Create a new feature

You can create new features by selecting a template that represents the type of feature you want to create. Each feature layer has a layer template, which is a collection of feature templates that you can use to create features in that layer.

For example, a layer template that represents park planning facilities might include feature templates for camping areas, public restrooms, rest areas, trash can locations, and so on. You can use the rest area template to create a new feature that represents the location or planned location of a rest area on the map.

The Map Notes layer that is included in a map by default has a layer template consisting of generic feature templates for adding pushpins, text, lines, and a variety of shapes, such as arrows, to the map. You can use these templates to create generic features, then change the appearance of those features and create new templates.

You can see the layer templates for a map by clicking the Add Features tab to show the Add Features panel in the left side panel.

The feature templates listed in the Add Features panel are organized by layer. Only the templates for layers that are visible are listed. If a layer template for a layer in the map is not shown, check that the layer is visible by clicking the Layers tab to show the Layers panel and ensuring the check box next to the layer in the list is checked.

You can search for templates in the map by typing what you are searching for in the Search for feature types box.

How to create a new feature

To create a new feature, start by opening a map containing a feature layer that you want to add a feature to. For example, if you want to add simple markup features to a map, you can add features to the default Map Notes layer in the map.

1. In the left-hand side panel, click the Add Features tab to show the feature templates available in the map.
2. Find the layer template for the layer you want to add a feature to and, in the templates list, click the type of feature you want to create. The toolbar for creating a new feature is displayed, including different tools for defining the geometry of the new feature. The default tool for the selected template is chosen for you, but you can choose another tool if you don't want to use the default tool.

   

3. Start creating the feature's geometry by sketching its shape on the map; the tools that you can use will depend on the type of template you selected in the previous step:
   • For point features, there is a single tool available. Using this tool, click once on the map to position the feature at that location.

     

   • For text features, there is a single tool available. Using this tool, click once on the map to position the text and type the desired text.

     

   • For lines, there are two tools available: Line and Freehand Line. Using the Line tool, click two or more positions on the map and a line is drawn. Double-click the last vertex you want to enter to finish the line. Using the Freehand Line tool, click and hold and trace out the shape for the feature.

     

   • For areas, there are a number of tools and predefined shapes you can use to create your feature. Using the Area tool, click at three or more positions on the map and a polygon is drawn. Double-click the last vertex you want to enter to finish the polygon; that is, the polygon is closed by completing the side from the last vertex entered to the first vertex entered. Using the Freehand Area tool, click and hold and trace out the shape for the feature. If you're adding a predefined shape, such as an arrow or circle, click the shape button, click on the map, and drag the shape until it's the size you want.

     

   Tip:

   If you hold down the SHIFT key while creating new features, you can immediately create more features using the same template without having to select the template again.

When you have finished creating the feature, you can open the pop-up window for the feature and define its pop-up content.

Learn more about configuring the pop-up windows of a layer