Resolving the 'didn't contain any Area features' error when uploading a Property boundary
The file for uploading a property boundary must contain an area/polygon feature. If you're attempting to import a boundary and receiving an error that it doesn't contain any area features, then what you're attempting to import is probably a line that looks like a polygon.
You'll need to convert the line to a polygon in order to import the boundary. There are a few ways to do this:
- In ArcGIS Pro use the feature to polygon tool.
- In QGIS use the 'lines to polygon'/'polygonize' tool.
- Google Earth does not have a tool for converting lines to polygons, but you could create a new area feature, trace over the line file, then save that new area feature and import the resulting .kmz to Landscape.
- Mapshaper (free online tool: https://mapshaper.org/)
- Import your data: Drag and drop your Shapefile, GeoJSON, or KML/KMZ (containing lines) into the mapshaper.org web interface.
- Open the Console: Click the "Console" button in the top-right corner.
- Clean the data (Optional but recommended): If your lines are not perfectly closed, you may need to snap them together first. Run this sequence by typing each command and hitting 'Enter':
-snapfollowed by-polygons-
If it doesn't need cleaning, just run the conversion command: Type the following command and press Enter:
-polygons
- Export: Click "Export" and choose the Shapefile format.
'What if I'm trying to map a trail easement we hold, and so we treat the property boundary as a line?'
Since boundaries in Landscape must be represented by areas, the easiest way to get the trail easement boundary in is to use a buffer tool in ArcGIS or QGIS to create a small polygon around the line with some radius (maybe 25 or 50 feet), then import that new shapefile. You can then import the trail line as either a 'General' layer or as a 'Human Use' work item layer.