The Map Layers editor allows you to add map layers, organize layers, view all the layers associated with the watershed, and add sub-layers to primary layers. You can access the Map Layers editor from any of the modules. From the CWMS CAVI main window, under the Maps menu, select Map Layers. The Map Layers editor will open. The following sections describe the commands available in the Map Layers editor.

Map Layers Editor

Menu Bar

The menu bar of the Map Layers editor contains commands for managing watershed layers. The following is a summary of the available menus and the commands associated with each one.

  • Layers
    • Add Maps - add maps to your map window
    • Import Images - import an image file into the map window
    • Remove Map Layer - remove a map layer from the map window
  • Edit
    • Move to Top - move selected layer to the top of the layer tree
    • Move Up - move selected layer up one level in the layer tree
    • Move Down - move selected layer down one level in the layer tree
    • Move to Bottom - move selected layer to the bottom of the layer tree
    • Properties - change style and labels of selected layer
  • View
    • Always on Top - keeps the Map Layers editor on top of the CWMS CAVI main window

Layer Tree

The Map Layers editor contains a Layer Tree for controlling the display of layers in the map window. The tree represents the hierarchical arrangement of layers. The top level of the tree is the Map Layers folder, which contains all of the layers in the watershed. Beneath the Map Layers folder is a tree branch for each primary layer or map layer, beginning with a plus/minus sign, followed by a checkbox, then the layer name.

When a plus sign is displayed, you can click it to expand the tree branch and display sub-layers. If sub-layers do not exist, you will see a legend for the layer. When a minus sign is displayed, you can click it to collapse the tree branch. You can also expand and collapse branches by double-clicking on a layer. The figure below shows the Map Layers editor for the Modeling module with a forecast selected. The Model Schematic layer is expanded. The checkbox turns the display of a layer or sub-layer on or off. If a layer is unchecked, that layer's sub-layers will not display, even if the sub-layers are checked.

Map Layers Editor - Modeling Module - Model Schematic Layer

Layer Organization

You can arrange the layers in the Map Window with the Map Layers editor. By default, the primary layers are at the top of the tree. Map layers are added to the bottom of the tree. Layers are drawn in the order that is displayed in the Map Layers editor. Typically, background layers are on the bottom, and layers containing smaller, more-detailed items (such as time series icons, gages, and rivers) are on top.

To rearrange the order of layers: 

  1. Select a layer from the Layer Tree. From the Edit menu (or by right-clicking on a layer), select Move Up, Move Down, Move to Top (moves the selected layer to the top of the tree), or Move to Bottom (moves the selected layer to the bottom of the tree).
  2. Continue to change the position of each layer until the necessary features are visible on the map window.
  3. Click OK, and the Map Layers editor will close.