Map layer

A map layer is used mainly to add terrain and satellite imagery to a scene. Additionally, you can use a map layer in ArcGIS CityEngine to control the Grow streets tool and CGA rule attributes.

A terrain map layer with a height map is used to generate the terrain mesh with a texture image for colorizing.

The following are the most common types of map layers:

Terrain layer	Terrain layers create a textured terrain based on a height map image and texture image. This is the most common map layer type.
Texture layer	Texture layers create a flat horizontal plane in a scene. This layer type is useful for water bodies.

The following auxiliary map layer types are used to influence the behavior of procedural functions:

Obstacle layer	Obstacle layers define the areas where the street grow algorithms are prohibited to create streets.
Mapping layer	Mapping layers control the height or usage type of a building based on its location.
Function layer	Function layers generate information for each location on the map using a mathematical function.

You can use the following workflows when working with map layers:

Edit map layers	Edit map layer parameters such as map files, positioning bounds, and the elevation offset.
Selecting image maps	Use Boolean attributes to select elements in image maps.

Map layer considerations

Consider the following when working with map layers:

• You select a map layer in the Scene Editor window. Map layers are not selectable in the Viewport window.
• You can move and scale a map layer but not rotate it.