(note that the exact controls you see on your region’s version may differ slightly)

Show LiDAR

What it does:

Enabling the “Show LiDAR” checkbox overlays a high-resolution hillshade relief on your map. This hillshade is derived from LiDAR elevation data, providing a detailed visualization of ground elevations and terrain features.

How it works:

When checked, the system retrieves and displays a LiDAR hillshade image from the remote GIS server. As you pan and zoom, the layer updates automatically to maintain clarity and ensure you always see the most relevant part of the terrain.

How to use it:

Simply click the checkbox labeled “Show LiDAR” to toggle this layer on or off. When on, you’ll see shaded relief indicating elevation differences. Turn it off if you prefer a cleaner map or to emphasize other data layers.

Show Satellite Crop Imagery (beta)

What it does:

This feature provides recent satellite imagery styled to highlight areas prone to waterlogging or poor crop health. Although currently in beta, it can offer insights into field variability and problem zones.

How it works:

When activated, the map retrieves satellite imagery layers from an external source. These images are processed to emphasize zones of interest, such as low vigor or persistently wet areas, making it easier to identify spots that could benefit from better drainage. If no image is shown then it is likely there were no cloud free captures of your specific location during the past crop season.

How to use it:

Check the “Show Satellite Crop Imagery” box to add the imagery overlay to your map. Because it’s a beta feature, availability and performance may vary. Use it alongside other layers to gather a more comprehensive understanding of your field conditions.

Show Contours

What it does:

This option adds contour lines to the map, at a 1-foot o 10-foot (or metric equivalents) vertical interval (depending on your region). These lines represent lines of equal elevation, helping you understand subtle elevation changes across your field.

How it works:

When enabled, a contour layer is added atop the map, sourced from regional geospatial data. The contours help pinpoint ridges, depressions, and potential water flow paths.

How to use it:

Click the “Show (1ft) Contours” checkbox to reveal contour lines. Use these lines to visually assess terrain variability, confirm where drains might naturally fit, and validate other layers like LiDAR hillshade.

Show Flow

What it does:

The “Show Flow” layer displays mapped flow routes, indicating how water naturally moves over the landscape. By visualizing these routes, you can easily spot low-lying channels and optimal alignments for drainage designs. **Available in most regions, however currently limited in Eastern Canada and the UK.

How it works:

This layer draws from a precomputed flow network database. It uses topographic data to trace where water would run if left undisturbed. In regions like Western Canada and parts of the US, these flow lines are highly detailed, while in other areas they may be more generalized.

How to use it:

Check the “Show Flow” box to overlay flow lines on the map. These lines help you identify logical drainage routes and can guide you in placing mains and laterals more efficiently.

Show Land Parcels/PLSS Sections

What it does:

“LLD Sections” (Legal Land Descriptions) or Public Land Survey System (PLSS) boundaries show property boundaries, quarter-sections, and other parcel divisions relevant in places like the Canadian Prairies and some US States. In Ontario, this will show land parcel descriptions. This helps situate your field in a legal framework of land ownership and allows you to confirm that your proposed drainage routes stay within your property lines.

How it works:

When enabled, a polygonal layer representing land divisions is drawn over the map. You can zoom in to see quarter-sections, township outlines, or other legal land divisions as supported by the data.

How to use it:

Check the “Show LLD/PLSS Sections” box to see these boundaries. This is particularly useful if you’re planning drains near property edges and need to ensure compliance with regulations or coordinate with neighboring landowners.