Load Overlay Layer File

 

To load an existing overlay file, select Overlay>Load File>Overlay Layer File… on the menu bar at the top of the Map Module.

Data tab

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The Load Overlay Layer File Data tab

Load Layer File As

Normal Overlay Data - This option copies the layer into the overlay file.  

Associated (Read Only) Layer - This option stores a link to the layer file.  As an associated layer, Petra loads information from the external layer file, rather than from the overlay layer.  This is a good choice for shared data that is frequently updated.

Layer File To Load

Browse - This button navigates to the Overlay Layer File (*.LAY) to import.

Load Into Layer

The Load Into Layer dropdown menu , click the drop down box to select the layer where Petra is to store the layer File.  

Replace Current Data in Layer - This option completely clears the selected destination layer before importing the layer file.

Merge File with Current Data In Layer -  This option adds new data to the overlay layer without erasing any old data in the layer.  

Options tab

The Options tab gives further control over how Petra imports these Layer Files.  For most imports, leave these on the default settings shown below.

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The Load Overlay Layer File Options tab

Recompute XY's from LatLons During Load – This option uses the LatLons from the overlay layer file to recalculate the XY position.  When the LatLons from the file use the same reference datum as the project, this option ensures that the XYs are using the correct map projection.  This option is on by default, and should be left on for most layer files.

Rename Layer Using Layer Name In File – This option renames the active overlay layer to use the layer name from the origin overlay file.  Deselecting this option leaves the layer name as is.

Replace Overlay Palette with Palette From Layer File – Overlay Palettes are the sets of colors Petra uses to draw overlay features.  There is one set for lines and text, as well as one set for fill colors.  Changing colors in the palette will change all of one color to another color.  For example, replacing red with green in the line and text color palette will change all red text and lines in the overlay to green.  This option will tell Petra to replace the existing Palette of colors with those stored in the overlay layer file.