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Introduction to iXGIS

iXGIS is an integrated cloud-based geospatial platform for research and applied work in ecology, environment, meteorology, geography, GIS, and related fields. It provides GIS data rendering, editing, analysis, computation, and online map production capabilities, forming a complete solution for efficient spatial data analysis, geographic model computation, and standardized map output.

iXGIS removes the complex workflows and redundant features often found in traditional GIS software and focuses on editing, rendering, and computing geographic data. Data storage, processing, and computation run on cloud servers, allowing iXGIS to handle large datasets with ease. With browser-based rendering, users can access all functions directly in a web browser.

  • iXGIS supports Safari, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, 360 Browser, Sogou Browser, and other browsers on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
  • iXGIS is an online spatial data management system that manages many types of spatial data and supports multiple formats.
  • iXGIS is a geographic data rendering and map production system that symbolically renders GIS data and supports standardized map output.
  • iXGIS is an online geographic data editing system. Based on standardized spatial data, it supports advanced vector editing and raster editing.
  • iXGIS is a geographic data processing platform. Backed by the multi-core computing power of cloud servers, it provides spatial data processing and geographic data computation.
  • iXGIS is a model computation platform that couples geographic data with domain models. It integrates professional models for meteorology, ecology, environment, and other fields, and supports high-performance computation.
  • iXGIS provides a mechanism for co-building and sharing professional models, creating an open model platform.

1. Tasks You Can Perform in iXGIS​

  • Render maps: use iXGIS to browse map information and map documents, turn layers on or off, query features to access large amounts of attribute data behind a map, and visualize geographic information.
  • Edit vector data: iXGIS provides a set of methods for editing vector data. It supports feature drawing methods such as single point, fixed direction, fixed direction and distance, and distance-distance, as well as feature editing tools such as alignment, trimming, splitting, and construction.
  • Edit raster data: iXGIS provides raster data editing methods with cell editing capabilities, including setting constants, pixelation, blur, interpolation, filtering, and other processing methods.
  • Analyze and compute GIS data: iXGIS provides GIS data analysis and computation capabilities. Combined with GDAL and Dask, it delivers computation services through the cloud, including a GIS toolbox and multiple professional models.
  • Organize and manage geographic data: iXGIS includes a Cloud Resource Browser for organizing all GIS datasets and managing data.
  • Produce standardized maps and manage map atlases: you can create a series of map layouts from resources in an iXGIS project. iXGIS uses atlases and templates to simplify your workflow, making map production and data analysis more efficient and direct.

2. Quick Tour of iXGIS​

This section briefly introduces the main elements and interface of iXGIS.

2.1 iXGIS Projects​

In iXGIS, a project is the core unit used to organize, manage, and share spatial data, map layouts, analysis models, and related resources. With an iXGIS project, users can import data, produce maps, perform spatial analysis, and export results in a unified work environment.

iXGIS project files are stored in a cloud database. After logging in, users can open and use them. A project stores:

  • Project metadata, including project name, creation date, and creator

  • Paths to all referenced data sources

  • Project configuration, including the projected coordinate system and default layout template

  • Resource indexes, including maps, layers, and tables

  • The project working directory, which stores raster data and vector data generated in the project

iXGIS supports loading many types of data:

  • Vector data, including Shapefile, PostGIS, and GeoPackage
  • Raster data, including GeoTIFF
  • Bitmap data, including JPG, PNG, and GIF
  • Web services, including WMS, WMTS, and WFS

2.2 iXGIS Main Interface​

After launching iXGIS, you will see the main interface. It mainly includes the following areas:

The top of the software uses an Office-like ribbon style and is divided into several functional modules:

  • Top toolbar: the iXGIS top toolbar, available globally.

  • Cloud Resource Browser: manages user data, including vector, raster, table, and other data formats.

  • Tabs: switch between major functional areas.

    • Start: common basic operations, such as adding data, importing XY data, selecting, measuring, and coordinate transformation.
    • Vector: provides vector editing workflows.
    • Raster: provides raster editing workflows.
    • Table: provides table editing workflows.
    • Map Production: provides map production functions.

  • Project Management: manages map layers and map atlases loaded into the project.

  • Map View: the main map display area.

  • Status Bar: displays the status of the current operation.

