Map Visualization Tutorial

This tutorial will guide you through creating a complete map visualization using Nika’s powerful mapping tools. You’ll learn how to create maps, add different types of data layers, and style them effectively to create compelling visualizations.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to:

Create a new map from scratch
Add vector, raster, and image data layers
Style different layer types for optimal visualization
Organize and manage your map layers
Export your final visualization

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

Access to NikaWorkspace
Sample data files ready (we’ll provide examples)
A modern web browser

Step 1: Create Your First Map

Access NikaMap

Navigate to NikaMap: In NikaWorkspace, click on the Globe icon in the left sidebar
View Map List: You’ll see a list of your existing maps on the left panel
Create New: Click the ”+” button and then the “New Map” button to create a new one

Name Your Map

Right-click on your new map to open the rename dialog
Enter a descriptive name like “My Visualization Project”
Click “Save” to finalize

Pro Tip: Use clear, descriptive names that will help you identify your map later.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sample Data

For this tutorial, you’ll need three types of sample data:

Vector Data (Download Sample File)

GeoJSON file: Contains point, line, or polygon features
Shapefile: Traditional GIS vector format
CSV with coordinates: Tabular data with latitude/longitude columns

Raster Data (Download Sample File)

GeoTIFF: High-quality raster imagery or elevation data
COG: Cloud optimized geotiff raster images with the same file extension as .tiff or .tif

Image Data (Download Sample File)

JPEG: High-resolution images for overlay

Download Sample Data: Click links above to download if you do not have some of these formats to try in NikaMap

Step 3: Add Vector Layers

Upload Vector Data

Open Files Panel: Click “Files” in the left sidebar
Select your vector file (GeoJSON, Shapefile, or CSV)
Right-click and select “Add to Map” with your map selected
Wait for processing - larger files may take a moment

Verify Layer Addition

Check the layers panel on the left side
Your vector layer should appear in the list
Layer will be visible on the map automatically

Step 4: Style Your Vector Layers

Access Vector Styling

Right-click on your vector layer in the layers panel
Select “Layer Styles” from the context menu
Styling panel opens with customization options

Customize Vector Appearance

For Point Layers:

Icon Color: Set point symbol color using the color picker
Opacity: Adjust transparency (0-100%)

For Line Layers:

Line Color: Choose line color from the color picker
Line Width: Set thickness using the slider (in pixels)
Opacity: Control transparency

For Polygon Layers:

Fill Color: Set interior color of polygons
Opacity: Adjust fill transparency
Line Color/Width: Customize polygon borders

Layer Organization

Reorder layers by dragging them in the layers panel
Bottom layers appear on top of the map
Toggle visibility using the eye icon

Step 5: Add and Style Raster Layers

Upload Raster Data

Select your raster file (GeoTIFF, JPEG with georeference)
Add to map drag the .tiff file from your desktop into middle section of the opened NikaMap to upload it directly
Wait for processing - raster files may take longer

Access Raster Styling

Right-click on your raster layer
Select “Layer Styles” to open the styling panel

Choose Visualization Type

Single Channel Mode:

Select one band (b1, b2, b3, etc.)
Set data range using min/max sliders
Apply color map (grayscale, blues, greens, etc.)

RGB Channels Mode:

Assign bands to Red, Green, and Blue channels
Set individual ranges for each color channel
Create natural or false color composites

Adjust Data Range

View histogram showing data distribution
Drag sliders to set optimal min/max values
See real-time updates on the map

Select Color Maps

Choose from various color schemes:

Grayscale: For general data visualization
Sequential colors: For continuous data (elevation, temperature)
Specialized: Rainbow, Viridis, Plasma for complex data

Step 6: Add Image Overlays

Upload Image Data

Select your image file (JPEG, PNG)
Add to map using drag-and-drop or right-click
Position appropriately in the layer stack

Image Layer Management

Adjust opacity to blend with underlying layers
Reorder layers to control stacking
Toggle visibility as needed

Step 7: Finalize Your Visualization

Layer Organization

Arrange layers logically: Background to foreground
Set appropriate opacity for each layer
Ensure proper stacking order

Export Your Map

Right-click on individual vector layers to export as GeoJSON
Right-click on layer groups to export as GeoPackage
Choose destination: Desktop or NikaWorkspace storage

Publish your map for public sharing
Collaborate with team members
Export high-resolution images for presentations

Best Practices for Map Visualization

Data Preparation

Use appropriate file formats for your data type
Ensure proper coordinate systems (will auto-convert to EPSG:3857)
Keep file sizes reasonable for optimal performance

Visual Design

Choose complementary colors for different layer types
Use opacity effectively to show multiple layers
Consider colorblind-friendly color schemes when possible

Performance Optimization

Limit the number of simultaneous layers
Simplify complex geometries when possible
Use appropriate zoom levels for detailed data

Layer Management

Use descriptive names for all layers
Group related layers together
Remove unused layers to keep maps clean

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Layer Not Appearing

Check visibility: Ensure the eye icon is enabled
Zoom to layer: Double-click layer name to zoom to extent
Verify coordinate system: Data should have proper spatial reference

Performance Issues

Reduce file sizes: Simplify large datasets
Limit active layers: Hide unnecessary layers
Refresh browser: Clear cache if needed

Styling Problems

Reset styling: Use reset button in styling panel
Check data ranges: Ensure min/max values are appropriate
Verify layer order: Ensure proper stacking

Next Steps

Now that you’ve mastered basic map visualization:

Explore Advanced Styling: Learn about attribute-based styling and custom color schemes
Create Interactive Maps: Add popups and interactive features
Collaborative Mapping: Work with team members on shared projects
Publish and Share: Make your visualizations public

Need Help?

Guides: Use the /guides tab for detailed tutorials
Community: Ask questions in our community forum
Support: Send us a support request

Happy visualizing!

Tutorials

Map Visualization

Data Analysis

Best Practices