About Shapes and Shapefiles

Note: Shapefile vs. Shape?

"Shapefiles" include both the geometric area, as well as accompanying data, these can be uploaded to IFTDSS from your local computer or created from a larger shapefile already in IFTDSS.

"Shapes" include only the geometric area, no associated data. These are created in Map Studio either by drawing or copying with Create / Edit Shapes.

Both shapes and shapefiles may be used as masks and areas of interest throughout IFTDSS

As stated above, you can use both "shapes" and "shapefiles" in IFTDSS to describe specific areas or constrain your analysis area. However, depending on what you're doing in the application, they may be described using different terms. Different terms are used in different tasks to reflect the terminology common in the wildland fire community. Here is a brief overview of how these terms are used in IFTDSS.

  • Area of Interest: This term is used in the Landscape Summary task and Determining Treatment Alternatives task to constrain the area of your analysis.
  • Landscape Mask: This term is used in Landscape Editing to constrain the area your edits apply to.
  • Polygon, Shape, Shapefile: These terms are used interchangeably throughout Map Studio.

More detail on using AOIs and masks in IFTDSS

Working with Shapefiles in IFTDSS Map Studio

Working with Shapes in IFTDSS Map Studio