Custom map types are designed to represent a number of default styles of maps. There's also overlap between these options.
Not all custom map types may have designed behavior as the mapping enumeration preceded the chart plotter integration by a few years.
I didn't design or implement the integration on the chart plotter so the details are a bit fuzzy. By memory, this is what I remember for how it was integrated:
- Shaded Relief is any kind of map with artificial light based shading. This is the traditional default type of imagery. This is always the bottom layer.
- Satellite Imagery refers to either Satellite Imagery or Aerial Imagery. This is controlled through the photo layer. This is always the middle layer under photo overlay.
- Topographic raster implies a map that combines land based contours with land based shading. I'm unclear on how exactly this layer is integrated on the chart plotter.
- Raster Nautical Chart (commonly referred to as RNC) is a rasterized version of a nautical chart. This layer is used as a vector replacement. I believe there may be a special case where RNC is the only raster layer where it is instead displayed as a Shaded Relief layer.
There isn't a way to adjust the colors in a raster layer with the IMC. Internally, we use a complicated INI format that operates on each individual layer but it would be impossible to integrate this in a way that isn't overwhelmingly confusing for a standard user.
Haha! I called you Gary... Sorry, Gregory. I posted this thread while I was walking out the door for work.
I appreciate all that info! That's good stuff to know. I read/saw your reply right away, and I thank you for replying so quickly whenever we seek help here. I hope you do not mind if I asked a few more questions...
Which of those options would be best to have as a base layer when using satellite imagery as a photo overlay?
I processed ESRI's Topo US maps through IMC, but it looks extremely "light" on my unit. I can see it clearly on my computer screen, but it's barely legible on my HDS. I accidentally processed it as a "satellite image," so it was a Photo Overlay. I'm currently waiting for it to be re-processed, and I hope it's not as "light." The map was completely bright white outside the borderline, so I was thinking it may show up better if it were layered atop another map. I mention all this... because... I'm wondering if I should have a base layer for my topo map? Would this help see it better on the unit? I have attached a screen shot from my computer of the map in question, and I'll take a screen shot from my unit later. Just to better illustrate what I'm referring.
Are we able to combine these layers you mention? For example, create a shaded relief map with a topographic map layered over it.
I sure hope I'm understand this and articulating my thoughts correctly.
As always, THANK YOU GREGORY. Your help is invaluable.