Add, Remove & Edit Layers

Roadsoft displays data in layers. There are two types of layers, raster, and vector. The built-in layers, Point (such as signs, traffic signals, and intersections), Line (such as roads, rivers, and sidewalks), and Polygon (such as political boundaries, and hydrography) are vector layers. Raster layers can be brought in as External Layers (example: aerial images and topographical images). Vector layers can be brought into Roadsoft as external layers too, usually in the shapefile format (example: bike paths and water well locations). A Photolog Layer is a vector (point) layer. Photolog Layers are only accessible for adding as a layer in these instructions if the Photolog has already been imported into Roadsoft (see Importing a Photolog for import instructions). Roadsoft also has the ability to add Custom Line and Point layers, as well as an Annotation layer.

External layers display asset shapes on the map. The shapes are selectable and their associated data are viewable; however, the data are still separate from the Roadsoft database so features like filtering and reporting are not possible. The Drainage Structure Module is an exception to this. There is an import process for importing drainage structure data from a shapefile into a Roadsoft database. See Import Drainage Structures for more information.

Layer properties, such as label position, feature color and size, selection color and size, and feature shape, are editable. See Edit Layer Properties for more information.

Add a Built-in Layer or External Layer

The quickest way to add an external layer is to simply drag and drop the shapefile onto the map, but the steps below describe adding both built-in and external layers through the map layers feature.

Under the Map Layers window, select the green Add Map Layer button $P:\RoadSoft\Documentation\Word Documents\addbutton.png$ .

Select the Built-in Layers tab or External Layer tab.

For Built-in Layers:

Select the desired layer(s) from the list.

Select the OK button.

For External Layers:

Whether the following the drag and drop method or these steps to add a shapefile, all associated files must be present to complete the layer addition. Shapefile creation typically generates about eight files including the shapefile (.shp extension).

Select the folder icon to search for the file.

Select the file and select the OK button.

Change the Display Name to make it easily identifiable.

Select the OK button.

Add an Existing Photolog Layer

Under the Map Layers window, select the green Add Map Layer button $P:\RoadSoft\Documentation\Word Documents\addbutton.png$ .

Select the Photolog Layers tab.

Select the layers you wish to add and select the OK button.

Remove a Layer

Under the Map Layers window, select the red Remove Layer from Map button $P:\RoadSoft\Documentation\Word Documents\removebutton.png$ .

In the Remove Layer window, select the checkboxes of the desired layer(s) to be removed.

Fast selection options can be accessed by right-clicking in the grid.

Select the OK button.