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Layers

Overlay data items on the map​

A layer represents a defined set of items that can be displayed on the map. You can create any number of layers and easily turn them on or off as needed, giving you a clear picture of the assets and activities you're interested in at any given time.

When you turn on a layer, its items appear as a map overlay, providing a visualisation of their location and proximity to each other. You can open items to view their details and select multiple items for processing in the Data Explorer app.

An illustration of how a layer overlays the basemap

There are three types of layers:

  • System - layers included with Alloy (e.g. Defect Status) or in optional modules (e.g. Street Lighting).

  • Custom - layers created by you or other users in your organisation

  • Network - special layers that display network items beneath other active layers. To learn more, see Network in Alloy Web.

The layer structure of your customer project can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. With large data sets, it can be challenging to keep track of all your items, especially if small ones get hidden under large ones!

Fortunately, the Layers panel makes it easy to show, hide and change the appearance of your data on the map.

An illustration of how multiple layers appear over the basemap

Layer styles​

Each layer has one or more layer styles, which collectively determine the data displayed by the layer. Each style acts as a separate database query, fetching items that meet its defined criteria.

You can turn styles on/off individually or all at once by turning the layer on/off. This makes it easy to compare different sets of data visually, giving you more contexts for making decisions.

To learn more, see Layer styles.

Visualisations​

By default, if a layer contains multiple items close together, they gradually merge into numbered clusters as the map zooms out. This prevents the map from looking cluttered, while still indicating the number of items in the vicinity.

As you zoom in, the clusters gradually separate into individual items, which you can then select to view their details.

To learn more, see Edit a layer style.

Multiple items in a layer, displayed as numbered clusters