Transect's interactive map gives you a powerful way to visualize your project area and pinpoint potential risks at a glance. In this article, we'll walk you through the map's features and functionality, including information about our data source, Mapbox.
Here's what we'll cover:
Overview of the Map
The map visualizes your area of interest and includes various layers that identify associated features and risks. The section below shows you exactly where to find a layer's data source.
Our map data comes from Mapbox, a leading provider of high-quality map data and geospatial tools. Mapbox powers the underlying map tiles and data behind our interactive map. You can learn more about Mapbox and their data at www.mapbox.com.
Key Map Features
Navigation
Getting around the map is easy — use your mouse or the toolbar on the right-hand side. You can also right-click anywhere on the map to view associated metadata or jump straight to Street View.
Street View can only be used in areas that have mapped streets. For the best results, switch your map view to "Streets" from the dropdown, then right-click on the nearest street. If there's no street view imagery available for that spot, Google Maps will let you know.
From the toolbar, you can:
- Search: Find ideal project sites by address, APN, or coordinates.
Zoom: Use the +/- icons, or your mouse's scroll wheel, to zoom in and out.- Ruler: Measure the distance between points — just click on the map to place a vector, then click again to measure.
- Trash: Remove any drawn items (polygons or lines) from the Map.
- Save Image: Download your current map view as a PDF, PNG, or JPG for easy reference later.
- Full screen: View Transect in full screen with one click. To exit, click the icon again or hit ESC.
- Download KML: Export your drawn polygons to a KML file.
Map Layers
The Map Layers widget lets you bring environmental data, political boundaries, infrastructure networks, and other pre-loaded datasets right into your map view.
- Viewing Layers: Check the box next to any layer to populate it on the map. Click the heart icon to favorite a layer, and it'll appear in your "Favorites" bucket at the top of the list.
- Adding/Removing Layers: Select Add/Edit Layers in the Map Layer Manager to customize your layer list. Available layers will be shown on the left, with your already-added layers on the right.
- Viewing Layer Data: Want more detail on a layer? Click the dropdown next to its name to see the opacity, labels (if applicable), legend, and a description of the source data.
Troubleshooting
Running into an issue with the map? Here are some common hiccups and how to fix them:
- Map Not Loading: This is usually related to internet speed or similar factors. Start by refreshing your browser and clearing your cache and cookies.
- Map Loading Slowly: Take a look at how many data layers you have applied — fewer layers means faster loading. If you're using the Parcel Filter, try applying additional filters to narrow down the number of parcels shown.
- Incorrect Data: Notice something off in the map data? Let us know at support@transect.com with the details, and we'll take a look.
Want more troubleshooting tips? Click here to learn about resolving slow loading times and other issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often is the map data updated?
Our data layers are updated regularly, but if you ever spot a discrepancy, please let us know. Mapbox, our map imagery provider, updates on a rolling basis and notes that refresh rates depend on location — cities and suburbs tend to get updated more frequently than rural areas. - Can I use the map on my mobile device?
Yes! It works best on larger screens, like iPads, and we've recently made improvements to make working with map layers on mobile even easier. - What browsers are supported?
For the smoothest experience, we recommend Chrome or Edge. - How do I measure distances on the map?
Just use the ruler tool in the upper right-hand corner of the Map:.
Still have questions? We're happy to help — click the chat icon in the lower right corner, or email us at support@transect.com.