Creating data
Create spatial data using intuitive drawing tools for points, lines and polygons.
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Create spatial data using intuitive drawing tools for points, lines and polygons.
Last updated
Was this helpful?
Felt allows you to create and export spatial data directly in the map using an intuitive set of tools to draw pins, lines, routes, polygons, and circles, and add attributes to them. You can convert them into layers for more advanced styling and analysis. This process lets you build custom datasets without needing to prepare files outside of Felt. All of Felt’s tools are located on the top toolbar and can also be accessed via shortcuts.
Use the pin, route, line, polygon, or circle element tools in the Toolbar to create data on the map. Pins can also be created via Search (see Navigation & Search for more details).
Want to use your Felt-created data somewhere else? Export it to bring it into QGIS, OpenStreetMap or any of your tools of choice.
Add a pin to the map to locate a place.
Customize the pin style and add images and information fields in the details panel.
Emphasize linear features by drawing lines on your map.
Vertices can be added or moved after the line is created.
If you wish to extend a line, click the last point and select ‘extend.’
From the details panel, turn the option for Distance on to to see the distance of lines as you draw.
Emphasize areas by drawing polygons on your map.
Vertices can be added or moved after the polygon is created.
From the details panel, turn the option for Area on to to see the area of polygon features as you draw.
Route will navigate to the shortest path between your first anchor and where you move your cursor.
Choose driving, cycling, walking or flying to help Route more accurately assess the appropriate network for your path.
From the details panel, turn the option for Distance on to to see the distance as you draw.
Add anchors for more control over your path.
Press shift to override routing.
After selecting the Circle tool, click on the center and drag outwards to a certain radius.
The radius can be specified as a numeric value in meters, kilometers, feet or miles.
Data elements have names, descriptions, and images, as well as an unlimited number of attributes (pairs of names and values).
To add attributes:
Select an element or group of elements you want to add attributes to.
In the details panel on the right side, click on the Details tab.
Click "Add row" to create a new attribute.
Enter a name for your attribute (e.g., "year") and then press Tab to move to the value field.
Enter the value for your attribute (e.g., "1990").
To add this attribute to multiple elements at once:
Select a group of elements
Click "Select group contents"
In the Details tab, look for the attribute you want to apply
Click the overflow menu (three dots) next to the attribute
Select "Add row to all selected elements"
You can enable measurements for routes, lines and polygons both during creation and also later in the element detail panel.
Select an element or group of elements and choose the option to show Area (for polygons) or Distance (for lines and routes)
Choose between US and Metric units in the Felt > View > Units menu, or use the Cmd+K menu and select Switch to US/metric units
Transform your hand-drawn map elements into structured data that can be used in your Felt map or exported to other GIS applications.
You can convert pins, lines, polygons, and other elements into layers to unlock all Felt's layer functionality
Select the element(s) you want to export
Right-click and go to Actions → Convert to layer to transform your elements into a data layer
You can download individual elements using the overflow (three-dot) menu or by using the right-click menu.
To export your map elements as GeoJSON
Go to Felt > File from the top-left menu
You can export all elements with Export all elements
Alternatively, you can export only selected elements with Export selected
Types of elements that can be exported
✅ Pins, lines, polygons, routes, marker, highlighter and notes
❌ Images, videos, links and text
