How to manage your active layers in BOOM! Data Studio

This tutorial explains how to interact with and manage active layers in BOOM! Data Studio, focusing on:

• Adding and customising layers like planning zones, land titles, and flood zones;

• Reordering, activating, and toggling layers for seamless exploration;

• Optimising workflows by managing visualisations and active layers effectively.

Steps to Work with Active Layers

Step 1: Selecting an Area

• Choose an area of interest (e.g., Wembley);

• Drag the Active Layers panel to the right toolbar for better visibility (soon to be the default setting).

Step 2: Adding Layers

1. Select the desired layers from the left toolbar, such as:

   1. Planning Layers:

      1. Conservation Areas;

      2. Flood Zones 2 & 3;

      3. Local Planning Authorities (LPA);

   2. Land Titles:

   3. Focus on specific types like Freehold;

2. Apply filters to customise the layers;

3. Zooming-in or zooming-out:

   1. Larger land titles render at higher zoom levels.

   2. Smaller titles appear when zooming-in.

Step 3: Activating Layers

Activate a Layer:

1. Click on the desired layer in the Active Layers panel (right toolbar);

2. The layer turns red, indicating it’s ready for interaction (e.g., Brent LPA or Flood Zone 3).

Switch Active Layers:

• Simply click another layer to make it active;

• For instance, switching between Flood Zones or Land Titles.

Step 4: Managing Layer Order

• Reorder layers by dragging them within the Active Layers panel:

  • The top layer becomes the most prominent and visible;

  • For example:

    • Drag Conservation Areas above Flood Zones to prioritise conservation boundaries.

Step 5: Turning Layers On or Off

Toggle Visibility:

• Turn layers on/off using the eye icon next to the layer in the Active Layers panel;

• This simplifies viewing specific layers without removing them.

Focus on a Single Layer:

• Turn off all other layers except the one you wish to analyse (e.g., Flood Zone 2).

Key Features of Active Layers

1. Layer Customisation:

   1. Adjust filters like title types (Freehold vs. Leasehold) or planning categories;

2. Visual Representation:

   1. Change visualisation settings (e.g., Class of Title) to enhance clarity;

3. Layer Interaction:

   1. Activate layers to directly interact with the map, such as selecting zones or titles.

Best Practices

Optimize Layer Order:

• Drag frequently used layers (e.g., Land Titles) to the top for quicker interaction.

Use Toggles:

• Turn off unneeded layers to avoid visual clutter.

Check Zoom Levels:

• Zoom in or out as required to view smaller or larger land titles.