Spatial Data Layers
What are Layers and how do I use them in Giraffe?
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.
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.
Layer type is shown with a symbol in the Layer Palette- Pencil = Drawing Layers
- Square = Vector Data Layer
- Photo = Raster Data Layer
- Globe = Portfolio Layer (Enterprise only)
Template Layers
All Giraffe projects start with a few layers by default:
- Default - a blank Drawing Layer
- Basemap Group
- Map labels - Street names, cities, and regions From Mapbox
- 3D buildings - 3D white building massing from Open Street Map
- POI Labels - coming soon!
- Transit Labels - coming soon!
- Landmark Buildings - coming soon!
- Trees - coming soon!
- Satellite - Satellite imagery From Mapbox
If you use a Custom Template, the imported layers override the basic template.
If you select a layer pack from the Content Library, the layers will be appended to your basic template layers.