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Double Trouble: Point Filters and New Points

By The National Map Corps

Have you ever accidentally created a duplicate point? If so, it may be because you forgot you had a filter on!

The point filter dropdowns allow you to select and view points of a specific structure type or with a specific editing status. 

These filters can be very useful if you need to visually narrow down the points on the map, whether you're a Standard Editor looking for green points only, or a mapping challenge participant looking for fire station points only.  

 

Image showing edit tab window and where to access the point filter drop down menus.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Image showing edit tab window and where to access the point filter drop down menus. The point filter drop down menus are located below the structure features list and above the edit status key.
Image of the expanded structure type filter drop down menu.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Image of the expanded structure type filter drop down menu showing a list of all structure types. 
Image of the expanded edit status filter drop down menu.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Image of the expanded edit status filter drop down menu showing a list of all editing roles. 

 

However, if you forget to clear out these filters, it appears as if lots of points are missing from the map, and you might be tempted to start creating new points for features that are already labeled. 

So, if you’ve recently used either of the point filter drop downs, and you’re about to create a new point, remember to: 

  1. Double check the filter drop downs to make sure all points are displayed.  

  2. Double check the surrounding areas to make sure a point doesn’t already exist for the feature in question. 

 

Cluster of structures points without any filters applied
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Cluster of structures points without any filters applied. Callout graphic says "No filters applied, all points are visible". Also includes a screenshot of dropdown filters showing All Points and All Edits. 
Cluster of structures points with the elementary school structure type filter applied
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Cluster of elementary school structures points with the elementary school structure type filter applied. Callout graphic says "Elementary school selected using the structure type filter; only elementary schools are visible". Also includes a screenshot of dropdown filters showing Elementary Schools Only and All Edits. 
Cluster of structures points with the peer reviewed edit status filter applied
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Cluster of peer reviewed structures points with the peer reviewed edit status filter applied. Callout graphic says, "Peer Reviewed points selected using the edit status filter; only peer reviewed points are visible". Also includes a screenshot of dropdown filters showing All Points and Peer Reviewed only.