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

Quick Links

🦒 In-App Guide

Lens

Importing Esri or WMS Layers

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

Import Non-Native Data

How to import DXF files into Giraffe

• Guide Contents

Gather you 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.

  </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

Access the Server Connection Applet

There are 2 ways to open the layer upload applet:

Add layer → Create Your own → select layer type

Main menu (☰) → Layers → select layer type

Upload a File

GeoJSON and shape files are easy to import into Giraffe. 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.

To import the data, click ☰ → Layers → Create Layer From Vector

The import tool will appear in the right bar. Upload the files and choose to import the contents as features or to create and style a vector data layer.

There are two upload options:

• Create a layer
• Import to project

<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)

</aside>

Create a Layer

Use the Lens controls at the top left to filter and style the layer