Gather your Files

Filetypes that are considered vectors for the purpose of uploading:

.json → GeoJSON format

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.

GeoJSON can be point, line, or polygon based

Did you know: Giraffe is a GeoJSON editor. GeoJSON is the native format!

You can simply ctrl + c and ctrl + v any GeoJSON file straight into Giraffe to create an editable shape on the map (not a layer).

.shp → Shape File format

A shapefile is a common vector data format in GIS. It is not a single file, but rather a collection of at least three necessary files (.shp for geometry, .shx for index, and .dbf for attributes).

Shapefiles are contained within .zip directories with multiple files that control the metadata, geolocation, and functionality of the data. Upload the entire directory zipped.
Shapefiles can be point, line or polygon based

.kml or .kmz → Google Earth format

KML, or Keyhole Markup Language, is an XML-based file format for displaying geographic data in a 3D virtual globe, such as Google Earth

Typically point based works best in Giraffe

.csv → Comma Separated spreadsheet.

A CSV (comma-separated values) file is a simple, plain-text file format that stores tabular data, like a spreadsheet, with values separated by commas.

For Point data only.
Requires one or both of the following:
- ADDRESS column with full address in that column
- LATITUDE and LONGITUDE columns with properly formatted Latitude and Longitude data. (Lat and Lon must be in separate columns)
Row limit is 100 records

.dxf → CAD open data format

DXF, which stands for Drawing Exchange Format or Drawing Interchange Format, is a CAD data file format. It's primarily used for sharing design data, especially between different CAD (computer-aided design) and drafting programs.

dxf can be point, line, or polygon based
DWG and other CAD formats must be converted to DXF prior to import

🚨 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.

See How to Import DXF for more details

Access the Layer Upload 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 Vector

The layer applet will appear in the right hand palette.

Upload the File

Click Browse.
Select a file from your computer
Click "Next"
Style the layer using Data Table, or Import the lines as Giraffe Geometries
Style the layer with Lens
or, Import to Project to Create editable polygons or points from the uploaded file.
Click "Next"
Enter a name
Enter a description
Click "Save"