Adding Layers to Map

Use the View toolbar button to open the layer panel. The layer panel contains toggles for all available data layers organized by category.

Click the checkbox next to a layer name to add or remove it from the map. Some layers have additional options (such as opacity sliders or sub-layer toggles) that appear when the layer is active.

Available layer categories include:

• Flood Zones — FEMA NFHL flood hazard boundaries
• Sea Level Rise — Projected inundation at various rise scenarios
• Storm Surge — Hurricane surge levels by category
• Elevation — Color-coded terrain elevation view
• Buildings — 3D building footprints from OpenStreetMap

Active Layers

Active layers are shown in the layer panel with a checked checkbox. The order of layers in the panel reflects their draw order on the map.

When multiple flood layers are active simultaneously, they blend together to show compound risk. You can adjust individual layer opacity using the slider that appears beneath each active layer.

To quickly hide all layers, use the master toggle at the top of the layer panel.

Legend

The legend appears automatically when data layers are active. It displays color ramps and symbology for each visible layer, helping you interpret the map.

The legend updates dynamically as you toggle layers on and off. When exporting an image, the legend is embedded in the output.

Object Information

Use the Inspect tool (I) to click on any object in the scene and view its properties. For buildings, this includes address, footprint area, and elevation data. For flood zones, it shows the zone designation and base flood elevation.

The information panel appears as a popup near the clicked location and can be dismissed by clicking elsewhere or pressing Escape.

Map Navigation

Navigate the 3D scene using your mouse or trackpad:

On touch devices, use one finger to pan, two fingers to pinch-zoom and rotate.

Use the compass rose (bottom-right) to reset the view to north. The + and − buttons provide step zoom.

2D / 3D Mode

Press T to toggle between a top-down 2D view and an angled 3D perspective. In top-down mode, the camera looks straight down with no tilt, which is useful for measuring areas and comparing layer boundaries.

The Mode toolbar also offers Diorama, Section, and Immersive presets that adjust the camera, clipping, and scene presentation.

Color Mode

The application supports light and dark base tones for the terrain and buildings. Use the Controls panel to switch color modes. Dark mode is the default and provides better contrast for flood visualization overlays.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Basemap Selection

Click the Basemaps button in the toolbar to choose between three base layer styles:

• Aerial Imagery — Satellite / orthophoto base with realistic ground texture.
• Diagram — Simplified cartographic style optimized for data overlay readability.
• 3D Detailed — Google / Cesium photorealistic 3D tiles for an immersive view.

The active basemap is highlighted with a border. Switching basemaps preserves your current camera position and active layers.

Measurement

Activate the Measure tool by pressing M or clicking the ruler icon in the Edit toolbar. Click points on the map to create measurement segments. The tool displays distance in feet and meters.

Double-click or press Escape to finish a measurement. Measurements persist on screen until you start a new one or switch tools.

Section Cut

The Section Cut tool (S) lets you slice through the 3D terrain and buildings to reveal cross-sectional views. Click two points on the map to define the cut plane.

Once active, the section cut shows a profile view with elevation data. This is useful for understanding how flood levels relate to terrain height at specific locations.

Inspect

The Inspect tool (I) enables point-and-click querying of map features. Click on buildings, flood zones, or terrain to see attribute data in a popup.

Building inspections show estimated floor elevations, footprint area, and structure type when available. Flood zone inspections show FEMA zone designations and base flood elevations.

Build & Edit

The Build tool (B) allows you to place and scale adaptation structures on the map. Use it to prototype seawalls, berms, elevated structures, and other flood mitigation features.

Press K to clear the current site and remove all placed objects. The build tool works in conjunction with the flood simulation to show how adaptation features affect inundation.

Export

The Export toolbar provides three output formats:

• PNG — High-resolution screenshot of the current view with legend overlay.
• MP4 — Record a video of camera movement or simulation playback.
• GLB — Export the 3D scene as a downloadable model file.

Exported images include the active legend and a metadata watermark. Videos capture at the current viewport resolution.

Data Sources

This application integrates data from multiple authoritative sources:

• Elevation — USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP)
• Buildings — OpenStreetMap contributors
• Flood Zones — FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL)
• Tides & Water Levels — NOAA Tides & Currents
• Sea Level Rise Projections — Tampa Bay Climate Science Advisory Panel (CSAP)
• 3D Tiles — Google / Cesium photorealistic tiles

Data is provided as-is for research and demonstration purposes. Always consult primary sources for planning or regulatory decisions.