Adding a point feature to a vector layer

This recipe performs the simplest possible edit to a vector layer instantiated from a shapefile. We will add a point to an existing point layer.

Getting ready

For this recipe, download the zipped shapefile from https://geospatialpython.googlecode.com/svn/NYC_MUSEUMS_GEO.zip.

Extract the .shp, .shx, and .dbf files to the /qgis_data/nyc directory.

How to do it...

We will load the vector layer from the shapefile, create a new geometry object as a point, create a new feature, set the geometry, and add it to the layer's data provider. Finally, we will update the extent of the layer to make sure that the bounding box of the layer encapsulates the new point:

1. Start QGIS.
2. From the Plugins menu, select Python Console.
3. First, load the layer:

   vectorLyr =  QgsVectorLayer('/qgis_data/nyc/NYC_MUSEUMS_GEO.shp', 'Museums' , "ogr")
   

4. Now, will access the layer's data provider:

   vpr = vectorLyr.dataProvider()
   

5. Next, create a new point using...