Map Layer Import

Map Layer Import enables you to import map layers (custom GIS data) from vector or files into Touchstone. After importing the map layers, you can use the imported layers in the same way as you use AIR-provided map layers, that is, you can view exposure data with the imported map layers. You can run Geospatial Analyses with these layers. (Geospatial Analysis requires a license.)

Note:

When importing map layers, server processing times and SQL Server database server configuration will affect performance. Also, processing times vary depending on how heavily the database server is being used. Database administrators should perform regular maintenance on the database's spatial indexes to ensure optimal rendering times for the files and optimal runtime of Geospatial Analyses. Data imported as a Boundary type will be available when you configure a Custom Boundary analysis. Data imported as a Historical Event or as a World Scenario type will be available when you configure an Event Accumulation analysis. Data imported as a Hazard type will be available on the Intersect > Hazard tab when you configure any accumulation and also when you configure a Hazards and Intersections analysis.

You can import the following formats.

Vector

Raster

GeoTiff

GeoJSON

ERDAS MG

GML

ENVI

SQLite

ArcInfo ASCII

Procedure

Before importing map layers, make sure that all required component files are valid and that they are stored in the same folder. In addition, to avoid an import failure, you must be aware of some restrictions. For information about each format, see the links in the Related information section.

To import a map layer:

  1. On the Global Menu Bar, click Import > Map Layer.

    You can also select Admin > Administration Console > Object Management > Custom Map Layers > Import.

  2. In the File Selection field, navigate to the folder containing the layer that you want to import, select the file, and then click Open.
  3. Depending on the format of the file, specify a layer.

    If there is only one layer available, the layer name will be the only layer in the file and the Layer field will be grayed out.

  4. Under Import Options, specify a unique layer name, a unique group name that describes a collection of map layers associated with a given event data type, a peril (based on the data in the file), and, optionally, the event year.

    For some types of data, Map Layer Import grays out any options that are not pertinent. For example, when you import a GIS layer as a boundary, the Peril and Event Year options are dimmed because they are not valid for the boundary data type.

    The optional Label Field is used to label each boundary or polygon with the appropriate label from the legend. AIR recommends that you use it only when importing a shapefile with large polygons, not with many small polygons. Importing a shapefile with many small polygons can lead to time-outs.

    If you import a shapefile of all counties in the U.S. with a label field so that each county includes a label, there will likely be a significant increase in the rendering time of the shapefile on the map.

  5. Click Next.
  6. Specify or select Legends and Global Control options.
  7. Click Next, review the summary, and then click Import.
  8. To monitor the status of the import, open the Activity Monitor.

    When the status is “Completed,” you are ready to view the map layer or use the imported layer in geospatial analysis results.