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What Is the Split Tool in Global Mapper?

Today, we will explore one of the most frequently used functions in Global Mapper: the Split tool. 

This feature allows you to separate elements within a single layer into multiple distinct layers based on specific criteria. It is highly versatile and can be used with any vector layer or mixed vector layers containing various geometry types.

First, let's open the file we worked on in the previous session. Looking at the Control Center, you can see various layers including points, lines, areas, and meshes.

How to Split Layers in Global Mapper

In this example, we will perform the split operation on the Point layer. Right-click on the target layer in the Control Center and navigate to the split option as shown below.

Once selected, a window will appear asking you to choose the criteria for splitting.

Choosing an Attribute for Layer Splitting

The "Select Attribute to Split On" dialog provides several options to determine how your data will be organized into new sub-layers.

• Feature Description: If the current layer contains multiple sub-layers, it splits them based on the name of each layer.
• Feature Type: Splits elements by their geometric form (Point, Line, Area).
• Feature Name: Splits features based on their assigned names.
• Index in Layer: Splits elements based on their unique index value within the layer.
• Elevation, Height, Value: These are attributes created during previous tasks. You can split the data based on these specific attribute values.

There is also an option: "Add Original Layer Name at Start of Split Layer Names." Checking this will prefix the original layer's name to all the newly created layers.

Example: Splitting Features by Name

Let's try a simple example. We will split the points based on their individual names. Select <Feature Name> from the dropdown and click OK.

As you can see in the updated Control Center, the original 'Point' layer has disappeared, and a new group has been created containing separate layers for each point (named 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

When to Use the Split Tool

This function is incredibly useful when importing CAD files. If you want to maintain the layer structure you worked on in CAD, use Feature Description. If you need to separate elements by their geometry (Points, Lines, Areas) for easier management, Feature Type is the way to go.

The Split tool provides a fast and efficient way to organize complex GIS datasets.

That's it for today!