Skip to content

Unified Map Editor

The Unified Map Editor is a sophisticated spatial editing orchestration system that consolidates multiple specialized mapping editors into a single, intelligent interface. This advanced component provides seamless access to FPP, Plan Burn, Wildfire, and Sketch editing capabilities through intelligent permission-based controls, automatic editor selection, and unified workflow management, delivering a professional-grade editing experience optimized for diverse forestry and GIS operations.

Quick Start Guide

Opening the Unified Map Editor:

  1. Click the Unified Editor icon (pencil) in the right toolbar
  2. The panel opens with automatic editor selection based on your permissions
  3. Use the editor dropdown to switch between available editors
  4. Begin mapping immediately with your selected editor

Essential Actions:

  • Editor Selection: Choose from available editors based on your access level
  • Seamless Switching: Change editors without losing your current work
  • Unified Interface: Access all editing tools through one consistent panel
  • Permission Integration: Automatic access control based on user roles

Key Features

Single Unified Interface

Consolidate all mapping editing capabilities through one comprehensive panel:

  • Integrated Access: All editors accessible through single interface
  • Consistent Experience: Uniform layout and controls across all editors
  • Centralized Management: Single point of access for all mapping operations
  • Streamlined Workflow: Reduced interface complexity for users

Intelligent Editor Selection

Advanced permission-based editor prioritization with dynamic initialization and smart fallback mechanisms:

Priority System:

  1. FPP Editor (Highest Priority) - For users with FPP Admin or FPP User permissions
  2. Plan Burn Editor (Secondary Priority) - Available to all authenticated users for prescribed burn planning
  3. Wildfire Editor (Specialized Access) - For emergency response and wildfire management operations
  4. Sketch Editor (Universal Fallback) - Always available as default option for general mapping tasks
  5. Cart Route Editor (Universal Fallback) - Always available as default option for general mapping tasks

Smart Initialization:

  • Automatic detection of user permissions on component mount
  • Dynamic editor availability calculation based on userStore authentication
  • Intelligent default selection using setDefaultEditor() logic
  • Graceful fallback handling with configurable delay timing

Smart Defaults:

  • Automatically selects most appropriate editor for user role
  • Maintains user's last selected editor across sessions
  • Provides clear indication of available editors
  • Seamless fallback to available options

Permission-Based Access Control

Dynamic editor availability based on user roles and permissions:

FPP Access Levels:

  • FPP Administrators: Full access including Revoke mode
  • FPP Users: Edit, Auth, and Vary modes available
  • Basic Users: Read-only access to approved plans
  • No FPP Permissions: FPP Editor not available in dropdown

Universal Access:

  • Plan Burn Editor: Available to all authenticated users
  • Sketch Editor: Always available as universal mapping tool
  • Wildfire Editor: Available to emergency response personnel

Multiple Mode Integration

Consistent Multiple Mode functionality across all editors:

  • Unified Toggle: Single Multiple Mode control works across editors
  • Editor Persistence: Multiple Mode setting maintained when switching editors
  • Consistent Behavior: Same workflow patterns across all editor types
  • Seamless Experience: No relearning required when changing editors

Editor Management

Editor Selection Interface

The unified dropdown provides clear access to available editors:

  • Visual Editor Icons: Clear identification of each editor type
  • Permission Indicators: Shows why certain editors may be unavailable
  • Current Selection: Highlighted active editor with clear identification
  • Smooth Transitions: Instant switching between available editors

Context Preservation

Maintain work context when switching between editors:

  • Layer Persistence: Active layers remain visible across editor changes
  • Tool State: Drawing tools and settings preserved during switches
  • Work Preservation: Current graphics and selections maintained
  • Session Continuity: User preferences retained across editor changes

Dynamic Updates

Real-time updates based on user permissions and system state:

  • Permission Changes: Editor availability updates immediately
  • Role Updates: New editors become available when permissions change
  • System Integration: Reflects current system capabilities and restrictions
  • Error Prevention: Prevents access to unavailable functionality

Specialized Editor Integration

FPP Editor Integration

Forest Practices Plan editor with full regulatory compliance:

  • Four Workflow Modes: Edit, Auth, Vary, and Revoke capabilities
  • Regulatory Symbols: 30+ forestry-specific symbols and standards
  • Compliance Tracking: Automatic validation and approval workflows
  • Multi-Phase Planning: Complete plan lifecycle management

Wildfire Editor Integration

Emergency response editor for wildfire incident management:

  • Incident Mapping: Specialized wildfire symbols and classifications
  • Emergency Operations: Real-time incident documentation capabilities
  • Safety Planning: Emergency response and evacuation planning tools
  • Multi-Agency Coordination: Standardized symbols for team coordination

