Visualize Context

You can add Vector or Raster layer sources to your projects. You can also import 3D data to add more visual clarity.

Import Geospatial data as Layers and 3D data as models.

Quick Links

Layers

Importing Esri or WMS Layers

Upload Vector Files as Layers (GeoJSON, Shapefile, DXF, KML, CSV)

Upload Raster Files as layers (PDF, JPG, PNG)

• Guide Contents

Layers

Existing maps and designs can be added to the map in a Giraffe project for reference, as context or to trace over. The supported file formats are:

• Vector sources:
  • GeoJSON files (.geojson)
  • Shape files ( .shp / .dbf / .prj )
  • Cad files ( .dxf )
  • Spreadsheets with addresses (.csv)
• ESRi Mapserver or Featureserver or Sceneserver
• WMS
• Raster sources:
  • Images (.png / .jpeg)
  • PDF files (.pdf)

Access the Layer Applet

There are 2 ways to open the layer upload applet:

Data layer → Create Your own → select layer type

Main menu (☰) → Layers → select layer type

<aside> 💡 You can also drag any file into your giraffe window to automatically open the correct applet for that filetype.

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Importing Vector Data

Filetypes that are considered vectors for the purpose of uploading:

• .json → GeoJSON format

  <aside> 🎓 GeoJSON is a widely-used data format for displaying vectors in web maps . It is based on JavaScript object notation, a simple and minimalist format for expressing data structures using syntax from JavaScript.

  </aside>

• .shp → Shape File format

  • Shapefiles are contained within .zip directories with multiple files that control the metadata, geolocation, and functionality of the data
  • Shapefiles can be point or polygon based

• .kml or .kmz → Google Earth format

• .dxf → CAD open data format

• .csv → Comma Separated spreadsheet.

  • For Point data only.
  • Requires a ADDRESS column with full address in that column
  • Row limit is 100 records

The data can be added as a data layer or converted into Giraffe features:

• Map data layers can be shared between users and added to multiple projects.
• Giraffe features will be added to the current project.

1. Upload a file

   1. Browse your computer
   2. Select a file
   3. click “Next”

2. Style layer

   1. Select “To create a layer” to add a layer
   2. Filter and Style your Layer using Lens (Data Table) controls

<aside> 💡 Click Import to Project if you want to add the shapes as polygons in your project rather than creating a layer

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<aside> 👉 Learn how to filter and style with Lens (Data Table)

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1. Layer details

   1. Name the layer
   2. add details.

2. Click “save layer” to add the layer to your project.

A Note on Filetypes:

<aside> ✅ GeoJSON, shape files, and KMZ files are easy to import into Giraffe. These are geospatial first data types and are easily parsed by the layer import applet.

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<aside> 👉 Shapefiles are contained within .zip directories with multiple files that control the metadata, geolocation, and functionality of the data. DO NOT UNZIP THE FILE. You must upload the entire zipped directory.

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<aside> ⚙️ Excel, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet sources must be converted to CSV (comma delimited) before importing as a layer.

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<aside> 📢 CSV files can only reflect point based data. They need to include a column labeled ADDRESS with the street address. The row limit is 100 per upload.

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