Adding Custom Layers
Introduction to Custom Layers
A map layer (†) is a set of geographic data (information) showing on your map.
The main layer on your map is the set of locations (marker icons) coming from your datasheet.
The custom layers will add context, relevance and insights into your own data, in a way of enriching your mapping experience
Layers would go from circles and heatmap, to overlay images, geographic data files and some others in between.
(†) This explanation is only for the purpose of this particular Mapping solution, but it might loosely apply to any GIS (geographic information system) application.
Basic layers
These layers are available from the Basic Free Plan and up
See Preferences explanations and Mapping screenshot examples below
Circles layer
This layer would include a group of circles, each of them associated with a specific location (marker icon) on the map.
The radius of each circle depends on the datasheet value, under the header you choose from the list
The circle size would also depend on the unit you choose for that radius, from the available list (km,mi,m,ft - kilometer, mile, meter, foot)
The filling opacity (from 0 to 1) will determine the transparency of this layer, associated with its color intensity
The color of each circle will be the same color of its corresponding marker icon
The circles are bound to each location icon, so if the filter hides an icon, the circle would hide as well
p.s. Circles are rendered client-side, so too many might affect performance
Heatmap layer
As per Google Maps definition, a heatmap is a visualization used to depict the intensity of data at geographical points... when enabled, a colored overlay will appear on top of the map, with areas of higher intensity will be colored red, and areas of lower intensity will appear green.
The intensity could either depend on the number of locations in that area, or on the weight value associated with each location
The weight header (optional) will set the intensity per its values, as an alternative of the number of locations
The filling opacity (from 0 to 1) will determine the transparency of this layer, associated with its color intensity
The heatmap is a static layer that does not depend on the filtering status
Advanced layers
These layers are available from the Advanced Premium Plan and up
See Preferences explanations and Mapping screenshot examples below
GeoJSON layer
As described in Wikipedia: GeoJSON is an open standard format designed for representing simple geographical features, along with their non-spatial attributes.
A GeoJSON file can include several geometry feature types like: Point, LineString and Polygon, as well as groups and collections of them.
There are many GeoJSON resources available on the web that can be used
The map screenshot on the right is showing the neighbourhood boundaries in Toronto.
KML / KMZ / GeoRSS layer
As described by Google: KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is a file format used to display geographic data, it uses a tag-based structure with nested elements and attributes and is based on the XML standard.
While KMZ stands for a KML-Zipped (compressed) file, it also allows for folder structure and a richer markup content.
As described in Wikipedia: GeoRSS is a specification for encoding location as part of a Web feed like RSS (Really Simple Syndication).
The map screenshot on the right is showing the Subway (TTC) grid in Toronto
Extended layers
These layers are available from the Extended Custom Plan and up
See Preferences explanations and Mapping screenshot examples below
Shapes layer
Shapes are one of the most powerful and versatile filtering options available out there
It allows you to draw freely with plenty of shapes options from a toolbar
Then edit, drag and save as a shapes file for further use
Filtering with Shapes adds a whole new level of usability to the Mapping app
The map screenshot on the right is showing a polygon and contour shapes
Details and explanation on how to set and use Shapes are on this page
Buffer:Route layer
The Route buffer layer works like Shapes for Filtering but the "drawing" is different
The buffer area is a shape (a polygon) around the route (a polyline) with the border at a certain distance (radius)
The route would be the last optimized route across the filtered locations
The map screenshot on the right is showing a buffer area around a route
Details and explanation on how to set and use a Buffer are on this page
OGC layers
The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is a consensus standards organization for geospatial content and location-based services. We aim to provide access to the most relevant services defined by the OGC
WMS layer
Web Map Service (WMS) for serving georeferenced map images directly from a geographic information system (GIS) database
WMTS layer
Web Map Tile Service (WMTS) for serving pre-rendered (cached) map tile images
The map screenshots on the right are showing a WMS and WMTS layers
Details and explanation on how to set and use a OGC layers are on this page
Extra layers
These layers are available beyond the Extended Custom Plan
See Preferences explanations and Mapping screenshot examples below
Buffer:Trip layer
The Trip buffer layer works like Shapes for Filtering but the "drawing" is different
The buffer area is a shape (a polygon) around the trip (a polyline) with the border at a certain distance (radius)
The trip would be the optimized route across several places you manually enter
The map screenshot on the right is showing a buffer area around a trip
Details and explanation on how to set and use a Buffer are on this page
What's next?
... ground overlay images, static labels, topojson files, boundaries (administrative and others), isolines, image services ...
Let us know if we are missing some other layers of importance for you.
/dev: map full-screen-shots with 1920 x 1080 resolution @CB