Saving and Managing Annotations in Spectrum

This guide details how to save, manage, and merge annotations in Spectrum Spatial using KML files. Follow the steps below to create, export, import, and update your annotations.

Step 1: Creating Annotations

• Start a New Project:

  Navigate to your desired area (e.g., Kingston Beach) in Spectrum Spatial.

• Add Annotations:
  • Use the drawing tools under the plus menu (+) to add points, lines, and polygons.
  • For this example, create a simple light pointer, a line, and a polygon.

Step 2: Renaming Annotations

• Why Rename?

  Renaming annotations (e.g., changing "Polygon" to "area") helps maintain clarity when you later export and merge them.

• How to Rename:
  • Go to the layers panel.
  • Click on the annotation’s name and edit it accordingly.

Step 3: Exporting Annotations as KML

• Select Annotations:
  • Open the annotation folder to view your current annotations (e.g., Polygon, line, point).
  • Deselect any annotations you do not wish to export (for instance, untick the point).
• Export Process:
  • Click on the three dots (options menu) for the annotations.
  • Choose Export Selected as KML.
  • The selected annotations will be saved as a KML file in your local files.

Step 4: Importing KML Files into Spectrum Spatial

• Clear Current Annotations (Optional):
  • If desired, untick all current annotations to clear the screen.
• Add KML File:
  • Click the Plus icon in the top right corner.
  • Under Add Files to Map (Temporary), select Add KML File.
  • Browse and select the saved KML file.
• Note on Styling:
  • Imported KML files may appear with different styling.
  • You can adjust colors and other style settings as needed.
• Verifying Annotation Names:
  • The renamed annotations (e.g., "area") will appear on the left-hand side, confirming that the names have been retained.

Step 5: Adding New Annotations to Existing Files

• Edit and Add:
  • Zoom in on your map area and create additional annotations (e.g., another polygon).
  • Save the new annotations as a separate KML file.
• Merging KML Files:
  • Visit KML Merger:
    • Use a KML merging tool (for example, kmlmerger.com) to combine multiple KML files.
  • Merge Process:
    • Select the relevant KML files (e.g., your original file containing the line and polygon and the new file with the additional polygon).
    • Click Merge to combine them.
    • Save the merged KML file to your local files.
• Import Merged File:
  • In Spectrum Spatial, import the merged KML file.
  • Verify that the map now displays all annotations together (original line and polygon, with the new polygon added).

Step 6: Final Notes and Support

• Annotation Management:

  This process allows you to keep your annotation data organized and to update your map over time with additional changes.

• Need Help?

  If you have any queries or need further assistance, please conact the Digital Experience (GIS) team.