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Data

The Start tab is the main entry point for project initialization and adding data to a map. It includes four core capabilities: Background Map, Add Data, Import XY Data, and Create.

Background Map​

Use this feature to load an online basemap for the current map. The basemap provides spatial context for positioning, editing, and map production.

Background maps are provided by the platform's Online layer library. iXGIS reads the available layer list from the server and loads the selected layer into the current project.

tip

When you create a new project, the system adds an online basemap by default. The default name is usually Tianditu - Imagery.

Supported Scope​

  • Layer list source: the platform Online layer library, managed by group. It may include an Ungrouped category.
  • Layer card information: layer name, layer type such as WMTS or XYZ, coverage extent, and preview.
  • Loading method: in the Background Map panel, click Add to Layers to add the layer to the current project and display it on the map.

Steps​

  1. Open Start > Background Map.
  2. Browse the online basemap list in the panel.
  3. Click Add to Layers on the target basemap.
  4. Return to the map to view the loaded result.
important

The available basemaps depend on platform backend configuration. If the list is empty or does not include the required basemap, contact an administrator to maintain the Online layer library.

Add Data​

Use this feature to add data from Cloud resources to the current project. After data is added, it appears in the Layer tree and can be used for browsing, editing, and analysis.

Instructions​

  1. Open Start > Add Data.
  2. In the Cloud Resource Browser, select one or more data items.
  3. Click Add to project. The system automatically loads the selected data into the current project.

Rules​

  • You must be logged in to browse and add Cloud resources.
  • Vector, raster, imagery, table, and other project data can be added to a project.
  • When data comes from a public space, the system first copies it to the User Space corresponding to the project working directory, and then adds it to the map.

Import XY Data​

Use this feature to convert coordinate fields in a table into a point feature layer. It is suitable for quickly spatializing table data such as CSV and Excel files.

Parameters​

ParameterDescription
Input table fileSelect a table from the current project, or select a table file from Cloud resources through the file tree.
X field, Y fieldThe longitude and latitude coordinate fields for vector data. These fields are required and cannot be the same field.
Z fieldOptional. If specified, it cannot be the same as the X or Y field.
Spatial reference of the tableDefaults to EPSG:4326; you can change it manually.
File typeSupports PostGIS vector (*.pgv), GeoPackage vector (*.gpv), and ESRI Shapefile (*.shp).
Output pathDefaults to the project working directory and can be changed.
Output file nameRequired. If the name already exists, the system prompts you to change it.

Steps​

  1. Open Start > Import XY Data.
  2. Select the input table and the X/Y fields, and optionally the Z field.
  3. Confirm the spatial reference, file type, output path, and output file name.
  4. Click Confirm to run the conversion. The result is automatically added to the current project.
warning

Importing XY data creates point features. Make sure the coordinate fields contain parseable numeric values and do not contain null values or non-numeric text. Otherwise, the conversion may fail.

Create Data​

Use this feature to create new data directly in the project working directory.

Current Entries​

  • Start > Create > Vector file: create new vector data.
  • Start > Create > Table file: create new table data.

Recommendations​

  • Name files according to their business meaning for easier management later.
  • After new data is created, it is automatically added to the current project. You do not need to add it manually again.