25 Must-Know GIS Editing ToolsArt of GIS – Art of GIS Editing

The Straight Segment

Imagine constructing a straight line by merely pointing and clicking. The Straight Segment tool allows you to do just that. It’s as easy as connecting the dots.

Streaming Freehand

Next up is the Streaming Freehand tool. This nifty feature generates vertices as you move your mouse pointer, making it feel like you’re painting your data onto the screen.

Right-Angle Segment

Need perfectly square edges for your map? The Right-Angle Segment tool is your go-to. It ensures that all line segments have crisp, 90-degree corners.

Arc Segment

If you want to add some curvature to your line segments, the Arc Segment tool has your back. Whether it’s a circular or bezier arc, you can make your lines flow seamlessly.

Trace

Sometimes, it’s all about following along with an existing feature. The Trace tool creates new vertices by aligning your data with what’s already there.

Radial

Want to generate lines that radiate outwards from a central point? The Radial tool is your answer. It’s perfect for creating directional lines with ease.

Move

Moving features to a new location without messing with the vertices is a breeze with the Move tool. It’s like a magic teleportation device for your data.

Rotate

When you need to spin a feature in a circular motion around a central pivot point, the Rotate tool is your trusty sidekick.

Scale

Need to resize a feature? The Scale tool can help you do that. Whether you want to increase or reduce it, you can adjust the size proportionately.

Edit Vertices

The Edit Vertices tool allows you to select, add, delete, and move vertices in an existing feature. It’s like giving your data a makeover.

Reshape

With the Reshape tool, you can update vertices in an existing feature using an input digitized line segment. It’s all about refining those details.

Replace

Sometimes, you need to swap geometry between features. That’s where the Replace tool comes in handy, making your job a whole lot easier.

Extend

If you need to elongate a line to connect with an existing feature, the Extend tool is your friend. It’s all about expanding your horizons.

Trim

Shortening a line to snap it to an existing feature boundary is a cinch with the Trim tool. No more messy overlaps!

Fillet

Adding a touch of curvature at the bend of two line segments is what the Fillet tool does best. It creates a smooth, circular path.

Generalize (Simplify)

For simplifying your lines or polygons, the Generalize tool is a lifesaver. It removes unnecessary vertices while keeping the basic shape intact.

Densify

Sometimes, adding more vertices to a line or polygon is essential. The Densify tool lets you do just that, at a specified distance, offset, or angle.

Smooth

When you want to soften corners and reduce jagged edges in your geometry, the Smooth tool comes to the rescue. It’s all about making your data look polished.

Split

The Split tool is your solution for cutting a polygon into separate features based on an existing line. It’s like a precise surgical procedure for your map.

Merge

When you need to combine two separate features into a single one, the Merge tool is here to help. It’s the ultimate unifier.

Buffer

The Buffer tool is all about widening your point, line, or polygon by a specified distance. It’s like giving your data some extra space.

Divide

If you need to cut a line or polygon into smaller segments, the Divide tool is the way to go. You can split it by distance, percent, or into equal parts.

Planarize

For those moments when your features intersect and need to be split, the Planarize tool is there to resolve the issue. It ensures smooth transitions.

Explode

When you have multipart features that need to be separated into individual single-part features, the Explode tool is your handy disassembler.

Traverse

Now, let’s talk about Coordinate Geometry (COGO). The Traverse tool follows along a traveled path using direction, distance, and radius. It’s all about precision in your geospatial data.