Draw and Add Map Features in EarthRanger Admin

Admins can manually create and draw custom map features directly within the EarthRanger Admin interface. This method is especially useful when you want to quickly define a point, line, or polygon on the map without needing to prepare and import a geospatial file.


If you’re looking for instructions on how to configure and import shapefiles or GeoJSON files into EarthRanger, refer to the companion article: Configure and Import Map Features in EarthRanger Admin.

When to Use This Method

Use the drawing tool when:

  • You want to add a simple feature quickly without using GIS software
  • You don’t have access to a prepared shapefile or GeoJSON file
  • You need to manually define new boundaries, locations, or paths


This is an efficient alternative for lightweight or one-off spatial data creation.

Step-by-Step: Drawing a Map Feature

1. Navigate to the Features Page in Admin

  1. Log in to the EarthRanger Admin interface.
  2. Scroll down to the Map Layers section.
  3. Click Features.
  4. Select Add Feature to begin creating a new map feature.

 

2. Complete Feature Information

On the Add Feature page, you’ll configure several key settings: 

  • ID: Automatically generated by EarthRanger (no action needed).
  • Name: Give your feature a clear and descriptive name. This will appear in the Operator map interface.
  • Feature Type: This is the same as the Feature Class and determines where the feature appears within the map layer hierarchy. Choose an existing Feature Class or create a new one using the green + icon.
  • Spatial File: Leave this blank. This field is used only for imported geospatial files.  

3. Draw the Feature Geometry 

In the map window on the right, use the drawing tools to define your feature. The following options are available:

Tool Purpose
Toggle Full Screen Expand the map for easier drawing
Select Base Map Choose between Satellite, Topographic, etc. 
Point Geometry Click once to place a single point
Line Geometry  Click to place each point, double-click to finish
Polygon Geometry Click each corner, then click the first point again to close the shape
Modify Geometry Adjust existing shapes by dragging points or adding new ones
Clear All Features Delete everything you've drawn (confirmation required) 

Tip: Use the Satellite view when precision placement is important.

4. View and Edit Geometry (Advanced)
 

Below the map window, you can access the WKT Debugging Window:

  • Click Show to reveal the geometry in Well-Known Text (WKT) format.
  • This is useful for copying or pasting geometry data if needed.
     

5. (Optional) Assign to a Feature Group

If you want to group the new feature with others, you can assign it to a Feature Group during creation or create the Feature Group from there. For more information, see the Feature Groups article.

6. Save and View the Feature

  • Click Save to finish.
  • To view the feature on the operational map, click View Site, then navigate to:
    • Map Layers > Features >  [Your Display Category]  > [Your Feature Class]


Your feature should now appear with its assigned icon and be accessible like any other map layer element.

 

 

 

Up Next: Understanding Data Visualization Tools in EarthRanger Web