How to Use Track Markers

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The information in this Wiki Page applies to '''TANE''', '''TRS19''', '''Trainz Plus''' and '''TRS22'''.
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The information in this Wiki Page applies to '''TANE''', '''TRS19''', '''Trainz Plus''' (in '''Surveyor Classic''' mode) and '''TRS22'''.
 
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__TOC__
 
__TOC__
 
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<td>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">In Summary:</span></td>
+
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b>In Summary:</b></span></td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Track Marks are red coloured track objects that are invisible in ''Driver Mode'' but visible in ''Surveyor Mode'''''</td>
+
<td>'''Layers are a ''Surveyor'' tool that allows you to better manage the objects that are placed in your Trainz World.'''<td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Track Marks are used as destinations or waypoints for AI driver commands'''</td>
+
<td>'''Layers are a ''Driver'' tool that allows you to change what the players see as they drive around your Trainz World.'''<td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; Font-size: 15px;">Some Helpful Tips</span><br>
 +
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 +
<tr>
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor="white" width=596>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td bgcolor="black" colspan=2>
 +
<span style="font-size: 17px; color: white; font-weight: 700;">&#160;Route Layers&#160;</span></td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Track Marks only work on AI controlled trains.''' They have no effect on manually controlled trains</td>
+
<td>'''Use Route layers for all those objects that will appear in every Session based on the Route'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
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<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>The '''direction''' that the marker is pointing has absolutely '''NO EFFECT''' on its operation</td>
+
<td>'''When you edit Route layers, <u>always</u> save the Route'''</td>
 
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</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
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<table bgcolor="black" width=600>
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<tr>
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<td>
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<table bgcolor="white" width=596>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td bgcolor="black" colspan=2>
 +
<span style="font-size: 17px; color: white; font-weight: 700;">&#160;Session Layers&#160;</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Use Session layers for all those objects that will ONLY appear in the current Session'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''When you edit Session layers, <u>always</u> save the Session'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Avoid using <span style="font-size: 15px;">"Default"</span> as the Session name'''</td>
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</tr>
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</table>
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</td>
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</tr>
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</table>
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<br>
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<table bgcolor="black" width=600>
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<tr>
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<td>
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<table bgcolor="white" width=596>
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<tr>
 +
<td bgcolor="black" colspan=2>
 +
<span style="font-size: 17px; color: white; font-weight: 700;">&#160;When Editing Layers&#160;</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Lock the layers that you are not currently editing'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Never add track objects (signals, switches, etc) to a layer that is higher up the layer list than the track layer'''</td>
 +
</tr>
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</table>
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</td>
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</tr>
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</table>
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</td>
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</tr>
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<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
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<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 
<td width=75>&nbsp;</td>
 
<td width=75>&nbsp;</td>
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepAdding|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
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<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepToolS10|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
='''What are Track Marks?'''=
 
  
The '''Trainz AI''' relies heavily on '''Track Marks''' to direct trains around a layout. They are only visible in '''Surveyor Mode'''.<br>
+
='''What Are Layers?'''=
 +
<br>
 +
Layers can contain any objects, visible and invisible, that can be placed into a layout using the Surveyor '''Object''', '''Track''' and '''Train''' tools. The layers and their contents can be hidden from view or locked against alteration whenever required. Their main use is in the development of a Route and a Session but they can also be used as a way of providing some additional novelty during a Driver session.
  
<table>
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<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td colspan=2>Track Marks are the targets for:-</td>
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<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Effect Layers Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
The special ground effects layers, '''Clutter''', '''TurfFX''' and more recently '''Water''', are not discussed here. They are more like '''Textures''' than '''Layers''' but some aspects of their use and operations are similar to the layers covered here. These special ground effects layers are saved as part of a '''Route''' but are not associated with any '''Route Layer'''.
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td width=729><span id="stepToolS10"></span>&nbsp;</td>
<td>'''Drive To Trackmark''' and '''Navigate To Trackmark''' driver commands</td>
+
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepWhat|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepToolS20|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
 +
='''The Layers Tool in Surveyor Classic (S10)'''=
 +
 +
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:SurveyorToolMenuLayers.JPG|150px]]</td>
<td>'''Drive Via Trackmark''' and '''Navigate Via Trackmark''' driver commands</td>
+
<td><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>[[file:RightArrowRed.JPG|link=]]
</tr>
+
<td>Click the '''Layers Tool''' (or press <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;F6&#160;</span>) to open up its properties.<br>
 +
[[file:LayersTools.JPG|480px]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<br>
 +
 
