Merge Layers

Draft: written, not yet checked by a person Operation · merge-layers

Combines the features of several vector layers into one layer.

Pitfall. Fields with the same name but different types, or different names for the same thing, are not reconciled automatically.

About this operation
Also called	Merge, Append, Merge Vector Layers, combine layers, concatenate
Group	`vector/combine`
Checks	`crs.agreement, geometry.valid`
Pitfalls	1 listed above
Columbus tool	Not stated
Notes	Not stated
Status	active
Broader	Not stated
Narrower	Not stated
Related	`mosaic` `dissolve`

Parameters

Not stated

Direction	Name	Type	Geometry	Note
Input	`layers`	vector (several)	Not stated	Not stated
Output	`output`	vector	Not stated	Not stated

Engine	Tool	Parameters	Differences
`gdal`	`gdal vector concat`	`layers` → `input` `output` → `output`	mode = single puts everything in one layer; the default merges layers of the same name. Preset: `{"mode":"single"}`
`grass`	`v.patch`	`layers` → `input` `output` → `output`	Attribute tables are copied only with the e flag.
`qgis`	`native:mergevectorlayers`	`layers` → `LAYERS` `output` → `OUTPUT`	Adds layer and path fields saying where each feature came from (ADD_SOURCE_FIELDS).
`whiteboxtools`	`MergeVectors`	`layers` → `inputs` `output` → `output`	Inputs must share one geometry type.