This guide is designed for users to create a map and use our satellite imagery, annotation tools and vector imports for site planning or other use cases where drone data is not required.
Creating a Map in satellite view.
You can create a map from the Birdi dashboard. The map will be untitled and blank, defaulting to the street view. Follow these steps to create your blank map and toggle satellite view.
Step 1: Log in to Birdi: Ensure you are logged into the platform and navigate to the main dashboard.
Step 2: Access Your Maps: You will see all your original Birdi maps and Birdi 2.0 maps along the top of your dashboard.
Step 3: Create a New Map: Click on the "create" button and select 'Birdi 2.0 Map' from the dropdown.
Step 4: Navigate to Your Area of Interest: Use your mouse or keyboard to zoom in and locate your site. Set a marker annotation and rename this with the address of your site.
Step 5: Switch to Satellite View: Use the toggle at the bottom left to enable satellite imagery
Using Birdi 2.0 annotations on the satellite basemap
Birdi’s annotation tools let you mark locations, measure distances, and define areas on the satellite basemap. You can:
Add Annotations – Use markers, lines, and polygons to highlight key areas.
Edit and Manage Annotations – Modify shapes, rename layers, adjust measurements, and organize annotations with the Layer Toolbox.
Customize Styling – Change colors, opacity, and line styles to improve visibility and clarity.
For detailed instructions, visit:
Annotation Tools Explained– Learn how to create and use annotations.
Editing Annotations– Step-by-step guide to modifying and customizing annotations.
Annotation Table View - How to open and use table view
Continue these steps to start using annotation tools and making measurements on your satellite map;
Step 6: Draw your annotations and measurements using the annotation tools from the top toolbar.
Step 7: Rename your annotations according to your desired record name.
Step 8: Make area measurements using the polygon tools and access data in the toolbox.
Step 9: Customize your annotations from the style panel.
Step 10: Open the table view to see all your measurements and export as CSV if needed.
Uploading and Managing Vector Data in Birdi
If you need to import your own annotations, Birdi supports the upload of KML, GeoJSON, Shapefiles (.zip), and DXF (.zip). You can:
Upload Vector Data – Add annotations using supported formats.
Prepare Files for Upload – Ensure zipped Shapefiles/DXF files contain required components.
Edit and Customize Annotations – Modify color, opacity, and attributes in the Layer Toolbox.
Convert DXF/DWG Files – Use QGIS to convert DXF/DWG files to Shapefiles.
Repair Missing Shapefile Components – Fix missing .shx or .dbf files using QGIS.
For detailed instructions on how to upload your own vectors, follow these guides:
You can then customise and view the vector data from the Layer toolbox.
If you need any further support or guidance, please reach out to us via chat or email, we are happy to assist!