Editor employs the concept of an edit sketch. The user digitizes a sketch of the points or vertices that make up a new feature. Once the process of edit sketch is started, the user can choose another command tool or perform another operation and then resume editing the sketch right where editing previously stopped. New construction tools allow the addition of features parallel or perpendicular to any other feature present on the map, and segments can be constrained to a specific length, radius, angle, or deflection angle. True curves, a much-requested feature, are available in Version 8 and can be created, edited, and maintained in Editor.
Editor also employs the concept of an edit task.
Examples of edit tasks would be such activities as creating a new feature or extending or trimming a feature. Many other tools and functions are available in Editor. In Editor, all map layers can be edited at the same time. Selecting a feature or group of features by dragging out a box on the display selects all the features within that box whether they are power poles, building footprints, or street casings. The user has control over this environment and can set properties for each layer to allow editing or just display.