Add a New Feature to an Existing Layer

Arbitrary features can be added to any writable layer currently on the map.  Note that recording a point for the current location is usually done using the dedicated Waypoints feature, so consider using that feature instead if only recording points for current locations (see:  Record Tracks and Waypoints).  Adding features is generally for adding points that are NOT at the current location.

Note that unlike recording Tracks and Waypoints, adding a Feature (below) does NOT automatically create a layer to add the feature to.  A writable layer must already exist AND must already be on the map, otherwise attempting to use the ‘Add Feature’ (+) button will display an error.

The Add Feature (+) button cannot be used to add features to the tracking layers.  Use the Record Track button or the Waypoint button to add to the tracking layers.  (See:  Tracking and Waypoints – Record Location(s) as Tracks and Waypoints)

This Add Feature functionality is only available in the ‘Pro’ variant of the app.  See:  App Variants

Add a Feature

  • Tap the Add Feature (‘+’) button (bottom toolbar on the Map View)
    • The initially proposed location of the new feature (or the first vertex of the new feature if adding to a line or polygon) will be illustrated by the yellow target symbol
    • By default the initially proposed location is the current location (if available) and may be outside of the current view
  • If multiple eligible layers are available on the map, and the desired layer is not already selected, tap the ‘Layer’ field in the ‘New Feature’ dialogue view to select the layer to which the new feature should be added
  • By default the location of the feature (or vertex) will be the current location (if available).  If this is not the desired location for the feature/vertex, then:
    • Specify the location by EITHER:
      • Tap the desired location on the map, OR to place the location target more accurately, use a single finger to drag the yellow target to the desired location on the map (or leave the target at its default position of the current location, if desired)
        • As the target moves, it will remain a little above the touched location so that it can be seen without being obscured by the finger
        • If necessary, TWO fingers can be used to pan/zoom the map to bring the target location into view and at a suitable scale
        • For point features, this will become the location of the new point feature
        • For line or polygon features, this will become the location of the first vertex of the line or polygon feature
    • OR:
      • Enter the X/Y (or longitude/latitude) coordinates (or the MGRS grid reference if this option is enabled in Display Settings)
  • Optionally, in the ‘New Feature’ dialogue view, enter an attribute value for the new feature
    • Only the first attribute (field) in the selected layer will be displayed in the dialogue and a value can be entered for it in the field displayed here
    • If there are no attributes (fields) in the selected Point layer, then no field will be displayed for data entry here, and only the location of the point/vertex will be included
  • Tap ‘OK’ in the ‘New Feature’ dialogue view
    • OR, for a (potentially) more accurate point/vertex location, tap ‘Average a Series of GNSS Locations’
    • For point features, the new feature will be saved and added to the map – the remaining instructions to dot apply
    • For line or polygon features, a minimum of 2 or 3 vertices is required (respectively) – continue with the additional instructions below

For Line or Polygon features, add the remaining vertices and finalise the geometry:

  • Repeat these steps until all the vertices have been added:
    • Tap/drag on the map to place another vertex with the yellow target (or leave where it is to use the default position of the current location), or enter the coordinates (or grid reference)
    • Tap ‘Vertex OK’ to save the new vertex
      • OR, for a (potentially) more accurate vertex location, tap ‘Average a Series of GNSS Locations’
  •   Tap ‘Finalise’ to finish adding vertices (or tap ‘Vertex OK & Finalise’ to add one final vertex and finalise all in one step)
    • The feature will be saved and the dialogue will be dismissed