersect
• Subtract
• Merge
• Cut

Buffer Creation

1. Enter buffer distance
2. Click buffer button

Export Functions

Format Options

• SHP — Exports drawn geometry as a Shapefile in the map's native projection (GDA94 / MGA Zone 55).

• KML — Exports drawn geometry in KML format.

• FIRS — Exports drawn geometry as a Shapefile reprojected to WGS 84 (EPSG:4326) coordinates, formatted for import into the Fire Incident Reporting System (FIRS). Use this option when you need to submit spatial data to FIRS.

Export Settings

1. Optional: Enter filename

2. Click the desired export button (SHP, KML, or FIRS)

Reset Function

Clear current selections and drawings

Name Already Exists Dialog

When saving geometry to a MyLayer name that already exists, a warning dialog appears to prevent accidental overwrites.

Dialog Details:

• Heading: "Name Already Exists"
• Kind: Warning (yellow indicator)
• Modal: Yes — you must respond before continuing
• Content: Displays the existing layer name and geometry type, and asks whether to replace the existing layer with the new geometry
• Footer Buttons:
  • Cancel (left) — closes the dialog without changes
  • Replace (right) — overwrites the existing MyLayer with the new geometry

The dialog prevents closing via the Escape key or clicking outside, ensuring you make an explicit choice.

MyLayer Export

To export previously saved MyLayers to Shapefile or KML format, use the export options in the My Layers Tool. Each saved layer has an export dropdown with Export as SHP and Export as KML options.

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
Layer selection fails	Check layer visibility
Operation errors	Verify geometry validity
Export issues	Check geometry complexity
MyLayer not in export list	Verify MyLayer was saved under your username
Export fails	Ensure MyLayer has valid geometry data
No features exported	Check that MyLayer contains features in the database

Video Tutorials

Snapping Operation

Intersection Operation

Subtraction Operation

Union Operation

Cut Operation

Buffer Operation

Shape File Export

KML Export

See Also

• Advanced Editor - Standalone geometric operations (buffer, union, intersect, difference)
• My Layers Tool - Manage personal map layers created with the Map Editor
• Unified Map Editors - Specialised editors for FPP, Plan Burn, Sketch, and other workflows

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