Layers
Layers let you divide the locations on a map into named, color-coded groups. Instead of one flat list, you can segment your map by theme, type, date, or any logic that makes sense for your use case — and switch between views with a single click.
What Are Layers?
A layer is a named group of locations with a color. Examples:
- A travel map split into Must Visit, Hidden Gems, and Restaurants
- A real-estate map split by neighborhood or property type
- An event map split into Day 1 and Day 2 schedules
Each map can have multiple layers. Each location belongs to one layer, or can be set to Show on all layers so it always appears regardless of which layer is active.
Creating a Layer
Layers are created from the map dashboard, inside the Locations card.
- Open your map in the dashboard
- In the Locations section, click + New Layer in the tab bar
- Type a name for the layer
- Choose a color using the color picker
- Press Enter to save
The new layer tab appears immediately and becomes the active view.
Assigning Locations to a Layer
When adding or editing a location, choose which layer it belongs to:
- Open the add/edit location form
- Select a layer from the Layer dropdown
- Save
Locations without a layer assignment are unassigned and show in the All Locations view but not in any specific layer tab.
Show on All Layers
Marking a location as Show on all layers (the isGlobal option) makes it appear in every layer tab and on the map regardless of which layer is active. Use this for fixed reference points — a headquarters, a starting location, a landmark — that should always be visible.
Pins marked this way show a small globe badge (🌐) on the map to distinguish them from layer-specific pins.
Switching Between Layers
In the Dashboard
Above the locations table, a tab bar shows:
- All Locations — the full unfiltered list
- One tab per layer
- + New Layer — always visible to create additional layers
Click any tab to filter the table to that layer.
On the Map (Viewer)
When a map has two or more layers, a compact tab strip appears at the top of the sidebar:
- Tabs filter the locations list in the sidebar
- The map markers update to reflect the active layer (plus any "Show on all layers" pins)
- Switching tabs does not reload the page
The tab strip is hidden when a map has fewer than two layers to keep the interface clean.
Managing Layers
Renaming or Recoloring
Layers can be renamed or recolored from the dashboard layer settings. Changes apply immediately to all locations in that layer.
Deleting a Layer
Deleting a layer removes the layer and unassigns all locations that belonged to it. The locations themselves are not deleted — they remain on the map as unassigned.
Reordering Layers
Drag layer tabs to reorder them. The order is reflected in both the dashboard tab bar and the map viewer tab strip.
What Layers Are NOT
- ❌ Layers are not the same as categories — categories color-code individual pins; layers group sets of locations into separate views
- ❌ A location cannot belong to multiple layers (use "Show on all layers" if it needs to appear everywhere)
- ❌ Layers do not affect map visibility for public viewers by default — all pins are still visible; layers filter the sidebar list and focus the view
- ❌ There is no per-layer analytics (yet)
Common Use Cases
Travel Guide
- Must Visit — top picks with high priority
- Off the Beaten Path — lesser-known spots
- Food & Drink — restaurants, cafés, bars
Business Locations
- Retail — customer-facing stores
- Warehouses — logistics and storage
- HQ — marked "Show on all layers" so it always appears
Event Map
- Day 1 — Friday sessions and venues
- Day 2 — Saturday sessions and venues
- Permanent Venues — marked "Show on all layers"
Troubleshooting
I don't see a layer tab strip on the map
The tab strip only appears when a map has two or more layers. If there is only one layer, the strip is hidden. Add a second layer to enable it.
I created a layer but locations aren't appearing in it
Make sure each location has been assigned to that layer. Go to the dashboard, switch to the layer tab, and check whether locations appear. If not, edit each location and set the layer field.
A location is showing on the wrong layer
Edit the location and update its layer assignment. Only one layer can be active per location (unless "Show on all layers" is enabled).
The + New Layer button isn't visible
The + New Layer button is always present in the tab bar. If you can't see it, try scrolling the tab bar horizontally — it may be off-screen if you have many layers.
Related
- Locations — Adding and managing individual locations
- Categories — Color-coding pins within a layer
- Routing & Directions — Build routes through ordered layer pins
- Map Customization — Base map styles and display settings