Editing Vector Map Data in Mobile

A feature frequently requested by more advanced Mobile SDK users is the ability to edit and modify vector map data in a mobile app. Well we are here to tell you that it is not only entirely possible but that it can be done in many different ways!

There are two ways to modify/edit your vector map data with the Mobile SDK:

• Simple: The app developer can modify vector overlay geometries programmatically. All geometry coordinates are mutable so code can change them and reflect these modifications on the map automatically.

• Advanced: The developer can define that a layer is editable which allows objects on the map to be moved around vertices of polygons and polylines to be changed and even new geometries to be drawn.

In the more advanced technique the Mobile SDK has a special layer type called "Editable Vector Layer " which specifically defines a data source. Data sources can be files your online API or in-memory data. You can retrieve objects in this layer save changes define what to do when a corner point or a whole object is clicked and decide how to highlight objects being edited. You can define and customize both sides of the solution—backend data storage as well as user experience. We provide you with a ready-made connection to the CartoDB API as a backend and web solution for your map data but you can also connect it to Shapefiles Geopackage database ArcGIS server APIs or to your specific custom servers.

Here is a short video for polygon editing on top of an aerial image:

NOTE: The Editable Vector Layer is provided as a GIS extension. Please contact us to get one and we will provide you with a special sample app. Remember that our SDK is not a full-blown GIS client—it is a flexible developer toolkit to visualize map data. You can build a complete app around it yourself or ask us for an introduction to an experienced partner that builds ready apps.

P.S. These and many other Mobile SDK features will be shown in a webinar on June 29.

Happy mobile data mapping!