What is a Layer?


A map layer is a database in GIS that contains groups of features representing real-world objects or places like parcels, streets, or postal codes. These features can be points, lines, or areas (polygons). Layers can also include raster images, such as satellite imagery. Each feature in a layer is visually represented and has a link to its attributes stored in a database. In a Geographic Information System, maps are created by combining multiple layers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCyndLec-fI

Layer Types

Giraffe Has 3 main types of Layers - Drawing, Data, and Portfolio. You might see all of these layers together in the Layer Palette at the same time. That is because, at the end of the day, Giraffe is a GeoJSON editor, and regardless of source, the drawings, spatial layers, and projects are all spatial datasets.

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Learn more about Layer Types

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Default Layers

All Giraffe projects start with a few layers by default:

If you select one of your Templates to start, you will receive any layers in that template either instead of or in addition to the Giraffe defaults.

<aside> 👉 The base map is a project setting.

Learn how to Base Map

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Adding layers


Giraffe allows you to connect to GIS data from any 3rd party source - public or private. You can even use Giraffe to create and host your own data layers. That GIS data is displayed on the map as "Layers.”

Giraffe has curated thousands of public data layers, and you can also add your own.

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL

London, UK

London, UK

Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Portland, OR

Portland, OR

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Search the Layer Library

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Add Your own Spatial data

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<aside> 💡 Learn more about how to add specific data types

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Import Esri or WMS Layers

Upload Vector Files as Layers

Upload Raster Files as layers

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Sort and Organise layers