The layer explorer is where a project takes shape. Add your layers, group them, and set how each one behaves so the map stays readable as the project grows.
Add a layer
Open the project menu and choose "Add Layer". Its tabs cover where the layer comes from: Upload for a new file, Existing for something you already have in Data Store, Shared for a layer a colleague shared with you, and Service to connect an external map service.
Add the layers that make the project operational, not everything at once. A typical utility project starts with "Hydrants" (points), "Distribution Mains" (lines), and "Pressure Zones" (polygons), plus one or two reference layers.
Organize with layer groups
- Open the project menu and choose "Add Layer Group".
- Enter a name in the "Layer group name" field and confirm.
- Drag layers into the group.
Each group row has its own menu with "Properties" and "Remove Group". Group early if the project will be shared — the grouping is part of the operational handoff, not just visual cleanup.
Reorder by dragging
Layers and groups are drag-reorderable. Order in the tree is draw order on the map: put operational layers above reference layers so points and lines aren't buried under polygons.
Per-layer toggles
Every layer row carries two icon toggles:
- Visibility — "Hide layer" / "Show layer". Hidden layers stay in the project but don't draw.
- Selection participation — "Exclude from selection" / "Include in selection". Excluded layers are ignored by rectangle and lasso selection, which keeps dense reference layers from flooding your results. See Spatial Selection.