Connect to data from a variety of sources using the vector layer upload.

Gather your Files

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.

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• .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

A Note on Filetypes:

<aside> 🗃️ All Vector file uploads have a 10mb size limit

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<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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<aside> 🚨 Importing CAD (.dxf) vector data is often complex. DXF files are not typically geolocated, and depending on how they are authored, they may consist of many line segments rather than the line-strings and polygons which are native to Giraffe.

On the other hand, even line segments can be very useful to allow tracing using Giraffe's snap feature (holding down "s" will snap to any vector features on the map).

If there is a large amount of useful data that is only accessible as DXF files, you can follow the steps in How to import DXF files into Giraffe. Reach out to us using the in-app chat for support doing this.

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Access the Server Connection Applet

Navigate to the Layer Palette, then click “New data layer”

When the Layer Library opens, click “Create new Layer” on the right hand side

The dropdown displays all of the layer type options. Select one to open the layer create applet.

The layer applet will appear in the right hand palette

Upload a File

1. Select a file from your computer
2. Style the layer using Data Table
3. Enter a name and click save

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Once uploaded, you can Search and Filter Map Data or Style Map Data using the Data Table

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To edit the data directly, click “import to project” to turn the layer contents into Giraffe Features.

<aside> 💡 Note; There is a limit of 100 features for import.

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Select Import to Project to create editable polygons or points from the uploaded file.

This option will import linework or points in straight to your project. The usability of the linework will depend on the quality of the CAD formatting.

• If the drawing is created using enclosed polylines, you can Use Map features to Create Geometry and Query Information or Bulk Copy Features from Vector data
• If the drawing is made from disconnected lines, you can still trace it. Use Hotkeys to snap to corners for more accuracy.

<aside> 🎓 Did you know? You can simply ctrl + c and ctrl + v any GeoJSON file straight into Giraffe. This will create an editable shape on the map (not a layer)

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