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How to use annotation tools on your 2D map

Brooke Hahn avatar
Written by Brooke Hahn
Updated this week

Birdi has a set of annotation tools you can use to draw around, mark up and measure areas of interest on your map. They can be used either on:

Processed outputs (e.g. orthophotos/orthomosaics, DSMs, DTMs):

Satellite base map layers:

Street base map layers:

Annotations can then be exported into an Annotation Report, so your insights can be shared with stakeholders.

To use the annotation tools, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open a map

Go to the map you want to annotate.

Step 2: Choose your layer

  • Ensure the relevant output in the Layers tab is visible. You can switch off the other layers to ensure you only see the layer you want to annotate.

  • Alternately, select the cog icon in the bottom of the map and choose the base map layer

Step 3: Select an annotation tool

  • Select the relevant annotation tool to suit your needs. Annotation tools like markers, lines, polygons are available:

    • Use markers to pinpoint a location

    • Polygons to draw around and measure an area of interest

    • Lines to measure distances

  • You can edit the name of the annotation as well as change its colour.

  • Adjust and edit annotations:

    • Click on any existing annotation to move, edit, or delete it.

    • Use the editing tools to modify the shape, position, or details of the annotation.

Step 4: Export annotations

  • Once you've marked up all of your relevant components, you can export the annotations into a report. Note: This is only available currently with processed output layers

  • Click on Reports > Annotation Report > Get Started:

    • Name your report

    • Select your base map layer

    • Select your unit of measurement

    • Choose which annotations you would like in the report

    • Click Generate Report

Step 5: Invite others to collaborate on the map

  • Annotation tools are a great way to communicate with your team. Share your map with teammates and they can join you on the map in real-time.

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