Navigating the Layer Panel

This page helps you create, view, and organize your map layers in Nova. We will cover how the Layer Panel is laid out, how to create and manage your layers, and where to find your assets and PDFs.

The Layer Panel is your one stop shop for your layers, assets, and PDFs, organized into three tabs: Layers, Assets, and PDFs. Expand or collapse the panel to maximize your map view. Collapse it when inspecting fine orthomosaic details or monitoring a live stream.

Create and Processing

The Create button gives you access to all of your processing workflows and map layer generation tools.

The Create drop-down menu also includes shortcuts for creating points, lines, polygons, text boxes, comments, and uploads, as well as the Ruler.

Layer Control and Navigation

Use the controls next to each layer to inspect base maps, point vectors, and high-resolution imagery.

Turning Layers On and Off

Select the eye icon next to a layer to show or hide it on your map.

Lock the Layer

Select the lock icon to lock a layer in place so edits are not made to it. Locking also lets you select overlapping elements without accidentally moving them.

Zoom to Your Layer

Select the icon with arrows pointing inward next to a layer to zoom directly to it.

Layer Options Menu

Here you will be able to access Hide, Lock, and Zoom to Layer, as well as options for renaming, re-ordering, archiving, grouping, merging, and deleting your layer. Right-click a layer to open the options menu and organize your project.

Renaming a Layer

To rename your layer, you can double-click the layer or right-click the layer > Select Rename > Type the new name and press Enter. Or select the layer to open the Inspector panel and change it there.

Reordering Layers

Drag and drop layers to reorder them vertically, or right-click a layer and select Move to Top or Move to Bottom.

Archiving a Layer

Archiving hides completed or unused layers from the primary panel while keeping the data safely stored, which keeps your active project view clean and reduces active data load.

Right-click and select Archive, then confirm Archive Layer

Retrieving Archived Layer

1. Retrieve archived layers by clicking Archived layers at the bottom of the layer panel.

   

2. Select the layers you want to retrieve. Filter by asset type on the left side.

3. Then click Retrieve Layers in the bottom right.

Creating a Group

1. Select the layers you want to group. Right click and expand your Options,

   

2. Select New Group.

3. Rename the Group to keep things organized for your operation. Groups can be nested up to three levels deep.

Merging Hotspot Layers

1. Select the layers you want to combine and right click to access the Options Menu.

   

2. Select Merge Flights

Exporting Shapes from the Layer Panel

1. Select the layer or layers you want to export and right click to access the Options Menu.

   

2. Select Export Shapes

   

3. Select the format and whether you would like to export or push to your integrations. Then Export Shapes

Assets

The Assets tab is where you can see visual thumbnails grouped by processing type for fast identification of all your processed layers.

Records

On the PDF tab, you can manage your map exports and all things. Click on the PDF of interest to preview and download your maps.