Skip to content

Create

Use this dialog to create new application layers. Application layers typically have names that describe their content, and can be created in the project folder or a subfolder.

Where do I find the dialog?

Right-click in the vertical list field and select Create.

Application layer types

Application layers can be of several types:

  1. Standard (gmi file)
  2. Surveying (gmi file with observations)
  3. Raster
  4. BGR-tiled
  5. WMS client
  6. WMTS client
  7. WFS client
  8. WCS client

Standard application layer

A standard application layer consists of two files: aly file and gmi file.

  • The aly file contains presentation rules, filters and layer information
  • The gmi file contains vector data such as line, point, text and polygon with associated attributes

For surveying application layers you will also have observations.

Raster application layer

A raster application layer contains only a link to an image file. This layer has no limitation on image size.

BGR-tiled application layer

A BGR-tiled application layer consists of two files: aly file and bgr file. The bgr file contains links to one or more georeferenced raster images. BGR application layers have a limitation on image size (2 GB).

WMS application layer

A WMS application layer consists only of an aly file. This contains the URL to the data source.

WFS application layer

A WFS application layer consists of two files: aly file and gmix file. The aly file is identical to the gmi file, but also contains the URL to the data source.

WCS application layer

A WCS application layer consists of two files: aly file and gmix file.

How to use the dialog

Procedure

  1. Right-click in the vertical list field and select Create.
  2. Check the desired application layer type.
  3. Optionally select a template. This choice is described in more detail below.
  4. Enter application layer name or click the button with three dots to select subfolder.
  5. The Advanced... button is rarely used and is described below.
  6. Click Create to create the application layer.

Note that GML and NVDB application layers are handled with separate menu options:

Info

You can read more about application layers in the user documentation.

Using templates

You can use templates when creating new application layers. For standard application layers, the program has a set of predefined templates. If you do not select a template for standard application layers, the program suggests using the Default.aly template. This creates the properties S_OBJID (point number) and S_FCODE (theme code) for all object types.

If you click the ... button, you get access to predefined and user-defined templates. If you select one of these templates, the program will suggest an application layer name similar to the template name.

Info

You can read more about templates in the user documentation.

Advanced

This option is active for standard application layers. Normally you do not use this option. The usual practice is to enter an application layer name that gives the same name to the aly file and gmi file.

The Advanced button gives you the opportunity to select another existing gmi file. This may be relevant if you want two different presentations for the same data, for example. The option must be used with caution as it can quickly become confusing.

Warning

The example below shows which rules apply when deleting application layers in such situations:

You have two application layers that point to the same gmi:

  • test1.aly → test1.gmi
  • test2.aly → test1.gmi

Situation 1:

You delete test1.aly and keep test2.aly. test1.gmi is also deleted (since they have the same name). test2.aly is not deleted from the drawing, but will then not work since the gmi file no longer exists.

Situation 2:

You delete test2.aly and keep test1.aly. test1.gmi is not deleted.