Layers refer to landscape features that can be added to your map. To learn more about each layer type and see layers in action, visit our Design Basics article.

Creating Layers

Layers function differently than sections, in that individual layers contain a set of files with similar attributes. Some layers (e.g. headlands, access) add value by providing specific customization tools, whereby certain attributes (e.g. width) can be adjusted. In general, layers can either be drawn or uploaded to your map.

To add a layer:

1. Click New layer in your Design Toolbar.

2. Select a layer type from the dropdown.

3. In the Layer Toolbar, Click either a) Draw or b) Import KML

The Draw option allows you to manually build your layer within Overyield.
The Import KML option allows you to upload a KML file, which contains polygons reflecting different layers types. You can visit our Importing Geospatial Data article to learn more about importing geospatial files into Overyield.

4. Edit your layer feature’s specifications, including attributes like width and layer name.

Editing Layers

To edit any layer type (with the exception of Contours and Suitability):

1. Expand the Layer type you would like to edit by clicking > beside said layer.

2. Click the layer feature you would like to edit within the expanded menu.

3. Select Edit in the Design Toolbar, or click Delete to remove that feature from the map.

Click and drag the layer feature’s anchor points to the desired location.
Edit the feature’s specs (e.g. width) in the design panel.
Double click the feature to rename it.

4. Click Done when satisfied with your edits.

Creating different layer types:

Suitability

The suitability layer is built into your map, but can be activated or hidden at any time.

To view your suitability layer:

Click the Suitability layer via the Fields Panel (on the left).
In the Crops panel (on the right), select a crop from the dropdown menu.
- The suitability of this crop will automatically appear on the map.
Any constituent attribute that informs suitability can likewise be examined.
- Navigate to the Soil & Climate panel.
- Select an attribute via the dropdown menu.

Contour

Note: You CANNOT draw contour maps. While every other layer type can be drawn in the app, contour maps must be imported as KML files.

Click the Import KML button to upload a KML of your DEM (Digital Elevation Model) file to create contours on the map.
- Learn How To Create Contour Maps in QGIS

Headlands

Headlands can be drawn or imported. Headlands refer to unplanted field margins, drawn to account for tractor turnarounds, adjacent forest shade, etc.

To draw a Headland:

Select Headland → Draw via the Design Toolbar.
Drop points on the map to draw a polygon, indicating your field’s perimeter.
Press Enter to finalize the polygon.
Set a headland width in the Design Panel.
- 30 ft is a good standard headland width, but you may adjust depending on your machinery requirements and landscape.
Select Done

Roads

The Access layer refers to roads, paths, or other areas reserved for driving. Roads can be drawn in any configuration at any width, which is offset from the center of the road.

To draw a Road:

Select Access → Draw via the Design Toolbar
Click on the map to draw a line, indicating a planned or existing road.
Press Enter to finalize the road.
- You can draw multiple roads on your map.
Set a road width in the Design Panel.
Select Done

Ridges & Valleys

Ridges and Valleys are used to highlight key features such as dry and wet areas across your farm.

To draw a Ridge or Valley:

Select Ridge or Valley → Draw via the Design Toolbar.
Click the map to draw a line.
Press Enter to finalize.
- Continue clicking the map to draw additional ridges/valleys.
- There are no additional attributes for ridges/valleys.
Select Done

Buildings

The Buildings layer allows you to indicate planned or existing structures on the map.

To draw a Building:

Select Buildings → Draw via the Design Toolbar.
Click the map to draw a polygon.
Press Enter to finalize.
- Continue drawing polygons to indicate multiple structures.
Select Done
- The app will compute square footage for you, visible via the Inspect panel.

Ponds

The Ponds layer indicates water features across your map.

To draw a Pond:

Select Ponds → Draw via the Design Toolbar.
Click the map to draw a polygon
Press Enter to finalize.
- You can continue drawing polygons to represent multiple water features.
Select Done
- The app will compute total pond area for you, visible via the Inspect panel.

Fences

The Fences layer allows you to place fences on the map.

To draw Fences:

Select Fences → Draw via the Design Toolbar.
Click the map to draw a line.
Press Enter to finalize.
- You can continue drawing lines to represent separate fences.
Select Done
- The app will compute the total length of all fences for you, visible via the Inspect panel.

Farm Boundary

The Farm Boundary layer delineates the edges of your property.

To draw a Farm Boundary:

Select Farm Boundary → Draw via the Design Toolbar.
Click the map to draw a polygon, which represents the property’s perimeter.
Press Enter to finalize.
- You can continue drawing multiple contiguous or noncontiguous farm boundaries.
Select Done
- The app will compute total acres of farm for you, visible via the Inspect panel.