Appearance
Basic Functions
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Layer Panel Functions
- Legend Panel Functions
- Information Panel Functions
- View Selector Functions
- Scale Selector Functions
- Best Practices
- Tips for New Users
Overview
Horizon's basic functions form the essential foundation for professional GIS operations, providing comprehensive map navigation, data management, and spatial analysis capabilities. These sophisticated yet intuitive tools deliver fundamental functionality for controlling map content visibility, interpreting spatial symbology, accessing detailed feature information, managing dynamic map views, and performing precise spatial measurements. Mastering these core functions enables users to leverage Horizon's full potential for effective geospatial analysis and decision-making workflows.
Layer Panel Functions
Layer Panel Features
Layer Visibility Control:
- Toggle individual layers on/off
- Manage group visibility
- Control layer opacity
Layer Organization:
- Drag-and-drop layer reordering
- Group/ungroup layers
- Sort layers by type or name
Layer Properties:
- Access styling options
- View metadata
- Configure layer-specific settings
Layer Panel Usage
- Click the layer icon to access the Layer Panel
- Use checkboxes for visibility control
- Drag layers to adjust drawing order
- Right-click for additional options
- Access layer properties through context menu
Legend Panel Functions
Legend Panel Features
Dynamic Updates:
- Automatic legend refresh
- Visibility-based display
- Real-time symbol updates
Interactive Elements:
- Expandable categories
- Symbol descriptions
- Classification details
Legend Panel Usage
- Access via legend icon
- Review symbols for visible layers
- Expand categories for detailed information
- Use for map interpretation reference
Information Panel Functions
Information Panel Features
Feature Query:
- Click-to-identify functionality
- Multiple feature selection
- Attribute display
Data Display:
- Tabular attribute view
- Related records access
- Feature highlighting
Information Panel Usage
- Activate the Information tool
- Click features for details
- Navigate multiple selections
- Use docking options for persistent display
View Selector Functions
View Selector Features
Predefined Views:
- Quick access to common views
- Customizable configurations
- Shared view support
View Management:
- Save custom views
- Update existing views
- Share configurations
View Selector Usage
- Access via View Selector dropdown
- Select desired view configuration
- Save custom views as needed
- Share views with team members
Scale Selector Functions
Scale Selector Features
Scale Control:
- Predefined scale options
- Custom scale input
- Scale-dependent rendering
Zoom Management:
- Consistent scale selection
- Print-friendly scales
- Scale synchronization
Scale Selector Usage
- Choose from predefined scales
- Enter custom scale values
- Monitor scale-dependent features
- Consider map purpose when selecting scale
Best Practices
Layer Management:
- Organize layers logically
- Use groups for related content
- Maintain clean layer structure
Performance Optimization:
- Minimize active layers
- Use scale dependencies
- Clear unnecessary content
Data Visualization:
- Apply appropriate symbology
- Consider visual hierarchy
- Maintain map clarity
Workflow Efficiency:
- Use keyboard shortcuts
- Create custom views
- Optimize panel arrangements
Tips for New Users
Getting Started:
- Familiarize with basic panels
- Practice layer management
- Explore tool interactions
Common Workflows:
- Start with base layers
- Add thematic content
- Apply appropriate scales
Troubleshooting:
- Check layer visibility
- Verify scale ranges
- Monitor system resources