Draw Tool
Sketch, style and label a site boundary directly on the Maplify map, then save it as a project to reopen exactly as drawn.
What You Can Do
The Draw tool lets you sketch a site boundary or area of interest directly onto the Maplify map, style it, label it, and save it as a project you can reopen anytime alongside your data layers.
Sketch a Boundary
Click points to draw a polygon over a site, redline plan or area of interest, then style the fill and stroke to make it clear at a glance.
Label and Save
Add a text label to identify the shape, then save it as a project — it will reappear exactly as drawn, with the same styling, whenever you reopen it.
How to Draw on the Map
- Open the map on Maplify.
- Select the Draw tool from the toolbar.
- Click points to build your shape, then close it to complete the polygon.
- Style the shape with a colour and stroke, and add a label.
- Save it as a project to revisit later, or continue working with data layers on top.
Worked Example
A land agent sketches a potential development parcel before instructing a formal survey:
- They draw the approximate boundary from a client-supplied plan and label it "Field 3 — Proposal A".
- Green Belt and flood risk layers are enabled on top of the drawn shape to check for obvious constraints.
- The project is saved so it can be reopened and refined once the formal survey plan is available.
How the Draw Tool Works
| Drawing surface | Polygons are drawn directly on the Maplify map canvas by clicking vertices, with live area and perimeter feedback as you draw. |
| Styling | Fill colour, stroke colour and line style are fully customisable per shape. |
| Storage | Saved drawings are stored against your account as a project and reload exactly as drawn. |
Important Limitations
- Drawn shapes are for reference and screening only — they have no legal or surveyed status.
- Vertex placement accuracy depends on the base map imagery and your own zoom level when clicking points.
- Saving a drawing to revisit later requires a free Maplify account.
Combine drawing with Measure Distance & Area, Buffer Zone Analysis, or Generate Site Reports for a fuller picture of a site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I draw on the map?
You can draw polygons to outline a site or area of interest, style them with colour and stroke, and add a text label for reference.
Can I save a drawn shape for later?
Yes. Save a drawn polygon as a project and it will reappear exactly as drawn, with its label and styling, the next time you open it.
Can I combine drawing with other tools?
Yes — draw a boundary, then use Measure or Buffer alongside it, or enable data layers to see what falls inside your drawn area.
Is drawing on the map free?
Yes, drawing and annotating is free. Saving projects to revisit later requires a free account.
Can I export a drawn shape?
Drawn shapes can be included in generated site reports and exports from the map, alongside any data layers you have enabled.