What are map layers?
A map layer is a toggleable overlay of geographic data displayed on your map. Think of layers like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other—you can turn each sheet on or off to view different combinations of information. Layers help you:- Focus on specific types of data without visual clutter
- Compare different datasets by toggling them on and off
- Understand relationships between different geographic features
- Customize the map for specific workflows or tasks
Using the layers panel
The layers panel is your control center for managing what appears on the map.Opening the layers panel
Click the layers icon (usually in the upper right corner of the map) to open the layers panel. The panel displays all available map layers organized by category.Panel organization
The layers panel groups layers into categories:| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Base Layers | Background map styles (satellite, streets, terrain). Only one basemap can be active at a time. |
| Documents | Document type overlays showing where specific types of files are located. |
| Property Warnings | Visual indicators for properties that meet specific conditions, such as properties in flood zones or with pending inspections. |
| Objects | Properties and custom objects like stormwater systems or facilities. Each custom object type appears as a separate layer. |
| Flood Layers | FIRM data including flood zones, panels, Base Flood Elevations, cross-sections, and profile baselines. |
| Custom Layers | Your organization’s imported geospatial data and raster imagery. |
| Land Layers | Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) boundaries and contour lines. |
| Saved Views | Filtered data views that can be displayed on the map and shared publicly. |
Working with layers
Showing and hiding layers
To toggle a layer on or off:- Open the layers panel
- Find the layer you want to control
- Check the box to show the layer, or uncheck to hide it
Some layers may only be visible at certain zoom levels. If you don’t see a layer after enabling it, try zooming in or out.
Switching basemaps
Basemaps provide the background context for your data. Common basemap options include:- Streets - Shows roads, labels, and urban features
- Satellite - Aerial imagery of your area
- Terrain - Topographic information with elevation shading
- Light/Dark - Minimal styling to emphasize your data
- Open the layers panel
- Find the Base Layers section
- Select the basemap you want to use
Layer visibility and zoom levels
Some layers are configured to appear only at specific zoom levels:- Regional layers (like county boundaries) may only appear when zoomed out
- Detailed layers (like individual property points) may only appear when zoomed in
Understanding layer icons and indicators
Layers in the panel may display:- Checkbox - Toggle the layer on or off
- Color indicator - Shows the color used for that layer’s features
- Icon - Represents the feature type (buildings, infrastructure, etc.)
- Layer name - Descriptive name for the data
Working with your team
Layer selections are personal to your session, so each team member can configure the map for their specific needs without affecting others. This means:- Your coworker can view different layers simultaneously
- You won’t disrupt someone else’s map view by changing your layers
- Each team member can optimize the map for their workflows
Types of map layers
Object layers
These layers display properties and custom objects as interactive features on the map: Properties - Your property inventory shown as point markers. Click any property to view details, records, files, and tasks. Custom objects - Organization-specific objects like:- Stormwater infrastructure systems
- Critical facilities
- Community boundaries
- Service areas
- Custom datasets configured for your workflows
Flood layers
If your organization works with floodplain management, you’ll have access to flood-related layers: Flood Zones - Special Flood Hazard Areas and other flood zone designations from FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps or custom flood maps configured for your account. Base Flood Elevations - Lines showing elevation reference markers. Cross-Sections - FIRM cross-section lines used for engineering analysis. FIRM Panels - Boundaries of individual map panels from FEMA. Profile Baselines - Reference lines for flood profile data. These layers help you understand flood risk, review Elevation Certificates, and support CRS activities. By default, Forerunner uses FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) as the source for flood layers. However, Forerunner also supports importing custom flood maps as a replacement for or supplement to FEMA data. Custom flood maps are imported as GeoJSON files and can be designated as effective or preliminary, just like FEMA FIRMs. Once configured, custom flood maps drive the same platform capabilities as FEMA maps, including:- Flood zone determinations on properties
- Elevation Certificate issue detection for data validation
- Property attributes sourced from your flood data
Contact your Customer Success Manager to import a custom flood map for your account.
