036] How to Use the Layer Attribute Editor in Global Mapper for Batch Editing

Learn to manage large datasets through efficient list-based selection and batch editing.

This tutorial introduces the Layer Attribute Editor in Global Mapper, a spreadsheet-like interface that allows you to view, search, and modify all features within a layer simultaneously. You will learn the layout of the tool and the functions of its primary toolbar buttons to significantly speed up your GIS processing workflow.

What Is the Layer Attribute Editor in Global Mapper?

Until now, we have only covered methods for selecting and editing the attributes of registered objects directly using the mouse.

Today, we will learn how to check and edit elements included in a layer as a list. This is much more efficient when dealing with large datasets.


First, please download the sample file below. It is a shapefile (.shp) containing building data.

Attachment: Building.zip (Verified and safe file for Global Mapper.)

When you load the BD.shp file, you will see the building data as shown below:

Global Mapper screen showing loaded building shapefile data
img 1 : Global Mapper screen showing loaded building shapefile data

Until now, if you wanted to view the attributes of an object, you likely used the Digitizer Tool (pencil icon) or the Feature Info Tool.

Feature Information window showing specific building attributes
img 2 : Feature Information window showing specific building attributes

In this way, you could check information for a selected object or click 'Edit' to modify it. However, if there are many objects to edit or if you need to select objects based on specific attributes collectively, the above method will inevitably take a long time.

Using the Layer Attribute Editor

The best way to see all objects in a selected layer at a glance and perform batch selection or editing is through the Layer Attribute Editor.

Opening the Layer Attribute Editor

In the Control Center, select the BD.shp layer and click on the Layer Attribute Editor icon.

Selecting the Layer Attribute Editor from the Control Center
img 3 : Selecting the Layer Attribute Editor from the Control Center

The Attribute Editor window will then appear:

The Attribute Editor window displaying all feature rows and columns
img 4 : The Attribute Editor window displaying all feature rows and columns

For convenience, I recommend docking this window to the right side of the main interface.

Layer Attribute Editor window docked to the right side of the Global Mapper interface
img 5 : Layer Attribute Editor window docked to the right side of the Global Mapper interface

Understanding the Main Functions of the Layer Attribute Editor

Today, I will briefly introduce the menu options in the Editor window.

Numbered guide for the Layer Attribute Editor toolbar buttons
img 6 : Numbered guide for the Layer Attribute Editor toolbar buttons

Searching and Filtering Features

  1. Search: Finds objects using conditional expressions (Query Builder).
    Search Vector Data window/Query Builder interface
    img 7 : Search Vector Data window/Query Builder interface

    2. Editing and Deleting Features

  2. Edit: Edits the attributes of the object currently selected in the editor window.
    Modify Feature Info window for batch or individual editing
    img 8 : Modify Feature Info window for batch or individual editing
  3. Delete: Deletes the selected objects from the list.
  4. Select All: Selects every object in the list.
  5. Clear Selection: Deselects all currently selected items.

    6. Exporting Attribute Data

  6. Save to CSV: Saves the selected objects as a .csv or .txt file. If nothing is selected, the entire list is exported.
    File export dialog for saving attributes as CSV
    img 9 : File export dialog for saving attributes as CSV
  7. Synchronize Feature Selection with Main Window: This is a toggle button. When active, selecting an item in the main map view highlights it in the list, and vice versa.
  8. Only Show Features Selected in Digitizer: This can only be used when toggle #7 is active. It filters the list to show only the objects selected on the map.
  9. Sort: Changes the sorting method for the list.
  10. New Attribute: Adds a new attribute column to the layer.

    11. Managing Attribute Columns

  11. Show/Hide Attribute: The editor window can have many columns. This allows you to hide unnecessary ones and keep only what you need.
    Show/Hide Attributes checklist window
    img 10 : Show/Hide Attributes checklist window

    12. Attribute Calculations and Data Joins

  12. Calculate Attributes: Performs mathematical or logical operations on attributes.
    Attribute Calculation Setup window
    img 11 : Attribute calculation setup window
  13. Join Attributes: Used to join attributes from an external file (like a CSV) to the current layer.
    Join Options window for merging external data
    img 12 : Join Options window for merging external data
  14. Show All Features: Displays all objects in the current layer.
  15. Update Feature Attribute Order: Saves the order after you have rearranged the attribute columns.

Why the Layer Attribute Editor Improves GIS Workflow Efficiency

I've explained these briefly, but most functions are quite intuitive. Understanding this tool will significantly speed up your GIS data management workflow.

In the next session, we will cover specific ways to modify objects using this attribute editor window.

That's all for today!

"Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things."
— Peter Drucker
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