You can manage the visibility of map layers based on the zoom level by setting a visualization scale. This helps reduce clutter when viewing the full map and reveals more detailed information as you zoom in. For example, if your watershed contains many gages (i.e., time series icons), you might choose to show only the most important ones when zoomed out. As you zoom in, additional, less significant icons will gradually appear.

This guide explains how to set visualization scales for both primary and map layers in your HEC-RTS watershed. Once set, these scales apply across all modules—Acquisition, Visualization, Modeling, and Setup.

Primary Layers

Time Series Icons Layers

You can define visualization scales for Time Series Icon Layers in two ways:

Option 1: Set Scale via the Map Layers Dialog

  1. Zoom the map to your desired scale.
  2. Go to the Maps menu and select Map Layers.
  3. Expand Time Series Icons in the Map Layers Tree.
  4. Right-click the desired sub-layer and choose:
    1. Set Scale for Zoom-in - Layer displays when zoomed in past the set scale.
    2. Set Scale for Zoom-out - Layer displays when zoomed out past the set scale.

Option 2: Set Scale via Layer Properties Dialog

  1. Zoom the map to your desired scale.
  2. Go to the Maps menu and select Map Layers.
  3. Right-click Time Series Icons and select Properties.
  4. Choose a layer from the dropdown menu.
  5. Open the Scale tab.
  6. Enable Only show later in the following scale range, then:
    1. Set Only visible below 1: (or click Set to Current to use the active map scale).
    2. Set Only visible above 1: (or click Set to Current to use the active map scale).

To Remove Scale Settings

Right-click the sub-layer in the Map Layers dialog and select Remove Scale Factors.

Stream Alignment Layer

For instructions on setting scale-based visibility for the Stream Alignment layer, refer to the guide: Creating a Custom Visualization Scale.

Map Layers

To apply visualization scales to map layers:

  1. Zoom to the desired scale in the map window.
  2. Go to the Maps menu and select Map Layers.
  3. Right-click the desired map layer and choose:
    1. Set Scale for Zoom-in - Layer displays when zoomed in past the set scale.
    2. Set Scale for Zoom-out - Layer displays when zoomed out past the set scale.

To clear existing scale settings, right-click the layer and select Remove Scale Factors.

Final Review

After applying your visualization scales, zoom in and out to confirm layers behave as expected. If needed, repeat the steps to fine-tune layer visibility.