Plan Burn Editor Integration

Prescribed burn planning with EMSINA standard compliance:

  • EMSINA Symbols: Emergency management standard symbols
  • Safety Integration: Comprehensive safety zone and evacuation planning
  • Operational Planning: Burn unit design and resource coordination
  • Multi-Agency Support: Standardized planning for coordinated operations

Sketch Editor Integration

Versatile general-purpose mapping and spatial documentation:

  • Universal Access: Available to all users as baseline functionality
  • Flexible Symbols: 23+ drawing symbols for various applications
  • Field Mapping: Optimized for data collection and spatial documentation
  • Research Support: Suitable for studies and general mapping projects

Advanced Functionality

Cross-Editor Operations

Leverage capabilities across different editors:

  • Layer Sharing: Features created in one editor visible in others
  • Style Consistency: Maintain visual consistency across editor types
  • Data Integration: Seamless data flow between specialized editors
  • Workflow Flexibility: Use most appropriate editor for each task

Advanced Geometric Operations

Unified access to spatial analysis tools across all editors:

  • Buffer Analysis: Create analysis zones around features
  • Union Operations: Combine multiple areas into unified zones
  • Intersection Analysis: Analyze spatial relationships between features
  • Difference Operations: Remove areas for refined spatial documentation

Performance Optimization

Optimized performance across all integrated editors:

  • Lazy Loading: Editors load only when selected for improved performance
  • Resource Management: Efficient memory usage across editor switches
  • Caching Strategy: Smart caching for frequently used editors
  • Response Time: Immediate editor switching without delays

Integration with Other Tools

Layer Panel Coordination

Seamless integration with Horizon's layer management system:

  • Automatic Updates: New features appear in layer panel immediately
  • Unified Controls: Layer visibility and styling work across all editors
  • Consistent Organization: Logical layer grouping regardless of editor
  • Cross-Editor Visibility: Features visible across editor switches

System Integration

Comprehensive integration with Horizon platform capabilities:

  • User Management: Automatic permission synchronization
  • Data Persistence: Reliable data storage across editor sessions
  • Export Compatibility: Consistent export capabilities across editors
  • Reporting Integration: Unified reporting across all editor types

Performance Optimization and Efficiency

Efficient Editor Management

  • On-Demand Loading: Editors load only when selected
  • Memory Optimization: Efficient resource usage across multiple editors
  • Fast Switching: Instant transitions between available editors
  • Cache Management: Smart caching for improved response times

Best Practices for Unified Editing

  • Editor Selection: Choose most appropriate editor for specific tasks
  • Permission Management: Coordinate with administrators for appropriate access
  • Workflow Planning: Leverage multiple editors for complex projects
  • Data Organization: Maintain consistent layer organization across editors

Troubleshooting Common Issues

IssueSolution
Editor not appearing in dropdownVerify user permissions for that specific editor
Cannot switch between editorsCheck if current operation needs to be completed first
Features disappear when switchingVerify layer visibility settings in layer panel
Permission errors when accessing editorContact system administrator for role verification
Multiple Mode not working across editorsCheck that Multiple Mode toggle is properly enabled
Performance issues with editor switchingClear browser cache and reload application
Editor selection not savingVerify session storage and authentication status
Missing specialized symbolsConfirm appropriate editor is selected for symbol type

Best Practices

Editor Selection Strategy

  • Task-Appropriate Selection: Choose editor based on specific mapping requirements
  • Permission Optimization: Coordinate with administrators for necessary access levels
  • Workflow Efficiency: Plan editor usage for optimal workflow organization
  • Cross-Editor Coordination: Leverage multiple editors for comprehensive projects

Unified Workflow Management

  • Consistent Standards: Maintain uniform quality across all editor types
  • Data Organization: Structure layers logically regardless of editor used
  • Permission Coordination: Understand access levels for team collaboration
  • Documentation Consistency: Apply consistent labeling across all editors

Performance and Efficiency

  • Strategic Editor Use: Select most efficient editor for each specific task
  • Resource Management: Close unused editors to optimize system performance
  • Data Management: Organize work to minimize unnecessary editor switching
  • Session Planning: Plan editing sessions to maximize efficiency across editors

Collaboration and Coordination

  • Team Coordination: Establish clear editor usage guidelines for teams
  • Permission Management: Coordinate access levels appropriate for team roles
  • Data Sharing: Use consistent standards across editors for team compatibility
  • Quality Control: Implement verification procedures across all editor types

The Unified Map Editor provides comprehensive access to all Horizon editing capabilities through a single, intelligently managed interface, ensuring efficient workflows while maintaining the specialized functionality of each individual editor.

Horizon Help Documentation