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td colspan=2>They can also be used as:-</td>
+
<td>
</tr>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>attachments for '''Navigation Points'''</td>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
The layers are organised into two groups:-
 +
*'''Route Layers''' in the top group, and
 +
*'''Session Layers''' in the lower group.
 +
Each group can contain multiple layers - the scroll bars next to the layer names shown on the left indicate that there are more layers in each group than can fit into the display window area.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
+
</table>
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
</td>
<td>locations for '''Coupling''' operations</td>
+
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
='''Route or Session?'''=
 
  
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
==Loading a Route and Loading a Session==
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7 width="730"> <!-- BEGIN top level -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b>In Summary:</b></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Track Marks can be placed in a Route layer or in a Session layer'''</td>
+
<td>'''Route Layers are saved with the Route. Session Layers are saved with the Session.<td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
</table>
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''If you edit a Session Layer and later load just the Route then those edits will not appear.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END top level -->
 
<br>
 
<br>
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900>
+
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor="Aquamarine"> <!-- BEGIN Trainz Wiki Link -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=896>
+
More information on creating, loading and saving '''Routes''' and '''Sessions''' can be found on the '''Trainz Wiki Page''' at '''[[Route_and_Session_Basics|Route and Session Basics]]'''
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Trainz Wiki Link -->
 +
<br>
 +
The layers you see will depend on whether you have loaded a '''Route''' by itself (with no "child" Session) or a '''Session''' and its "parent" Route.
 +
 
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN top level -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:LayersToolsRoute.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
+
<td>[[file:LayersToolsSession.JPG|link=]]</td>
----
+
<td>The first image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a '''Route only''' is loaded into Surveyor. These are the layers that are saved with the Route. '''Note that a default "session-layer" is present'''.
<table cellpadding=4>
+
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7> <!-- BEGIN 2nd level -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td width=20>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>Placing Track Marks in a '''Route layer''' (e.g. in the same layer as the track) means that they will be available in '''all Sessions''' created using that particular Route.
+
<td>'''An empty default "session-layer" is always created in the Session Layers Group when only the Route is loaded into Surveyor.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''If you load just the Route and edit its "session-layer" then those edits will not appear the next time you load just the Route''' because an empty "session-layer" is created each time a Route is loaded without a Session.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END 2nd level -->
 +
The second image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a '''Session based on that Route''' is loaded into Surveyor. It shows Route Layers and Session Layers.<br><br>
 +
 +
In both cases, the '''Route Layers''' are identical because the same Route has been loaded. A Session contains its own layers, the '''Session Layers''', that are loaded and saved with the Session but are not loaded or saved with the Route.<br>
 +
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000> <!-- BEGIN 2nd level Black Border -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td width=20>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>
<td>Placing Track Marks in a '''Session layer''' means that they will only be available in that Session. This can be useful if two or more Sessions are being created and you want to use different Track Marks (destinations and waypoints) in each Session.
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0> <!-- BEGIN 2nd level Tip -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>If you load a '''Session''' and do not want to edit any of the '''Route layers''' then click the '''Lock Route Layers''' icon on the Layers Tool
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN 3rd level -->
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Click the '''Lock Button'''
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
</table>
+
</table> <!-- END 3rd level -->
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
</table>
+
</table> <!-- END 2nd level Tip-->
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
<br> <!-- END 2nd level Black Border -->
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END top level -->
 
<br>
 
<br>
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor="Aquamarine">
+
<table bgcolor="red" cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>
<td>Information on Route and Session layers can be found at:-<br>
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc cellpadding=2>
* '''[[How to Use Layers]]'''
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">If you load a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ROUTE</span> but not the SESSION then only <span style="text-decoration: underline;">edit the Route Layers</span></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''If you edit a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">SESSION</span> or its layers then always <span style="text-decoration: underline;">save the Session</span>'''</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''When you save a new <span style="text-decoration: underline;">SESSION</span> always give it a name, do <span style="text-decoration: underline;">NOT</span> leave it as "Default"</span>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<br>
+
</td>
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
+
<tr valign="top">
+
<td width=729><span id="stepAdding"></span>&nbsp;</td>
+
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
+
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepWhat|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
+
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepOperation|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
+
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
+
</table>
  
