Defining Custom Styles for a Data Layer
A style or style rule defines the rule applied to data fields used to trigger the chosen style colour. If no style rules trigger for an item, the item will not be shown in the layer. You can create custom styles for a new or existing Layer. When you create a custom style, you create a formula based on the attributes of the data. The data that is true for the defined formula is visible on the map in the colour that you pick for the style.
For a full description of all of the stages involved in creating a Data Layer, see Creating a Data Layer - Process Overview.
To define a custom style for a new or existing Layer:
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Navigate to the Layer Styles window, see Creating a Data Layer from a Data Source and see Editing a Layer.
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Click Add Style.
The Add New Style window opens.
You can build the formula for the style using your data elements and operator building blocks to create a logical statement. You can also use non-standard operators in a custom formula. Band your data according to your formulas and apply a colour to each band.
- In the Name box, enter a name and short code for the style.
The short code will be displayed on the map when this layer is active. Short codes can be up to five characters, letters and numbers only. Placing a space between short code characters will present the characters in vertical alignment.
You can change the line’s thickness and add a border by clicking the buttons on the right. The colour selector is illustrated below.
The name is used in the Layer legend. When you hover over a Layer name in the Layers drop-down, you see the names of the lines and line colours in the legend that pops up. The name should provide a helpful description of the data for the style.
Example of styles for a selected Layer
- In the Formula box, click Add.
The Editing Formula window opens.
- Select the required operator.
- To change the numeric value to a type value, click the calculator icon.
- Click the displayed type button to change the formula type .
- Select the Operators option and select the attributes for the formula and change the operator type, as required.
- Click Save. The formula is added to the style.
- Click Save. The style is added to the Layer.
You can change the order of the layer styles by clicking the up and down arrows.
Layer styles are evaluated in the order you specify in this view.
The first style in the layer is evaluated before other styles. The last style in the layer is evaluated last and appears on top of other styles on the map.
- Continue defining the data Layer.