Custom layers
Custom layers are geospatial data imported specifically for your organization. Examples include:- Infrastructure networks - Water, sewer, stormwater systems
- Planning data - Zoning, land use, development areas
- Environmental features - Wetlands, conservation areas, habitat zones
- Historical data - Previous flood events, damage assessments
- Reference data - School zones, service districts, community boundaries
- Visual only - Display-only layers for reference
- Data-enabled - Layers that provide property-level data through spatial queries
Work with your Customer Success Manager to import and configure custom map layers for your organization’s specific needs.
Warning layers
Property warning layers highlight properties that meet specific conditions. Common examples:- Properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area
- Properties with incomplete inspections
- Properties requiring follow-up action
- Properties with code violations
- Properties flagged for CRS activities
Document layers
Document layers show the geographic distribution of specific file types in your system. This helps you:- Find properties with Elevation Certificates
- Identify areas with inspection photos
- Locate properties with specific document types
- Visualize document coverage across your community
Layer styling and appearance
Map layers can be customized with different visual properties: Colors - Layers use specific colors to differentiate features or indicate categories. For example, different flood zones may appear in different colors. Opacity - Some layers can be semi-transparent, allowing you to see multiple layers simultaneously. Icons - Point features can use custom icons to represent different types of objects (fire hydrants, pump stations, etc.) Labels - Features can display text labels showing names, addresses, or other identifying information. Line styles - Linear features can have different thicknesses, dash patterns, or colors.Layer styling is configured by your Customer Success Manager during setup. If you need styling changes, reach out to your CSM to discuss options.
Layer interactions
Clicking map features
When you click on an interactive map feature (property or custom object), a detail panel opens showing: Overview - Basic information about the feature including its label, type, and key attributes Activity - Change history and updates to the feature Tasks - Related tasks assigned to team members (if tasks are enabled) Records - Associated records such as inspections, permits, or logs Files - Attached documents, photos, and Elevation Certificates From this panel, you can navigate to the full property or object page, create new records, assign tasks, or upload files.Hovering over features
Hover your mouse over map features to see quick information without clicking. Hovering may:- Highlight the feature with a colored border or glow
- Display a tooltip with key details
- Change the cursor to indicate the feature is interactive
Best practices
Start with fewer layers
Start with fewer layers
When first viewing the map, start with only the essential layers enabled. Add more layers as needed to avoid visual clutter and maintain map performance.
Use layers for specific workflows
Use layers for specific workflows
Create a mental checklist of which layers you need for different tasks. For example, enable flood layers when reviewing Elevation Certificates, or enable inspection layers when planning field visits.
Adjust basemaps for context
Adjust basemaps for context
Switch basemaps based on your task. Use satellite imagery to verify property locations, streets for navigation context, or minimal styling to emphasize your data layers.
Check zoom level if layers don't appear
Check zoom level if layers don't appear
If you enable a layer but don’t see it, zoom in or out. Some layers only display at appropriate zoom levels for performance and readability.
Reference legends for unfamiliar data
Reference legends for unfamiliar data
When working with new custom layers or complex datasets, check the legend to understand what colors and symbols represent.
Troubleshooting
I enabled a layer but don't see anything on the map
I enabled a layer but don't see anything on the map
Solution: This usually happens for one of these reasons:
- The layer may only be visible at certain zoom levels. Try zooming in or out.
- The layer may not have data in your current map view. Pan to a different area or zoom out to see if features appear.
- The layer may be hidden beneath other layers. Try turning off other layers to see if the layer becomes visible.
The map is too cluttered with information
The map is too cluttered with information
Solution: Turn off layers you don’t currently need. Focus on 2-4 relevant layers at a time for better readability. You can always turn additional layers back on when needed.
I can't find a specific layer I need
I can't find a specific layer I need
Solution: The layer may not be configured for your account. Contact your Customer Success Manager to request additional layers or discuss importing custom data.
Layer colors are hard to distinguish
Layer colors are hard to distinguish
Solution: Try switching to a different basemap. For example, use a light or minimal basemap to make colored data layers stand out more clearly. If colors remain difficult to distinguish, contact your Customer Success Manager about adjusting layer styling.
My layer selections keep resetting
My layer selections keep resetting
Solution: Layer selections are saved during your browser session but reset when you close your browser or log out. This is normal behavior. For frequently-used layer combinations, consider creating saved views that include your preferred layer selections.