='''Adding a Track Mark'''=
+
==Creating a New Route==
  
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900>
+
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersNewRoute.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=896>
+
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersNewRoute.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=604>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=600>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 
----
 
----
A Track Mark has two important properties:-
+
*When a brand new route is created it will come with two layers, a single '''route-layer''' and a single '''session-layer'''.
*its name which is needed for all commands and rules that use the Track Mark, and
+
*Both layers will be empty (the baseboard with its grid is saved with the route but is not in any layer).
*its '''Trigger Radius''' (the red "wings" shown in the image below, the radius value is shown below the Track Mark name). This controls how closely an AI train has to approach the marker to activate it (smaller radius = closer to the Track Mark)</td>
+
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
<tr valign="top" bgcolor=#ffffe0>
+
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td colspan=2>
<td><span style="font-weight: 700;">The direction that a Track Mark is pointing has NO EFFECT on its operation</span></td>
+
<table width=600 bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''A layer can be renamed at anytime by double clicking on its name with the left mouse button and typing a new name'''
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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</td>
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</tr>
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</table>
 +
</td>
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</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
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</tr>
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</table>
 +
 +
==The "Active Layer"==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b>In Summary:</b></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''The ''Active Layer'' is the selected (highlighted) layer.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>When you load the '''Route only''' into Surveyor, the '''first Route layer''' will be the '''Active Layer'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>When you load a '''Session''' into Surveyor, the '''first Session layer''' will be the '''Active Layer'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
In the image above, the '''route-layer''' is the '''Active Layer'''. You can change the '''Active Layer''' at any time by clicking on the name of another layer.
 
<br>
 
<br>
=='''In Surveyor Classic (S10)'''==
 
  
<span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Setting the Track Mark&#160;</span><br>
+
<table width=900>
<table>
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=484>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=464>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:TrackMarkTools.png|link=]]</td>
 
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=460>
<tr>
+
<td colspan="2">
+
----</td>
+
</tr>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
# Open the '''Track Tool'''
+
----
# Select the '''Trackmark button'''
+
The '''Active Layer''' is the "working layer" which is:-
# Select the item named '''Track Marker'''
+
*where new objects will be added to the layout
# Select the '''+''' (add) button - it may already be selected
+
*the layer that is automatically selected for merging and deleting
# '''Left''' click on the track location where the Track Mark is to be placed
+
If necessary, you can adjust the position of the Track Mark by dragging it along the track using the '''Move''' tool
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td colspan="2">
 
----</td>
 
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
When placed, the properties window for the Track Mark will appear.<br>
+
</td>
[[file:TrackMarkProperties.png|link=]]<br><br>
+
Enter a name for the Track Mark and, if needed, select a layer.</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<br>
+
</td>
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900>
+
<td width=12>&nbsp;</td>
 +
<td width=484>
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=464>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=896>
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=460>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>Enter a useful name for each Track Mark - the name will be needed for driver commands. Most creators base the name on the location (e.g. "Maintown Track 1 North")
+
<td>'''Trainz''' does not identify which is the '''Active Layer''' in '''Surveyor''' and this often leads to problems such as objects being added to the wrong layer.<br>
 +
See [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#Adding Objects To Layers|Adding Objects To Layers]]''' below for more information.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 195: Line 358:
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
<span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Set the Trigger Radius&#160;</span><br>
+
==Adding a New Layer==
At the bottom of the '''Track Tools''' flyout menu is an '''Advanced''' button. '''Left''' click this button to open the Track Mark advanced tool set.<br>
+
 
 +
<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsADD.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Click the '''Add Button'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
An '''Add layer''' dialogue window will appear.  
  
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>
+
<td>[[file:LayersAddLayer.JPG|link=]]</td>
[[file:TrackMarkRadiusTools.png|link=]]</td>
+
 
<td>
 
<td>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
Line 210: Line 380:
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Steps:'''</span><br>
* '''Left''' click the '''Advanced''' button
+
#Enter a name for the new layer
 
+
#Select the layer group, '''Route''' or '''Session''', where it will be placed
You then have a choice of methods to set and adjust the Trigger Radius of Track Marks
+
#Click the [[file:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon</td>
 
+
[[file:Ablue.png|link=]] To copy the current Trigger Radius of an existing Track Mark
+
# '''Left''' click the '''Get Trigger Radius''' icon
+
# '''Left''' click the Track Mark whose radius you want to copy - the radius will be copied into the Trigger Radius value box (the default value is 20.00 metres)
+
 
