Basics of the editing tools
Understand the core editing tools in SiteRecon and how to use them to adjust map layers with precision.
As a user, you can update or refine SiteRecon outputs using the Editing Tools. These tools allow you to draw, modify, cut, and delete individual elements within a feature layer—whether it’s an area, line, or point geometry.
Once an order is approved, the editing tools become available, allowing you to maintain accurate and up-to-date site maps.
To begin editing, you’ll first need to create a new draft view, as the Base View (SiteRecon Data) is not editable.
Adding a "New Draft View."
Select Tool
The Select Tool in the toolbar allows you to choose and manage features on the map while in edit mode.
Single Select
- Click the Select Tool icon.
- Then, click on any single feature layer on the map to select it.
Multi-Select
- Hold Ctrl (or ⌘ on Mac) and click on multiple features to select them one by one.
Alternatively, hold Ctrl and drag a rectangle across the map to select multiple polygons at once within the active layer.
Draw Tool
The Draw Tool allows you to manually create new features on the map. It’s ideal when you need to add elements that weren’t captured during the initial measurement.
How to Use the Draw Tool:
- Select the feature type you want to add (e.g., Turf, Hard Edge, Tree).
- Choose the appropriate geometry tool based on the feature:
- Polygon for area-based features like Turf
- Line for linear features like Hard Edges
- Point for single-location features like Trees
- Draw the feature directly on the desired section of the map.
- Once drawn, a Feature Layer ID will appear in the measurement panel, confirming it’s been added.
Edit Tool
The Edit Tool allows you to modify existing features on the map by adjusting their shape or structure.
How to Use the Edit Tool:
- Select the Edit Tool from the tools panel.
- Once active, click on the feature layer you want to edit.
- Modify the shape by:
- Dragging existing vertices to new positions
- Adding new vertices by clicking on the polygon’s edge, then dragging to reshape it
- All changes will immediately reflect on the map and in the measurement data.
CUT TOOL
The Cut Tool allows you to remove or divide sections of existing polygons. SiteRecon offers three cutting methods to help you get the desired output: Cut, Line Split, and Lasso Split.
1. Cut
Use this tool to remove unwanted parts of a polygon.
How to use:
- Select the Cut Tool from the tools panel.
- Draw a polygon around the area you want to remove.
- Once the shape is completed, the selected portion will be cut out from the existing polygon.
2. Line Split
Use this tool to divide a single polygon into multiple parts by drawing a straight line across it.
How to use:
- Select the Line Split Tool.
- Draw a line that crosses the polygon completely.
- Once completed, the polygon will split into two separate features with unique IDs.
Note: The line must cross over the polygon from edge to edge for the split to work.
3. Lasso Split
The Lasso Split Tool lets you carve out a polygon inside a larger polygon—ideal for defining distinct sections within large areas.
How to use:
-
Select the Lasso Split Tool from the cutting tool section.
-
Draw a custom shape (lasso) over the area you want to separate.
-
Once drawn, the selected portion will become a new polygon with its own feature ID.
-
You can also use the "Move To" option to transfer the cut-out area into a different feature or layer
(e.g., move from Turf to Mulch Beds).
Move To Tool
The Move To tool allows you to transfer a selected layer or feature element from one feature category to another—helpful for reorganizing data or correcting feature assignments.
How to Use:
- Select the feature or layer you want to move.
- In the layer box, click the dropdown next to “Move To.”
- Choose the target feature you want to move the selected element into.
This tool is especially useful after splitting or editing features where reclassification is needed (e.g., moving a section from Turf to Mulch Beds).