This plugin is currently being thought about, consider this an RnD page.

From Dave Sampson email:

I would like to load a dataset (ESRI SHP), select features using the select square, once the features are highlighted I would like to copy those to a new layer. That is I would like to pick out lakes in my area instead of for the whole province. Equivalent to arc make new shapefile.

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The basic criteria I am looking for is to take the clipped selected features and overlay them on the master layer. if all the geometry and tabular data remain intact then I am happy.

First we start with local files (easiest), then we examine what happens with postgis (this should be easier as its relay just SQL statements). thenthe ultimate would be to grab coverages off of WFS and turn them into local shapes (I like to dream).

Here is the Plan

1. DS: Create a Issue in Jira
2. JG: Copy the Export Shapefile tutoral example
3. JG: Add in the ability to choose a destination file
4. JG; Abstract out the part that does file selection
5. JG; Prove that it works with a straight shp export
6. JG; Copy and limit the export to the layer selection
7. JG; Package up as a zip and attach to jira issue (or this page)
8. DS: Testing

Follow up:

1. JE: Code Review

Ideas

What does the guideline of "Sensible defaults" mean for this one:
Export SLD when exporting a shapefile
Open the contents of an Export right away
Open in new layer and select all? So visual appearance "looks" the same - contents are just in a their own layer

Intallation and Use

Instructions:

1. Try with Latest
2. Right click on this link net.refractions.udig.shape_1.0.0.jar, and use Save As to place the jar in our udig/plugins directory
3. To export anything as a shapefile
   1. Right click on any "FeatureSource"
   2. Select Analysis > Export > Features
      
   3. Provide a filename
4. To export the current selection as a Shapefile
   1. Open a Map
   2. Select a Layer in the Layer view
   3. Use the Select tool (keyboard shortcut S) and select some content
   4. Right click on the Layer in the Layer view
   5. Select Analysis > Export > Selected Features
      
   6. Provide a filename