+
[[file:Bblue.png|link=]] To manually alter the Trigger Radius
+
:* Type the new value (in metres) into the Trigger Radius value box
+
 
+
[[file:Cblue.png|link=]] To apply a value in the Trigger Radius value box (from methods [[file:Ablue.png|link=]], [[file:Bblue.png|link=]] or [[file:Dblue.png|link=]]) to another Track Mark
+
# '''Left''' click the '''Set Trigger Radius''' icon
+
# '''Left''' click on the Track Mark that is to receive the new value (you can click on more than one)
+
 
+
[[file:Dblue.png|link=]] To adjust the value up or down
+
# '''Left''' click the '''Adjust Trigger Radius''' button
+
# Select the Track Mark
+
# Hold down the '''Left''' mouse button and move the mouse forward (to increase the value) or backwards (to reduce the value)
+
# The new value will be immediately applied to the selected Track Mark as the mouse moves (but only one marker at a time)
+
</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td colspan="2">
 
<td colspan="2">
 
----</td>
 
----</td>
</tr>
 
</table></td>
 
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
+
<table bgcolor=#000000>
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=896>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>Once you have a Trigger Radius entered in the value box, you can apply it to any number of Track Marks by using method [[file:Cblue.png|link=]] shown above
+
<td>You can easily rename the layer or move it to the other layer group if you change your mind.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 254: Line 405:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<br>
 
=='''In Surveyor 2.0 (S20)'''==
 
  
<span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Adding a Track Mark&#160;</span><br>
+
==Deleting a Layer==
  
[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]] In the '''Asset Palette''' either:-
+
<table bgcolor="red" width=300>
<table width=1000>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table border=1>
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=296>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td width=250 align="center">[[image:Ablue.png|link=]] '''Left''' click the '''Track Mesh Filter''' icon<br>
+
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
[[image:TrackMeshFilter.png|link=|alt=Track mesh]]
+
<td><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">WARNING:</span><br>
 +
'''Deleting Layers''' cannot be undone
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
</td>
 
<td width=50 align="center"><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">OR</span></td>
 
<td>
 
<table border=1>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td align="center">[[image:Bblue.png|link=]] '''Left''' click the '''Content Drop-down Box'''<br>
 
[[image:FilterSelect.png|link=|alt=Filter List]]<br>
 
Then select '''Track Objects'''<br>
 
[[image:FilterSelectTrackType.png|link=|alt=Track Objects]]
 
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
</td>
+
<br>
<td>
+
<table>
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=400 cellpadding=2>
+
<tr>
 +
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Select the layer to be deleted and click the '''Delete Button'''. <span style="background-color: yellow; font-weight: 700;"> If you don't select a layer to delete then Trainz will select the current Active Layer. </span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=900>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=396 cellpadding=2>
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=896>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]] <span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; color: white; background-color: blue;">&#160;Shortcut&#160;</span><br>
+
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
If you already have a '''Track Mark''' in your route then:-
+
<td>'''Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer''' except objects that are "Bound" to that layer. See [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The Bound Layer|The Bound Layer]]''' section below.</td>
# select the '''Eyedropper Tool''' in the '''Tools Palette''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;R&#160;</span> key)
+
# '''Left''' click on the existing '''Track Mark''' object
+
This will instantly select the '''Track Mark''' in the filter list.<br>
+
 
+
Jump down to '''Step [[image:DotPoint5.JPG|link=]]''' below.</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
</table>
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>In '''TRS19''' and later '''Trainz''' versions there will be a delay when deleting a layer. The delay will be indicated by a progress bar but can take several minutes on very large routes.<br>
 +
<span style="color: white; background-color: red; font-weight: 700;">&nbsp;Resist any urge to click the Cancel button&nbsp;</span><br>
 +
This delay will occur '''every time''' a layer is deleted.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Due to a "bug" '''deleting a layer that contains a ruler will not delete the ruler'''. It will be hidden from view but it may reappear if another layer with the same name as the deleted layer is created or it will, eventually, reappear in the '''route-layer'''.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 304: Line 453:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<br>
+
 
[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]] To narrow down the filter list, type "mark" ('''UPPER/lower''' case does not matter) in the '''Search Text Box'''<br>
+
If the layer being deleted is empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-
<table width=1000>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
+
<td>[[image:FilterSelectSearch.png|link=|alt=Text search]]</td>
+
<td><br>[[image:DotPoint3.JPG|link=]] This will list all the '''Track Objects''' containing the text "mark" in the filter list.<br>
+
 