  • Extension panel

    • Task List: displays the execution status of current computation tasks.
    • Toolbox: the GIS toolbox used to complete various computations.
    • AI Console: integrates an AI assistant to help you operate the software.
    • Feature Attributes panel: displays attribute information for features in data view.
    • Element Properties panel: edits properties of each element in layout view.

2.3 iXGIS Start Tab​

The iXGIS Start tab is the most commonly used basic function area. It helps users quickly load data, select features, measure, and perform other common operations.

  • Layers

    • Basemap: set the map basemap, such as Tianditu imagery, Tianditu maps, and layers published through WMS or WMTS.

    • Add Data: load vector, raster, and table data from the iXGIS Cloud Resource Browser into a project.

    • Import XY Data: import coordinate points from table data, such as Excel or PGT table files, and generate a vector layer.

    • Create: create vector data files or table data files.

  • Selection group

    • Select: use the mouse to box-select features, or select features by location and attribute. After selection, you can view feature attributes.

      • Rectangle: select features by drawing a rectangle on the layer.

      • Circle: select features by drawing a circle on the layer.

      • Polygon: select features by drawing a polygon on the layer.

      • Lasso: select features by drawing a freehand shape on the layer.

      • Line: select features by drawing a line that intersects the features.

    • Select By Attribute: select features in batches based on vector feature attributes, such as field values.

    • Select By Location: select features based on spatial relationships between vector features, such as intersect or contain.

    • Attributes: view attribute information for selected features.

    • Clear: cancel the current feature selection.

  • Query

    • Measure:

      • Measure Distance: measure the distance between two points, or continuously measure distances across multiple points. Supported measurement types include geodesic line, planar (projected), rhumb line, and great ellipse line distance.
      • Measure Area: measure the area of a polygon drawn with the mouse.
      • Measure Features: measure selected features.

    • Locate: locate a position by entering coordinates in XY format.

    • Coordinate Transformation: provides coordinate transformation tools and supports coordinate systems built into iXGIS.

  • View: controls iXGIS views, including reset, project, toolbox, task list, and AI Console.

  • Scale: displays the scale of the current map view as a number. You can enter a value to adjust the current map view scale.

2.4 iXGIS Vector Tab​

The iXGIS Vector tab provides vector editing functions. It mainly includes:

  • Select: the same selection function as on the Start tab, used to select vector features for operations.
  • Clipboard: provides copy, cut, and paste functions for selected features.
  • Topology: enables topology for topological editing.
  • Snapping: snaps to endpoints and edges of vector features.
  • Layer: when creating features, iXGIS can only operate on a specific vector layer. Here you can choose which layer to create features in.
  • Tools: after selecting vector features, available operations can be performed. Unavailable operations are grayed out.
    • Alignment operations: align features, move to
    • Modify operations: edit vertices, reshape, replace geometry, continue feature, extend, trim, fillet, generalize, line intersection
    • Split operations: split intersecting lines, clip, split, divide, partition
    • Construct operations: create points along a line, merge, buffer, parallel copy, construct polygon, offset, perpendicular copy, mirror, construct geodetic features

2.5 iXGIS Raster Tab​

The iXGIS Raster tab provides raster processing functions. It contains two sub-tabs and mainly includes:

  • Georeferencing: also called geometric correction or map registration. It has a separate tab and can be activated on JPG, PNG, or GIF layers. Georeferencing is the process of accurately positioning maps, images, or scanned drawings without geographic coordinates, such as scanned paper maps, historical maps, or remote sensing imagery, into a real-world coordinate system.

  • Pixel Editor: a tool for editing raster data pixel by pixel.

  • Tools:

    • Raster Processing: supports clipping, masking, differencing, compositing, and mosaicking raster data loaded into a project.
    • Raster Identify: view information for raster cells.
    • Export: export selected raster data.

  • Statistics:

    • Create Chart: supports statistical analysis of selected raster data.
    • Update Statistics: updates raster data information such as histogram, maximum, minimum, and mean values.

  • Appearance: raster data consists of a regularly arranged matrix of cells or pixels. Each cell has a value, such as elevation, temperature, or category. Although raster data is data by itself, raw cell values are usually displayed in a visual form, which is called raster appearance.

