Map Layers
The Maps SDK uses JSON file (styles) defining the sources of data to be shown on the map and its appearance. Styles are compliant with the Map Styles Specification.
Layers
The layers
property of a style is an array of all the layers the style defines. Each element of
the array contains all the information needed to render a layer. Note that a single element of a
map, such as a road, may consist of several layers. Among the properties of a layer, two are of
particular interest in this context:
- #sources
source
- The name of the source of data for the layer corresponds to a child of thesources
property. - #source-layers
source-layer
- The name of a layer in a vector tile source; corresponds to an element of a vector tile.
Sources
Sources are defined as properties of the sources
root property of a style. The structure of a
source depends on its type. The style used in the Maps SDK contains three types of source:
vector
- vector map and traffic tilesraster
- raster map and traffic tilesgeojson
- additional elements such as chevron, gps inaccuracy radius indicator, etc.
Source layers
The source layer
property of a layer is mandatory for all layers of the vector
type. It defines
the element of a vector tile (also called a layer) which is the source of data for this layer.
As noted in the #layersLayers section, there are elements of the map that consist of multiple layers. The layers that constitute such an element might refer to the same source layer. For instance - the visual representation of a minor local toll road comprises 11 layers - one for the main part, one for the outline, another one for a road that goes through a tunnel, etc.
Check the Map Display API documentation for a complete list of vector layer sources (layers in a vector tile) used in the SDK.