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Vector Layer

Vector layers store geographic data as points, lines, polygons, or text that represent discrete real-world features. However, you can also add attributes that are fundamental components of vector data that provide contextual information about geographic features.

Polygon Tool​

As the name suggests, you can use the polygon tool to draw a polygon feature that is a GIS object that stores its geographic representation. It is but a series of X and Y coordinate pairs that enclose an area.

Prerequisites: In the following procedure steps, it is assumed that you have accessed a workspace page, selected a new or existing drawing layer or vector layer, and now you are ready to draw or insert a feature.

To draw a polygon feature, do the following:

  1. On the Analyst Tools, click the Pencil icon and then click the Polygon icon to activate the feature.

  2. Locate a place on the map (where you want to draw a polygon) and then click on the map to insert the first vertex of the polygon.

  3. Continue drawing the polygon by clicking on the map canvas to set vertices.

  4. Double-click to finish drawing the polygon.

Line Tool​

You can use the Line tool to draw a line on a map. A line is a shape defined by a connected series of unique X and Y coordinate pairs.

Prerequisites: In the following procedure steps, it is assumed that you have accessed a workspace page, selected a new or existing drawing layer or vector layer, and now you are ready to draw or insert a feature.

To draw a line feature, do the following:

  1. On the Analyst Tools, click the Pencil icon and then click the Line icon to activate the feature.

  2. Locate a place on the map (where you want to draw a line) and then click on the map to insert the first vertex of the line.

  3. Continue drawing the line by clicking on the map canvas to set vertices.

  4. Double-click to finish drawing the line.

Point Tool​

You can use the point tool to draw or insert a point in both the drawing layer and vector layer. The procedure to draw or insert a point remains the same however when you insert a point in the drawing layer, you can style the point as a point or a symbol.

Prerequisites: In the following procedure steps, it is assumed that you have accessed a workspace page, selected a new or existing drawing layer or vector layer, and now you are ready to draw or insert a feature.

To draw a point feature, do the following:

  1. On the Analyst Tools, click the Pencil icon and then click the Point Tool icon to activate the feature.

  2. Locate a place on the map (where you want to draw a point) and then click on the map to insert the first vertex of the point.

  3. Continue drawing or inserting points on the map to set vertices.