    • Resampling type: determines how pixel values are recalculated during zooming, panning, rotation, projection transformation, or fast map display.
      • Nearest neighbor: directly uses the nearest original cell value for display and often produces a blocky, jagged appearance.
      • Bilinear interpolation: calculates a distance-weighted average from the surrounding four cell values and generally produces a smoother appearance.
    • Appearance: adjusts the visual appearance of raster data.
      • Opacity: adjusts layer transparency, or how transparent the map appears.
      • Brightness: adjusts overall lightness. Increasing brightness makes the whole image whiter and brighter, while decreasing brightness makes it darker.
      • Contrast: adjusts the intensity of differences between the brightest and darkest areas.
      • Gamma value: adjusts the midtone brightness curve of an image instead of linearly increasing or decreasing brightness.
      • Display quality: sets the rendering resolution and precision of a map or image.

2.6 iXGIS Table Tab​

The iXGIS Table tab is the core interface for managing, editing, and analyzing vector layer attribute tables and standalone table data.

  • Column operations: manage table fields or columns.
    • Add: add a field, such as numeric, text, or date.
    • Delete: delete selected fields.
    • Format Column: set field display formats, such as number format, decimal places, or date format.
    • Ascending: sort the selected field from small to large.
    • Descending: sort the selected field from large to small.
    • Advanced Sort: sort by multiple fields.
  • Row operations: select, clear, and operate on table rows.
    • Select All / Invert Selection: quickly select or deselect all rows.
    • Clear: clear the current selection.
    • Paste / Copy / Cut: copy or cut selected records, then paste them into the table.
    • Zoom To / Pan To: locate selected features on the map.
    • Flash: flash-highlight selected features on the map.
  • Relationships: manage relationships between tables and other tables or layers.
    • Join: join a table to a feature attribute table by a specified field.
    • Relate: create a one-to-many or many-to-one relationship.
    • Related Data: view and navigate data in related tables.
  • Tools: assist with data processing and map production.
    • Calculate Fields: calculate or update field values in batches.
    • Create Chart: generate statistical charts from fields.
    • Find / Replace: search and batch-replace field values.
    • Go To Row Number: quickly jump to a specified row.
  • Export: export or share data.
    • Export Features: export the currently selected features as a new dataset.
    • Export Table: export the entire table as a CSV file, Excel file, database file, or PostGIS table.

2.7 iXGIS Map Production Tab​

The iXGIS Map Production module is used to arrange, design, and export map data as layouts for printing and result delivery.

An atlas in iXGIS represents a series of map layouts. It allows users to create multiple related maps from the same dataset within a single project. This approach greatly simplifies the process of creating a map atlas. An atlas has the following characteristics:

  • Unified data source: all maps share data from the same project, ensuring information consistency and accuracy.
  • Efficient map production: users can quickly generate maps for different themes or areas without repeatedly setting data sources or layers.
  • Flexible presentation: an atlas can show different aspects of an area or the same theme across different areas, providing richer perspectives and deeper analysis.

iXGIS map production operations

  • Map Production: manage layouts and layout templates.
    • New Layout: create a new map layout.
    • Save Template: save the current layout as a template file.
    • Open Template: load an existing layout template.
    • Export Image: export the layout as a PNG, JPG, or other image file.
  • Paper: set and operate on layout paper and views.
    • Move: move the canvas to view different areas.
    • Zoom In / Zoom Out: adjust the layout view zoom level.
    • Paper: set the paper size, such as A4 or A3.
  • Map Elements: add core map components.
    • Map: insert a map frame. iXGIS allows multiple map frames, each with its own scale and legend.
    • North Arrow: add a direction indicator.
    • Scale Bar: insert a graphical scale bar.
    • Scale Text: insert a text scale.
    • Legend: add a legend.
  • Text and Shapes: add annotations and decorative elements.
    • Text: add text labels.
    • Shape: insert basic shapes, including triangles, circles, and stars.
    • Image: insert an external image.
  • Select: select layout elements.
    • Select Element: select any object in the layout.
    • Attributes: open the properties panel to edit the selected element.
    • Remove: remove the selected element.
  • Operations: operate on elements in the layout, including adjusting element positions and order.
    • Group / Ungroup: group multiple elements into one object, or ungroup them.
    • Move Up / Move Down: change the stacking order of elements.
    • Bring to Front / Send to Back: place an element at the top or bottom of the stack.
    • Horizontal Align: includes top align, center align, and bottom align.
    • Vertical Align: includes top align, center align, and bottom align.

