Simplifying Geometries

If an area has many geometries and/or data and those are difficult to manage, the user can avoid data density by simplifying the geometries. Although this procedure is useful because it reduces data density, it can also reduce map accuracy by eliminating some of the vertices and changing the shape of the geometry. For that reason, it is recommended to use Simplify on maps with high data density but without the need for a high degree of accuracy.

Click on the link below to download sample data.

http://gislayer.com/data/uk-city.geojson

Step 1: Tools -> Simplify

On the Tools menu, click the Simplify button.

Step 2: Simplifying Geometries Panel

The user can simplify a single geometry or an entire layer.

2.1. Simplifying a Geometry

1. The used method should be Select Geometry on the Map.
2. To select a geometry click the button on the right and select geometry on the map.
3. The Tolerance can be adjusted at the request of the user. However, it should not be overlooked that the degree of simplification of geometry depends on the tolerance, and if the tolerance is high, the change in the shape of the geometry is bigger and the boundaries overlap.

As can be seen in the example above, with increasing tolerance and simplification, the number of indices of the geometry and accordingly the accuracy of the details has decreased.

2.2. Simplifying All Geometries in a Layer

1. The used method should be Select Existing Layer.
2. The layer to simplify can be selected from the list.
3. The Tolerance can be adjusted at the request of the user. However, it should not be overlooked that the degree of simplification of geometry depends on the tolerance, and if the tolerance is high, the change in the shape of the geometry is bigger and the boundaries overlap.