Skip to content

Context Layers

Context Layers are additional spatial datasets that provide geographic context alongside your indicators. Unlike indicators, context layers are not tied to administrative boundaries or statistical values. Instead, they provide supporting information that helps users better understand what is happening on the map.


Common examples of context layers include:

  • Roads and transport networks
  • Schools and health facilities
  • Weather and early warning data
  • Satellite imagery services
  • Environmental monitoring layers


Context layers can be sourced from external APIs and map services, allowing GeoSight to display live or regularly updated spatial information alongside indicator data.


The Context Layers page allows users to:

Function Description
Create Context Layers Add new spatial layers from supported web services and datasets.
Search & Filter Locate context layers using search, sorting, and filtering tools.
Edit Context Layers Modify layer settings, URLs, labels, fields, and permissions.
Preview Layers Validate connections and view layer content before saving.
Configure Display Manage fields, labels, and styling options.
Share Access Control which users or groups can access the layer.


📝
Context Layers are designed to provide additional geographic context and are typically sourced from external APIs, map services, or cloud-hosted datasets.


Supported Context Layer Types

GeoSight supports several different context layer sources.

Layer Type Description
ArcGIS Feature services hosted in ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise.
GeoJSON Vector data provided through a GeoJSON URL.
Raster Tile XYZ tile services used for map visualization.
Raster COG Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF datasets.
Vector Tile Vector tile services delivered through XYZ endpoints.
Related Table Existing related tables managed within GeoSight.
Cloud Native GIS Layer Layers available from configured cloud-native GIS services.


Step 1: Open the Context Layers Page

The Context Layers page is the central location for managing all context layers available within GeoSight.

  1. In the left-side navigation panel, click Context Layers.

  2. Use the Search Context Layer field to locate existing layers.

  3. Select a layer checkbox to enable editing or deletion options.


Context Layers Page
Image credit: GeoSight


Step 2: Create a New Context Layer

Creating a context layer connects GeoSight to an external spatial data source.

  1. Click Create New Context Layer.

  2. Complete the required fields in the General tab.

  3. Click Save.


Create Context Layer
Image credit: GeoSight


The General tab contains the connection settings required to access the layer.

Field Description
Name The display name of the context layer.
Description Optional information describing the layer.
Category The category used to organize context layers.
URL The service URL used to access the layer.
Layer Type Defines the type of service or dataset being connected.
ArcGIS Config Optional ArcGIS authentication profile.
Token / Username / Password Optional credentials required to access secured services.


📝
ArcGIS Enterprise services often require authentication. You can either configure an ArcGIS connection profile or provide credentials directly when creating the layer.


Step 3: Preview the Layer

Before saving, GeoSight can preview the layer and validate the connection.

  1. Open the Preview tab.

  2. Verify that the layer loads successfully.

  3. Review the map display for any errors or missing data.


Preview Layer
Image credit: GeoSight


If the connection is unsuccessful, verify:

  • The service URL is correct
  • Authentication credentials are valid
  • The service is publicly accessible or properly secured
  • The selected layer type matches the service


Step 4: Review Fields

The Fields tab allows users to review the attributes available within the layer. This step is useful for validating the structure of the dataset before it is used within projects and dashboards.

  1. Open the Fields tab.

  2. Verify that the expected fields are present.

  3. Review field names and attribute values.


Fields Tab
Image credit: GeoSight


Step 5: Configure Labels

Labels control how information is displayed directly on the map.

  1. Open the Label tab.

  2. Configure the label field and display settings.

  3. Preview the labels.

  4. Save your changes.


Label Configuration
Image credit: GeoSight


Managing Existing Layers

The Context Layers table provides several tools for managing existing layers.

Action Description
Edit Modify layer settings, fields, labels, or permissions.
Delete Remove a context layer from GeoSight.
Share Manage access permissions.
Search Find layers using keywords.
Sort Arrange records in ascending or descending order.
Filter Display layers matching specific criteria.


Next up: Learn how to configure Filters and Widgets to create interactive dashboards and improve user-driven exploration of your GeoSight data.