The GIS Editor has 7 operation modes which are described in the following chapters:

• Map: Create an online map from the map server
• Shift: Move the working area with the mouse or zoom it with the slider
• Adapt: Calculate world coordinates for a new image using reference points of the background map
• Edit: Modify the current object and all visible samples of the Sample List
• Point: Create a number of object markers on the background map
• Line: Create a line string or a collection of line strings on the background map
• Area: Create an area or a collection of areas on the background map

When starting the GIS Editor as a stand-alone application the start-up operating mode usually is the Map mode. This is to remind the user that a background map with world coordinates is necessary to work with geographic objects.