Raster Map Properties (Image)

Raster maps are calibrated images intended to be used as digital maps. They function like a photograph of the terrain associated with geographic coordinates.

Besides raster maps, the other major type of maps are vector maps. We will discuss the properties of vector maps in this other article.

In the properties window of a raster map, several important parameters can be viewed and adjusted. Below we explain the most notable ones:

Format > Scale

The Scale property indicates the value in meters/pixel, that is, how many meters of the real terrain each pixel of the image covers.

To get an idea, it can be approximated to the classic paper map scale by multiplying by 10.000.

Example:

• A map of 2.5 m/pixel corresponds approximately to a map at a scale of 1:25.000.

• A map of 100 m/pixel would be equivalent to a map at a scale of 1:1.000.000.

View > Near/Far Zoom

Land allows configuring when a raster map is shown or hidden depending on the zoom level. This is useful for combining different maps and facilitating navigation.

By default, all maps are set as “always visible”, but advanced users can customize these levels to improve coordination between layers.

• Near zoom: Tlevel at which the map will be hidden when zooming in.

  Example: if we have a map at 1:100,000 and below it one at 1:25,000, we can configure the first to disappear when zooming in, revealing the more detailed map.

• Far zoom: level at which the map will be hidden when zooming out.

  Example: a very detailed map can be configured to hide when zooming out a lot, so that a general lower-resolution map is shown instead.

Transparency

Raster maps allow configuring transparency, which makes it easier to combine them with other maps or data.

• General transparency level: applies to the entire image and is retained for future openings of the map.

• Color transparency (advanced): allows making a specific color of the map transparent, for example the white of the margins or areas without data. This facilitates overlaying the map without hiding information from others.

Is Primary

When multiple maps and data are opened in Land, each can be in a different coordinate system. The primary map is the one that determines the reference system for all maps.

This means that:

• The primary map defines the base projection and coordinates.

• The other maps and data automatically adjust to that system to display correctly on screen.