You can define a WMS layer in Synovia using a URL and add the layer over any of the map screens.

Note: In previous versions of our software, you could define a layer using a shapefile as well. (A shapefile is a format for storing the geometric location and attribute data of geographic features.) We no longer support this feature, as it isn't compatible with our implementation of ALK Maps. Instead, if you have a shapefile you used in the past (such as one with county boundaries), check to see if it is publicly available from a WMS service so that you can add it as outlined below.

Note: For more information about the WMS Layers screen, see Navigating the WMS Layers Screen.

To add a WMS layer using a URL, follow these steps:


  1. Click  >> WMS Layers.
     
    The WMS Layers screen will appear.
         
  2. Click  at the top right of the screen.
     
    The Add New WMS Layer screen will appear.
         
  3. Click the Type drop-down arrow and select URL.
      
    The WMS Layer Details fields will appear.
       
  4. Type a name for the WMS layer in the Label box.
     
  5. In the Description box, add text to explain what the layer will display on the map screens.
     
  6. You can leave the Opacity field at the default of 50, which will display the layer as 50% opaque, or select the "50" and type a different value.
      
  7. Specify the URL in the URL box.
    Note: It's recommended to copy and paste the URL from the source.
  8. Click the Projection drop-down arrow and select the EPSG (European Petroleum Survey Group) map projection for the web map service layer you are using.
    Note: You can find the projection to use in the WMS_Capabilities XML spec document for the web map service. Search for the <CRS> node in the layer of the spec you want to use; it will have the EPSG values needed. Select just one of these: Synovia supports 3395, 3857, and 4326. If the spec lists more than one of these, you can choose either.
     
  9. In the WMS Version box, type (or copy and paste) the version number for the WMS layer, such as 1.3.0.
    Note: You can also find the version number to use in the WMS_Capabilities XML spec document. Look for version= at the top of the spec. 
     
  10. In the Layer box, specify the name of the layer you want to use from the service.
    Note: You can find the layer name in the WMS_Capabilities XML spec document as well. Search for the <Name> attribute in the layer you want to use and input its value in the Layer box. Sometimes the name will be just a number, such as 1; other times it will be more descriptive, such as ElectricServiceArea.
     
     
  11. Click  at the top right of the screen.
     
    Your layer will appear in the WMS Layers list.
     
  12. To add the WMS layer to a map screen, hover your cursor over  at the top right of the map.
     
    The map layer options will appear.
      
  13. Click the check box to the left of the layer name.