Map Editor Tool

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Core Features
• Geometry Creation
• Spatial Operations
• Export Functions
• MyLayer Export
• Troubleshooting
• Video Tutorials

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 SketchViewModel technology 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 to create multiple features without repeatedly clicking draw buttons. This mode allows rapid digitization of complex geometries and multiple feature creation.

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

• Shape format
• KML format

Export Settings

1. Optional: Enter filename

2. Click export button

Reset Function

Clear current selections and drawings

MyLayer Export

The Map Editor Tool includes the ability to export previously saved MyLayers to standard GIS file formats.

Overview

MyLayer Export allows you to:

• Export your saved MyLayers to Shape (.shp) or KML (.kml) format
• Download layers for use in other GIS applications or sharing with colleagues
• Preserve all attributes and geometry from the original MyLayer
• Export any geometry type (Point, Line, Polygon, or MultiPoint)

Export Process

Step 1: Select MyLayer

1. Open the Map Editor panel
2. Navigate to the "Export MyLayer" section
3. Click the dropdown to view all available MyLayers
4. Select the MyLayer you want to export

ℹ️ NOTE

Only MyLayers that you have previously created and saved are available in the dropdown list. The list automatically loads when you open the Map Editor.

Step 2: Choose Export Format

1. Click Export Shape for Shapefile format (.shp)
   • Standard GIS format compatible with most GIS software
   • Includes all attribute data
   • Best for professional GIS workflows
2. Click Export KML for KML format (.kml)
   • Compatible with Google Earth and web mapping applications
   • Preserves geometry and basic attributes
   • Best for visualization and sharing

Step 3: Download

• The file will be processed and automatically download to your computer
• File name will match your MyLayer name
• A success notification will show the number of features exported

Export Features

Automatic Field Mapping:

• OBJECTID - Unique feature identifier
• NAME - MyLayer name
• USERNAME - Creator's username
• LASTTIME - Last modified timestamp
• SHAPE - Geometry type (Point, Line, Polygon)

Geometry Type Support:

• Point - Single point features
• Polyline - Line features
• Polygon - Polygon features
• MultiPoint - Multiple points in single feature

Data Integrity:

• All features are exported in the map's current spatial reference
• Geometry is validated before export
• Empty or invalid geometries are excluded automatically

Export Examples

⚠️ IMPORTANT

Only MyLayers created under your username are available for export. If you don't see a layer in the list, verify that it was saved correctly in the MyLayers panel.

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

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