The Tracking WikiMap Layers
Introduction to Map Layers
Map Layers are data resources that provide special types of information and enhance the visualization of data displayed in the Map interface. Many Map Layers come built into the platform based on account level, and users have the ability to add additional Map Layers and create custom Map Layers as well.
Viewing Map Layers
Map Layers will be visible on any Map interface in the platform. Users can toggle the visibility of each Map Layer at any time using the Map Tools bar. Users can have as many simultaneously active Map Layers as they want.
Finding and Toggling Visibility of Map Layers
To turn any Map Layer on or off, visit any Map View in Live Mode or History Mode, and look to the Map Tools Bar. There will be an icon that looks like 3 tiles stacked on top of one another (), which will open a menu that allows users to click on the Map Layers they wish to toggle on or off. Map Layers that are toggled on will be highlighted and will have a check mark next to their names. Click them again to toggle them off.
Layer Data Zoom Requirements
Some Map Layers require the user’s view area to be zoomed to a certain level (in or out) in order to display data or for users to actually be able to see it (becuse it makes colored or shaded regions that can only be identified when zoomed further out). If your desired Map Layer is toggled on and you do not see data, zoom in and out until the data comes into view.
Available Map Layers
To configure the available Map Layers, visit the Manage Module and select the Map Layers option. For users with custom Map Layers included in their service package, they can Add Custom Map Layers from the Manage interface.
Understanding Map Layers
Some Map Layers are static data visualization overlays, and others are dynamic feeds from external sources (like weather and traffic maps, for example).
Default Map Layers
A number of specialty data layers allow users to visualize the latest information affecting their Assets in the field. These maps contain information about environmental and route factors that are likely to affect the operation and safety of their Assets and Operators.
- Maritime
Displays depths, boundaries, and locations of dangers or aids to navigation - US Weather Radar
Displays live weather overlay similar to doppler charts that news networks display in weather reports - AUS Weather Radar
Displays live weather overlay similar to the doppler charts that news networks display in their weather reports (Australia only) - World Satellite Infrared
Displays colorized fronts, weather systems, and pressure systems - Traffic
Displays traffic conditions on major roadways (more magnified zoom ranges show more data) - Weather Forecast
Displays temperatures and overview conditions (only works in more magnified zoom ranges) - Oil
Displays a grid map of oil activity and drilling areas along the US coast - Major network constellations
- Iridium Satellites
- Iridium NEXT Satellites
- Inmarsat Satellites
- Globalstar Satellites
- Orbcomm Satellites
- Comm. Satellites
Custom Map Layers
Users have the option of configuring their own Map Layers and overlays, whether by creating their own Map Layer file and uploading it to the portal, or by connecting another mapping service’s layer file to the portal. The file formats as well as instructions for adding custom layers can be found in the How to Add a Custom Map Layer Article.
Using Map Layers
Map Layers provide an enhanced visualization experience by allowing users to see the correlation between real-time telematics data and the external forces that might be relevant to what is being reported. For active Asset managers, Map Layers also offer real-time insights that can be used to send information, routes, or plans directly to the field that will increase efficiency or help teams avoid delays or dangerous situations. Being able to see that there is a severe weather system moving toward a remote work site, for example, can give managers the ability to inform field teams and instruct them to pack up and secure the worksite prior to the weather event.
Maritime maps and weather maps are also incredibly beneficial for fishing and shipping operations, as they can help their vessels maximize their time on the water and minimize risk, damage, and perilous conditions.