Creating & Editing Map Definitions Using Shape Files or Drawing Tools

Modified on Thu, Apr 3 at 4:25 PM

Overview

Map definitions play a critical role in helping your organization visualize and manage defined geographic areas—such as facility locations and responsibility areas. This article focuses on how to create and edit these boundaries using two available options: importing shape files or using the built-in drawing tools. For details on exporting, color coding, or navigating map definitions, please refer to related help articles.

Creating and Modifying Locations and Areas

Navigate to System Management > Administration > General > Map Definitions.
Select Facility Location / Responsibility Area Summary.
Click Add to create a new location or area or select an existing entry to modify.
1. note: Map definitions cannot be directly edited once created.
  Instead:
  - Copy existing definition/geographic area (A map definition must be active before it can be copied.)
  - Edit the copy using the file import or drawing tools (details below)
    - note: while you are able to ADD to the defined geographic boundaries of a location or area--removing or deleting shapes or files is not available.

Fill in necessary fields (Name, Description, Applications, etc.).

Field	Description
Name	The name of the responsibility area or facility location
Description	Any notes or explanation about the responsibility area or facility location
In Use	If checked, the responsibility area or facility location is being used by the company. It will appear on the map as in use (you choose the color indicating in use or not in use on the Map Colors page) If not checked, the responsibility area or facility location appears on the map, but is marked "not in use"
Activate on Import	If checked, the GIS file appears on the map immediately after you import it (next steps)
Active Registration Version (modify only)	The version number of the active map definition. If no map definition is active, the field says "Unspecified." This field only appears after a map definition has been created.
Applications (responsibility areas only)	Ticket Management: The responsibility area appears on ticket maps Work Item Management: The responsibility area appears on work item maps

Choose "Activate on Import" if desired.

Define Geographic Areas for Map Definitions

After creating a facility location or responsibility area, you can define geographic boundaries by importing shape files or using Irth-native Drawing Tools.

** note: If you do not have a GIS department or a way to create shape files, use the drawing tools to create the map definitions for the facilities and areas of responsibility.

After creating a facility location or responsibility area map definition, modify the map definition to indicate its geographic location.

From the Facility Location / Responsibility Area Summary, select the map definition you wish to modify.
Click on the hyperlink version number to open the Location/Area Definition screen to either add or copy an existing definition.
- note: While the most recent prior version is typically the preferred choice, occasional inaccuracies or other issues might require selecting an alternative version. Always review and confirm the accuracy of your chosen map definition version.
  
  skip to step 7 for insights on using our Drawing Tools.
when creating a new Location or Area Definition, select "Import from shape file" from the list of available tasks to leverage pre-existing GIS files or
- If copying an existing Definition, click "Add a map definition based on this definition" and then "Import from shape file"
- note: reference Importing Map Files: Requirements for file requirements and restrictions
Use the 'Choose File' button on each of the 3 file types (all are REQUIRED) to navigate through your device's file application to where the corresponding shape file is stored.
Click 'Upload'
At this point, if you are only using GIS files to define Facility Locations and Responsibility Areas, you can stop here or repeat steps 1-5 as needed.
----------------------------------------------DRAWING TOOLS--------------------------------------------------------
when creating a new Location or Area Definition, above the right corner of the map click Edit.
Result: On the right side of the map, the drawing tools appear.

Use drawing tools to create identify and mark the Facility Location or Responsibility Area in question.

Drawing Tool	Description
Circle ()	Use to draw circles
Delete Layer ()	Deletes the layer and all shapes on it
Edit Layer ()	Use to make changes to the shapes on a layer
Marker ()	Use to add points to a layer. The buffer is set in Settings ( ) > Point Buffer
Merge ()	Merges the shapes you drew and applies them to the map layer. Shapes must be merged in order for them to be saved. Result: Shapes are merged and changed to a different color
Polygon ()	Use to draw multi-sided shapes
Polyline ( )	Use to draw straight lines
Rectangle ()	Use to draw rectangles
Scissors ()	Use to edit shapes. In the shape you want to edit, use a shape tool to draw the area you want to cut. Click Scissors () to cut the area out of the original shape
Settings ( )	Use the Settings to change the buffers. The default buffer is 250 feet. Point Buffer: The circle-shaped buffer around a marker. The point (marker) is the center of the circle (buffer). The buffer is the diameter of the circle. Line Buffer: The buffer on either side of a line (both a single line and the lines making up a shape). The line is in the middle of the buffer (half of the buffer distance is on either side of the line).

Click Merge (). Result: Shapes are merged and changed to a different color
Above the upper right corner of the map:
1. Click Save
2. Click Complete
3. Click Release
Optional. Above the right corner of the map, click Activate.
Result
- The map definition is active. If there was already an active map definition, it is no longer active butt remains listed as a map definition and can be reactivated.
- The version number appears:
  - On the Facility Location / Responsibility Area Definition page, above the left corner of the map
  - On the Details page of the facility location or responsibility area, the Active Registration Version field shows the version number of the map definitions.