How to Read Geospatial Map Layers
A practical ZENSE map guide: choose layers, check source timestamps, distinguish observations from calculations, and understand satellite, aviation and water data limits.
· ZYNTLA SPACE
1. Start with a question and an area
Define the question, such as transport context in a province or water information for an area. Find the location and choose a useful zoom level. Multiple layers can reveal context, but proximity alone does not establish a causal relationship.
2. Choose a small set of relevant layers
Begin with one or two categories in Layers: mobility, satellites and Earth imagery, or water and flooding. Search for relevant layers and turn off unrelated ones to reduce clutter. Read descriptions and access requirements; some layers depend on your plan or feed availability.
3. Check what each timestamp represents
Ingestion time can differ from an event time or image acquisition time. Check individual record timestamps and product dates. Refreshing the page does not make the data live. Unknown timestamps or expired data cannot confirm the current situation.
4. Separate observations from calculations
Observations are reported by a source, while satellite positions and passes may be calculated from orbital data. Read predictions together with their input times and assumptions. An overhead satellite position does not prove image acquisition. Test fixtures and scenarios are not real events.
5. Review limitations before deciding
Aircraft and vessel feeds can have gaps; imagery can be old or incomplete. A water footprint alone does not establish depth, damage or affected population. Missing records do not establish that an event is absent. Consult the responsible authorities for safety decisions.
6. Start using ZENSE
Open the map and sign in or register through the account icon. Select your area and relevant layers. If a layer is missing, check whether it is enabled, review account access and any available source status. Contact support if the issue persists.