The Map Layers editor allows you to add and map layers, view all layers related to the watershed, and add sub-layers to primary layers. You can access the editor from any module by selecting Map Layers from the Maps menu.  

The following sections describe the commands available from the Map Layers editor.

Menu Bar

The menu bar in the Map Layers editor provides commands for managing watershed layers. Below is a summary of the available menus and their associated commands.

Layers Menu

  • Add Maps - Adds new maps to the map window.
  • Import Images - Imports an image file into the map window.
  • Remove Map Layer - Removes a selected map layer from the map window.

Edit Menu (available only when a layer is selected)

  • Move to Top - Moves the selected layer to the top of the layer tree.
  • Move Up - Moves the selected layer up one position in the layer tree.
  • Move Down - Moves the selected layer down one position in the layer tree.
  • Move to Bottom - Moves the selected layer to the bottom of the layer tree.
  • Properties - Opens options to modify the selected layer's style and labels.

View Menu

  • Always on Top - Keeps the Map Layers editor window above the HEC-RTS main window at all times.

Map Window

Each module has its own map window, and the available layers vary by module. When you click on a module tab, its corresponding map window automatically opens in the main window.

In the the Map Layers editor, the Currently Opened Maps box displays a list of all module map windows that are currently opened. Selecting a map from this list will display its associated layers in the Layer Tree.

Layer Tree

The Map Layers editor includes a Layer Tree, which controls how layers are displayed in the map window. This tree shows a hierarchical structure, with the Map Layers folder at the top. This folder contains all the layers related to the watershed. Each primary (or map) layer appears as a branch beneath this folder, shown with a plus/minus sign, a checkbox, and the layer name.

  • Plus (+) sign: Click to expand the branch and view sub-layers or the layer legend if no sub-layers exist.

  • Minus (–) sign: Click to collapse the branch.

You can also double-click a layer to expand or collapse it. The checkbox controls the visibility of a layer or sub-layer in the map window. If a parent layer is unchecked, none of its sub-layers will display, even if their individual checkboxes are selected.

The figure below shows the Map Layers editor with the Modeling map window selected and the Model Schematic layer expanded.

Layer Organization

You can use the Map Layers editor to arrange the order of layers in the map window. By default, primary layers appear at the top of the Layer Tree, while map layers are added to the bottom. Layers are drawn in the order they appear in the editor - meaning layers at the bottom are displayed behind those above them. Typically, background layers are placed at the bottom, and detailed items (like time series icons, gages, and rivers) are placed on top.

To rearrange the order of layers, use the commands available from the Edit menu or right-click a layer and choose from the following options:

  • Move Up – Moves the layer up one position.

  • Move Down – Moves the layer down one position.

  • Move to Top – Moves the layer to the top of the tree.

  • Move to Bottom – Moves the layer to the bottom of the tree.