# Overlay Layers

{% hint style="info" %}
This article covers:

* [Viewing data in the map viewer](#viewing-data-layers-in-the-map-viewer)
* [Layer values](#layer-values)
* [Viewing metadata](#viewing-metadata)
  {% endhint %}

## Viewing Data Layers in the Map Viewer

To view the list of data layers contained in the project click 'Overlay Layers' or the layer stack <img src="/files/6vhglBYThIbIUhL5nsPE" alt="" data-size="line"> icon.\
\
In most projects, layers will be organized into folders. Click the arrow <img src="/files/mHfHoIcpoDFhzSXqzkl5" alt="" data-size="line"> next to a folder to expand the contents. Check the box next to a layer name to add it to the map. In some cases, you can add multiple layers at a time by checking the box next to the name of the folder containing multiple layers.

<figure><img src="/files/Fsyhqs811ZK1c7rb0a7p" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Layer Values

The layer legend appears in the upper right corner. Layers may be hidden by clicking the&#x20;

Icon and clicking the      icon will reveal a menu with various options including ‘Zoom to bounds’, ‘View metadata’, ‘Download…’ (if the download feature is enabled for the layer), ‘Move to front’, ‘Move to back’ and ‘Opacity’.

<figure><img src="/files/88hzZT42zH5VseVI1ELD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Some layers will display their attributes when you hover your cursor over them. This may be a feature classification (like the example below), or a pixel value.

<figure><img src="/files/rk26HtEmn4E84ZgHYesu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Viewing Metadata

To view a layer's metadata (information about the layer), right click and select 'Metadata' from the drop down menu. The information contained in the metadata will depend on what the project administrators chose to include.

<figure><img src="/files/zHt7TW4pacA8E6ebFQCm" alt=""><figcaption><p>View metata using the context menu accessed by right clicking on a layer name. </p></figcaption></figure>

## Downloading Layers

Right clicking on a layer name may also show the option to download the layer. **This option is only available if an administrator has explicitly turned ‘on’ data downloads for this layer.** If you select ‘Download’ from the context menu, you may choose to download the layer in its original format or optional formats. The list of formats will grow over time as we develop this feature.

<figure><img src="/files/EIc8hJrs3RG0j4QQmGz2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.seasketch.org/seasketch-documentation/users-guide/overlay-layers.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
