Generic Merge tool
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Vitara’s Generic Merge Tool offers a powerful solution for creating custom grouped regions on geographical maps, allowing users to merge individual regions based on specified criteria. This guide walks you through the process of using the tool to generate CBSA (Core-Based Statistical Areas) regions using a geojson collection of US counties.
Nestled within Vitara’s arsenal is the Generic Grouping Tool, a powerhouse capable of merging individual regions on a map into a singular, cohesive masterpiece. This tool derives its strength from a data file containing invaluable grouping information, weaving an intricate tapestry of insights.
To embark on this journey, navigate through the digital realm by following this enchanted link:
Behold, the following snapshot encapsulates the mystique of the Generic Grouping Tool’s web page:
Now, let’s dive into a practical example—creating CBSA regions using a geojson collection of US counties. Before diving into the tutorial, ensure that the VitaraMaps package is installed.
Locate the US County level geojson file within the package at /plugins/VitaraMaps/custom/shapes/us-all-admin2.geo.json. Or
After downloading, open the file to verify that it encompasses the requisite data corresponding to your Excel sheet. This step ensures alignment between the geographical information in the GeoJSON file and the data you aim to visualize.
1. Using Existing County-Level GeoJSON Locate the US county-level GeoJSON file within the package at the following path: /plugins/VitaraMaps/custom/shapes/us-all-admin2.geo.json.
2. Acquiring US States GeoJSON Alternatively, you can begin by downloading the GeoJSON file for US States from a trusted source, such as Highmaps.
After downloading, open the GeoJSON file to verify that it contains the necessary geographical data corresponding to your Excel sheet. This step ensures that the locations in the GeoJSON file align correctly with the data you intend to visualize
Upload your GeoJSON file through Mapshaper’s intuitive interface for seamless conversion.
The screenshot below illustrates the Mapshaper webpage.
Clicking on the “Select” button will prompt a file selection dialog. Navigate to the directory where you saved the geojson file on your local machine.
Once you’ve chosen the geojson file, the webpage will dynamically display your uploaded file as an interactive map.
On the Generic Merge Tool webpage, locate the “Select” button prominently displayed.
Clicking on the “Select” button will prompt a file selection dialog. Navigate to the directory where you saved the geojson file on your local machine.
Once you’ve chosen the geojson file, the webpage will dynamically display your uploaded file as an interactive map.
On the MapShaper webpage, locate the “Select” button prominently displayed.
Clicking on the “Select” button will prompt a file selection dialog. Navigate to the directory where you saved the GeoJSON file is saved on your local machine.
Once you’ve chosen the GeoJSON file, Mapshaper will dynamically render it as an interactive map on the webpage.
Next, click the "Export" button, located at the top-left corner of the Mapshaper interface.
In the export options dialog:
Select the required layer(s).
Set the file format to "TopoJSON".
Click the export button to initiate the download of your newly created TopoJSON file
A screenshot is provided below to illustrate this step.
With the TopoJSON file saved to your local machine, the next step is to upload in the Generic Merge Tool webpage.
Paste the content of the downloaded TopoJSON file into the "Text" tab.
Review the file structure to locate the TopoJSON object name required for the next steps in custom map generation.
With the TopoJSON file saved to your local machine:
Upload the TopoJSON file you just created. Use the provided screenshot as a reference to assist you during this process.
Enter the TopoJSON object name retrieved in Step 5 into the designated field on the Generic Merge Tool webpage. This ensures that the tool recognizes and utilizes the correct TopoJSON object for the subsequent stages of the custom map generation process.
In this step, you’ll integrate grouping information into the process by uploading a CSV file containing CBSA and FIPS codes:
Ensure your CSV file is structured with columns corresponding to CBSA and FIPS codes, containing the relevant grouping information.
Identify the designated data field on the Generic Merge Tool webpage where you’ll upload your CSV file.
Click on the appropriate area, typically labeled “Upload” or “Browse,” to select your prepared CSV file from your local machine.
Once selected, confirm the upload to integrate your CSV file into the tool.
In this step, you’ll specify the column on which the grouping will be performed:
On the Generic Merge Tool webpage, identify the “Group By” field.
Enter the column name on which the grouping is to be performed. In this example, use the CBSA column from your uploaded CSV file. This ensures that the tool correctly groups the geographical features based on the specified column.
In this step, you’ll configure the Data Prop and Shape Prop fields, which are crucial for mapping features between your shapefile and data file:
Data Prop: In the “Data Prop” field, enter the column name from your CSV file that contains the relevant data. In this example, it is the FIPS column.
Shape Prop: Enter the corresponding column name from your TopoJSON file. If the TopoJSON file uses lowercase for the FIPS codes, such as fips, input fips here. By accurately configuring these fields, you establish a direct link between the CSV data and the TopoJSON file. This alignment ensures that the Generic Merge Tool can intelligently merge and map the data, maintaining accuracy and consistency in your grouped regions.
1. Review and Complete Required Fields: Carefully fill in any remaining required fields on the Generic Merge Tool webpage. Ensure all inputs, such as the TopoJSON object name, grouping column, Data Prop, and Shape Prop, are accurately populated.
2.Initiate the Merging Process: Click on the “Export” button to commence the merging process. The tool will intelligently merge the specified regions based on your configurations.
3.Download the Merged GeoJSON File: Once the merging process is complete, the tool will generate and provide a link to download the merged GeoJSON file. This file can be used to create a new map layer in your application. Refer to the screenshot below for visual guidance on this step.
Congratulations on successfully downloading the Merged GeoJSON file!
Upload the Merged GeoJSON File: On the Mapshaper homepage, you'll see an area labeled "Select files." You can either drag and drop your merged GeoJSON file into this area or click to browse and select the file from your local machine.
Preview the Map: Once the file is uploaded, Mapshaper will display an interactive map visualization of your merged regions. This allows you to inspect the merged areas for accuracy and ensure that the grouping has been applied as intended.
Congratulations on successfully downloading the Merged GeoJSON file!
Begin by acquiring the GeoJSON file for US States from the trusted source:
Begin by visiting a powerful tool for transforming geojson files into the Topojson format.
On the webpage, locate the “Select” button prominently displayed.
To identify the TopoJSON object name from the downloaded TopoJSON file, follow these steps using:
Open.
This process allows you to inspect the file structure and identify the specific TopoJSON object name needed for the next steps in the custom map generation. For further guidance, refer to the.
Navigate to the Tool.
Access Mapshaper: Open your web browser and navigate to
The final step is to create a new map layer using this file. To proceed, refer to the " documentation available in the tool’s resources. This guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to add your downloaded GeoJSON file as a new map layer.