2.8 iXGIS AI Console​

By integrating an LLM into your workflow, you can:

  • Answer GIS questions
  • Operate styles and symbols
  • Build and use tools with AI
  • Produce maps with AI

Example:

User: List all villages within the atmospheric assessment area and the nearest distance from each village to the planned boundary.

iXGIS AI Assistant:
Based on the layer information and style information you provided, I will extract all villages within the atmospheric assessment area and calculate the nearest distance from each village to the factory boundary.

**Code to execute:**
```python
# Load existing data
assessment_area = vector_io.read_file(path='atmospheric_assessment_area.pgv')
factory_area = vector_io.read_file(path='factory_area.pgv')
villages = vector_io.read_file(path='village_data.pgv')

# Extract villages within the atmospheric assessment area
villages_in_assessment = villages.geo.clip(other_gdf=assessment_area)

# Calculate the nearest distance from each village to the factory boundary, in meters
villages_with_distance = villages_in_assessment.geo.min_distance_to(other_gdf=factory_area, distance_field='distance_to_factory')

# Save the result
villages_with_distance.geo.to_file(path='villages_within_atmospheric_assessment_area.pgv')
```

**Execution result description:**
- Uses `village_data.pgv` as the village data source, including attributes such as village name (`name` and `xzmc` fields) and type (`kind` field).
- Extracts villages within the atmospheric assessment area by using the `clip` function.
- Calculates the nearest distance from each village to the factory boundary by using the `min_distance_to` function. The distance is geodetic and measured in meters.
- Saves the result to `villages_within_atmospheric_assessment_area.pgv`, including all original fields and the new `distance_to_factory` distance field.

**The output file will contain:**
- Village name (`name` and `xzmc` fields)
- Village type (`kind` field)
- Other attribute information, such as `join_count`, `target_fid`, and `pac`
- A new `distance_to_factory` field that stores the nearest distance to the factory boundary, in meters

User: Execute.

iXGIS AI Assistant: Execution completed.

2.9 iXGIS Cloud Resource Browser​

The iXGIS Cloud Resource Browser is a key feature in iXGIS. It greatly simplifies how geographic data is managed and used. As a cloud-based geographic information processing system, iXGIS stores data on a cloud platform, enabling secure storage, efficient management, and convenient access.

When using data, load it from the iXGIS Cloud Resource Browser into a project. You can then render styles, edit data, process data, and perform other work.

2.10 iXGIS Spatial Analysis Toolbox​

The iXGIS Toolbox is an integrated tool collection for spatial analysis, data processing, and automation. Existing tools include basic raster tools, vector tools, and advanced spatial analysis toolsets, analysis toolsets, and data management toolsets.

The toolbox is still under development. More tools will be added in the future.

For tool usage, see the GIS Toolbox chapter.

3. How to Start Using iXGIS​

3.1 Preparation​

Use Chrome or a Chrome-compatible browser, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Sogou Browser, 360 Browser, or Safari on macOS, to visit the website. After logging in, you can use iXGIS without installing anything.

3.2 Register an Account​

Open a browser, preferably Edge or Chrome, and go to https://cal.ihamodel.com/. Click Log In in the upper-right corner of the page. In the dialog box, choose a login method. If you have not registered yet, click Register and follow the prompts to create an account.

According to the Regulations on the Administration of Internet User Account Information issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China, users must bind a phone number.

Account

The account for Huanan Technology's online model computation platform is shared across products. After registration, you can use all products under the online platform.

Account types include personal accounts and enterprise accounts. Choose the type that matches your needs and complete registration as prompted. The account type cannot be changed after registration.

A personal account is required to use the product.

3.3 Bind WeChat or Alipay​

After logging in successfully, you can bind a third-party platform by scanning a QR code. WeChat and Alipay are currently supported. After binding, you can log in by scanning a QR code with WeChat or Alipay.

Account Binding

Existing users who registered on the previous online platform can bind a phone number after logging in. After binding succeeds, they can log in with their phone number and verification code, and can also bind a third-party platform such as WeChat or Alipay.

3.4 Start Using iXGIS​

Users can quickly log in by phone number, WeChat, or Alipay. After logging in, they can use system functions.

Login Options

Users can still log in with a username or email. If users forget their login password, they can verify their identity by phone number or email to recover it.