Map layer
A map layer is a single thematic layer of geographic information that you can switch on and off in a map. Property boundaries, buildings, zoning purposes, quick clay, flooding, cultural heritage sites and the public transport network are typical examples. Each theme sits in its own layer, and the analytical value appears when you stack several layers on top of each other and see how they interact over a particular property.
Technically, a map layer consists either of vector data (points, lines and polygons, typical for boundaries, buildings and grids) or of raster data (grids of values or pixels, typical for elevations, depths, satellite images and heat maps). Each layer has a geographic reference in a fixed coordinate system (usually ETRS89/UTM 33 in Norway) and a data model that describes the attributes attached to each object: a property boundary has a gårdsnummer and bruksnummer, a flood polygon has a return period, and so on. What looks like one combined map in a GIS application is almost always a stack of layers drawn in a set order.
In Norway, most public map layers are published as open services through Geonorge, the national geographic infrastructure. Data sources such as Kartverket (property, base maps, elevation model), NVE (flooding, landslides, watercourses), NGU (geology, superficial deposits), NIBIO (soil, forest, arealtype (land cover type)), Miljødirektoratet (nature, cultural heritage sites, pollution) and the municipalities (plans, hensynssoner (consideration zones)) all deliver data into this infrastructure, often under Norsk lisens for offentlige data (NLOD). The SOSI and GML standards govern the formats, and protocols such as WMS, WMTS and WFS govern how the layers are delivered to map clients.
For property analysis, map layers let you assess opportunities, risk and constraints in one place, without searching through a long list of separate registers. A zoning map over a quick clay hazard zone over a power line tells you more than the three parts on their own.
In Placepoint, the whole map interface is built around map layers. You find them under Map layers, grouped by theme such as property, risk, transport, nature and more.
The catalogue has two levels. A main map layer is what you switch on in the catalogue, for example Zoning Plans or Quick clay. Many main map layers are made up of several sub-layers that can be switched on and off individually, such as the vertical levels below, on and above ground in a zoning plan. The catalogue has 220+ main map layers in 18 categories, against more than 250 main map layers in Placepoint Fusion, with around 2,300 sub-layers in total from around 170 map services. All the figures are listed on Placepoint in numbers.
How the dataset appears on the map
The dataset is part of the map layer Buildings as Developer activity:
From Placepoint's dictionary: Map layer
More information: Geonorge: national map catalogue, Norsk lisens for offentlige data (NLOD), Store norske leksikon: geografisk informasjonssystem
English: Map layer.
Frequently asked questions
What are map layers?
Map layers are digital visual layers placed over a base map that show specific themes, such as zoning plans, nature, infrastructure or property boundaries. In Placepoint, you can switch on and combine many map layers.
Which map layers does Placepoint offer?
Placepoint offers map layers for zoning plans, kommuneplan (municipal master plan), quick clay, noise, cultural heritage sites, recreation areas, arealtype, school catchment areas, public transport stops and much more, all in one platform.
Why are map layers useful for property developers?
Map layers from public sources such as Kartverket, Norges vassdrags- og energidirektorat (NVE), Miljødirektoratet and the municipalities give developers a complete picture of the opportunities and constraints for a property, without having to search through many portals.
What is GIS and how does it relate to map layers?
GIS (Geographic Information System) is software and methods for storing, analysing and visualising geographic information. Map layers are the visual result of GIS data presented on a map.
Can I combine several map layers in Placepoint?
Yes, in Placepoint you can combine several map layers at the same time and see how they interact. For example, you can place a zoning plan on top of a quick clay map and a noise zone map to get a quick picture of the risk.