Transform

Transform layers with tools for spatial analysis.

Transformations are a set of spatial analysis techniques that allow users to manipulate and analyze geographic data, making it easier to combine and extract meaningful information from different datasets on a map.

Using Transformations

Available Transformations

Processing large layers could take a long time. Consider clipping large layers to your area of interest before running other operations.

Name

Description

Example use case

Input

Output

Buffer

For each feature, generate a polygon covering an area within a distance

To identify specific locations that are within a certain radius of features like roads, hospitals, etc.

Any

Polygons

Bounds

For each feature, generate a rectangular polygon completely covering the feature

To simplify features to broad coverage areas

Any

Polygons

Centroid

For each feature, generate a point at the center of it

To simplify a polygon layer to a point layer, like metro areas to just cities

Lines or polygons

Polygons

Clip

Keep only the parts of each feature inside polygons from another layer

To reduce a global or countrywide layer to just an area of interest

Any and polygons

Any (same as input)

Count Points

Add the total number of points covered by each polygon to each feature

Count the number of airports in each US state

Points and polygon layers

Polygon layer with number of points as an attribute

Dissolve

Create a single new polygon covering all features

To simplify overlapping or contiguous polygons, like buffers

Polygons

Intersect

Keep only the features in layer A that intersect layer B

To identify features that overlap another layer, like roads inside national parks

Any and polygons

Any (same as input)

Subtract

Keep only the parts of each feature outside the polygons from another layer

Remove flood zones from candidate areas for development projects

Any and polygons

Any (same as input)

Join

For each feature, generate a new one that includes the columns from both input layers

To add non-geographic data to a geographic layer, like GDP per year to a countries layer

Any and any

Any (same as input)

Spatial Analysis Exercise

Try out Felt’s spatial analysis tools for yourself in this step-by-step tutorial to find suitable habitat for the Iberian Lynx!

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Using Transformations

To apply a transformation a layer, click on the Transform icon in the toolbar. The transformations menu is also available via the Felt menu in top-left corner and via feature menu using the Command/Control + K shortcut (simply type Transform or the name of any specific transformation, like Buffer).

Available Transformations

Processing large layers could take a long time. Consider clipping large layers to your area of interest before running other operations.

Name

Description

Example use case

Input

Output

Buffer

For each feature, generate a polygon covering an area within a distance

To identify specific locations that are within a certain radius of features like roads, hospitals, etc.

Any

Polygons

Bounds

For each feature, generate a rectangular polygon completely covering the feature

To simplify features to broad coverage areas

Any

Polygons

Centroid

For each feature, generate a point at the center of it

To simplify a polygon layer to a point layer, like metro areas to just cities

Lines or polygons

Polygons

Clip

Keep only the parts of each feature inside polygons from another layer

To reduce a global or countrywide layer to just an area of interest

Any and polygons

Any (same as input)

Count Points

Add the total number of points covered by each polygon to each feature

Count the number of airports in each US state

Points and polygon layers

Polygon layer with number of points as an attribute

Dissolve

Create a single new polygon covering all features

To simplify overlapping or contiguous polygons, like buffers

Polygons

Intersect

Keep only the features in layer A that intersect layer B

To identify features that overlap another layer, like roads inside national parks

Any and polygons

Any (same as input)

Subtract

Keep only the parts of each feature outside the polygons from another layer

Remove flood zones from candidate areas for development projects

Any and polygons

Any (same as input)

Join

For each feature, generate a new one that includes the columns from both input layers

To add non-geographic data to a geographic layer, like GDP per year to a countries layer

Any and any

Any (same as input)