Editing attribute tables is a basic but important part of working with spatial data.
The attribute table holds all the non-geographic data—names, numbers, types, categories, links, and more.
In most GIS tools, you can open the attribute table for any layer, view the records, and change or add information.
Let’s walk through how to do this, especially using Atlas, a browser-based GIS platform.
What is an attribute table?
An attribute table stores the data for each feature in your layer.
Each row is a feature (like a point, line, or polygon).
Each column is a field—like name, type, area, or category.
It’s like a spreadsheet, but connected to the map.
Why edit the table?
You might need to:
- Fix errors or typos
- Add new fields
- Update categories
- Link to images or documents
- Filter or search to focus on certain records
Editing the attribute table lets you keep your data clean and useful.
How to open the attribute table in Atlas
Atlas makes it easy to view and edit your data.
Here’s how:
- Upload or load your layer into the map.
- Find your layer in the layer list.
- Click the ellipsis menu (⋯) next to the layer name.
- Click “Data Table”.
This opens the full attribute table for that layer.
You’ll see all the rows and columns, with sorting, filtering, and editing tools.
Supported field types
Atlas supports many different field types. You can create or edit fields in any of these formats:
- Text – for names, labels, or free-form info
- Number – for values, counts, or measurements
- Boolean – true/false fields
- Url – clickable links
- Single Select – choose one from a list
- Multi Select – choose multiple from a list
- Date – standard date fields
- Image – store links to images
- Pdf – link to documents
- Currency – for money values
- Percentage – show values as %
- Rating – stars or numeric ratings
- Phone – phone number fields
- Email – email fields
- User – link to users in your workspace
- Area – auto-calculated area of geometry
- Perimeter – auto-calculated perimeter
- Created by – who added the feature
- Modified by – who last changed it
- Created at – when it was added
- Modified at – when it was last changed
- Relation – link to another dataset
- Lookup – pull in values from a related dataset
These field types let you build rich, structured data directly in your map.
How to edit a record
Once the table is open, you can click into any cell to edit it.
For example:
- Click a text cell to type a new value
- Select from options in a single select
- Add links in URL, PDF, or image fields
- Check/uncheck boxes in boolean fields
Changes are saved automatically.
You can also add new fields by clicking the “+ Add field” at the top of the table.
Choose the field type, name it, and it gets added to all records.
Filtering and search
You don’t need to scroll forever to find what you’re looking for.
In Atlas, you can filter the data table by any field.
- Want to see only features with a certain category? Filter the single select field.
- Only want features created by a certain user? Use the Created by filter.
- Want to find a specific name? Use the search box at the top.
Filtering helps you focus, clean, or update specific parts of your data without the noise.
When to use the table
The attribute table in Atlas is great for:
- Spot-checking your data
- Bulk editing records
- Cleaning up before sharing
- Adding new fields or relationships
- Updating metadata (like who created what)
You can do all of it without leaving your browser.
No installs. No exports. No complicated software.
Just open the table, make your changes, and they’re live.
