This task is for users with the OC Map Manager role.
Shared layers are created separately from maps and can be used on any map created on the site. Layers sit on top of a map, allowing you to present information and display points of interest. Layers can also be created for use on only one map.
To create or update a shared layer:
- From the main menu, go to More > Maps > Layers.
- Select Create layer to start creating a new shared layer, or
- Select a layer from the list to start editing it.
If you are creating a new shared layer, you can build it based on pages on your site or import an external layer like a KML file from Google Earth or another GIS platform.
Based on Your Pages
Building a layer based on your pages allows you to create layers specific to your content types or content labels.
You can only create layers based on pages with a location field, such as OC Events or OC Venues.
Here are the fields you can edit:
Field | Function |
Layer based on your pages | |
Name | The name of the layer. |
Description | A brief description of the layer for internal purposes. |
Content types to include |
Select which content types to include on this layer: All: Show a map pin for all content types that have built-in location fields Some: Choose which content types to display on the map. You can only select from content types that have a built-in location field. |
Labels to include |
Select which content labels to filter the pages on this layer: All: The layer will source pages with any content label, from pages of a content type that has built-in location fields Some: The layer will source from pages with the labels you specify of a content type that has built-in location fields. Check the box for Each page must have all labels to only include pages that have all the labels you've chosen. |
Include content from these sites | Select which sites you want to source pages from. |
Display features | |
Legend label | A label used to help filter information on the map. If left blank, the system will use the layer's name in the legend. |
Marker |
Set what kind of marker to use for this layer. You have two options:
Your marker will preview next to the selection options. |
Once you've finished editing the layer, select Save.
Import Layer (KML or KMZ)
You can use KML or KMZ files to upload external layers from Google Earth or another GIS platform. Here are the fields you can edit:
Field | Function |
Layer based on .kml or .kmz | |
Name | The name of the layer |
Description | A brief description of the layer for internal purposes |
Kml file |
Select the KML or KMZ file you want to use. Either enter the URL link into the Enter URL field or use the Upload button to upload the file from your computer. |
Display features | |
Legend label |
A label used to help filter information on the map. If left blank, the system will use the layer's name in the legend. This label will only apply to the legend, it will not affect any markers in the KML file. |
Marker |
Set what kind of marker to use for this layer. You have two options:
Your marker will preview next to the selection options. |
Once you've finished editing the layer, select Save.
The marker for the map pin is the icon in the code of the KML file. This icon's file is stored in the mapping system from which the KML file is extracted. As the icon file is stored in the mapping system and not in the OpenCities Files library, a default blue Google Maps pin will display on the map to indicate all locations in the KML file.
If you want to customize the marker, upload the custom icon to the Files library and modify the KML file to point at the uploaded marker in OpenCities. For help with this, consult with your GIS team.
Then, upload an Icon to show as the marker in the map's legend by choosing Upload marker. Please use an icon that is no smaller than 22x22 px and no larger than 72x72 px. If you don’t have a marker to upload, choose Build marker and build your own.
Shared layers can be added to maps when you are creating or editing them. A shared layer will be indicated in the layers list with the (Shared) label.
What Else?
- Learn how to create or edit a map
- Learn more about the Maps module
- Set up Google Maps APIs
- Create an OC Location page
- Manage the location settings