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Creating Layers

Understanding Layers

Layers are the foundation of organizing your map content. Each layer contains related features and has its own style settings. Think of layers like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other.

Creating a New Layer

  1. Open the Layers panel in the left sidebar
  2. Click the "+" button at the top of the panel
  3. Enter a name for your layer (e.g., "Buildings", "Roads")
  4. Press Enter or click away to confirm
Use descriptive names that reflect what the layer contains. This makes it easier to manage projects with many layers.

Layer Types

MapEdit supports mixed-geometry layers, meaning a single layer can contain points, lines, and polygons together. However, for best results:

  • Keep similar features in the same layer
  • Points with different marker styles should be in separate layers
  • Use consistent styling within a layer for a cohesive look

Selecting a Layer

Click on a layer in the Layers panel to select it. The selected layer is highlighted and will receive any new features you draw.

You must select a layer before drawing. If no layer is selected, you'll be prompted to create one.

Renaming Layers

  1. Double-click on the layer name
  2. Type the new name
  3. Press Enter to confirm, or Escape to cancel

Deleting Layers

  1. Hover over the layer you want to delete
  2. Click the trash icon that appears
Deleting a layer also deletes all features in that layer. Use undo (Ctrl+Z) if you delete a layer by accident.

Layer Info

Each layer shows the number of features it contains. Click the layer to see additional information and style options.