<table>
 
<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>[[file:LayerDeleteEmpty.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td colspan="2">
 +
----</td>
 +
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:FilterSelectTrackMark.png|link=|alt=Filtered list]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:Choices.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td valign="middle">[[image:DotPoint4.JPG|link=]] Select the item '''Track Mark'''.<br><br>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Choices:'''</span><br>
If you are not sure about an asset then '''double-click''' on the name to bring up its image and description.</td>
+
*Click '''Yes''' to delete the layer
 +
*Click '''No''' to cancel the delete operation</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td colspan="2">
 +
----</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 320: Line 479:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
[[image:DotPoint5.JPG|link=]] Place the '''Track Mark''' on the track.<br>
+
 
<table width=1000>
+
If the layer being deleted is NOT empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-
<tr valign="top">
+
 
<td>[[image:TrackmarkAdd_S20.png|link=|alt=Add trackmark]]<br>
+
<table>
<br>
+
<tr>
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=480 cellpadding=2>
+
<td>[[file:LayerDeleteNotEmpty.JPG|link=]]</td>
<tr valign="top">
+
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=476 cellpadding=2>
+
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td colspan="2">
 +
----</td>
 +
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:Choices.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Choices:'''</span><br>
----
+
*Click '''Merge''' to merge this layer and its contents into another layer. See '''Merging Layers''' below for more information
To delete a '''Track Mark''' (or any asset):-
+
*Click '''Delete''' to delete the layer and its contents
# select either the:-
+
*Click '''Cancel''' to cancel the delete operation</td>
#* '''Free Move Tool''' (or press <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;S&#160;</span>) or
+
#* '''Fine Adjustment Tool''' (or press <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span>)
+
# '''Left''' click on the '''Track Mark'''
+
# press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Delete&#160;</span> key
+
</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td colspan="2">
 +
----
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<br>
+
 
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=460>
+
==Merging Layers==
 +
 
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=300>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=456>
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=296>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>If you need to rotate the '''Track Mark''' to face the opposite direction then:-
+
<td><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">WARNING:</span><br>
# '''Left''' click on its '''Context Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected)
+
'''Merging Layers''' cannot be undone
# from the popup menu select '''Rotate Trackside'''
+
</td>
But note that the direction it faces has no effect on its operation.</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 361: Line 523:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
</td>
+
<br>
<td>
+
<table>
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
+
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
+
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG|link=]]</td>
----</td>
+
<td>Select the layer to be merged into another layer and click the '''Merge Button'''. <span style="background-color: yellow; font-weight: 700;"> If you don't select a layer to merge then Trainz will select the current Active Layer. </span></td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b>In Summary:</b></span></td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
+
</tr>
<table>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:DotPoint1Blue.png|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>Select the '''Placement Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;E&#160;</span> key) from the '''Tools Palette'''</td>
+
<td>'''Merging a layer into another layer will move ALL the objects from the first layer into the second layer.''' The first layer, which is now empty, will then be deleted. </td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:DotPoint2Blue.png|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Left''' click on the track at the position where you want to place the '''Track Mark'''</td>
+
<td>'''Once layers have been merged they cannot be separated.'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
The '''Track Mark''' can be easily moved if needed - see below.
+
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=900>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>In '''TRS19''' and later '''Trainz''' versions there will be a delay when merging a layer. The delay will be indicated by a progress bar but can take several minutes on very large routes.<br>
 +
<span style="color: white; background-color: red; font-weight: 700;">&nbsp;Resist any urge to click the Cancel button&nbsp;</span><br>
 +
This delay will occur '''every time''' a layer is merged.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
<tr>
+
</table>
<td colspan="2">
+
----</td>
+
</tr>
+
</table><br>
+
[[image:Tools_S20.png|link=|alt=Tools and keymap for S20]]
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
<span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Set the Track Mark Properties&#160;</span><br>
+
 
<table width=900>
+
The layer merge dialogue window will appear as shown below:-
 +
 
 +
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:TrackmarkAdjust_S20.png|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:LayersMergeInto.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>[[image:DotPoint3Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Change Its Name</span><br>
+
<td>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
Line 405: Line 573:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Steps:'''</span><br>
# '''Left''' click on the '''Context Tool''' ([[image:DotPoint3Blue.png|link=]] in the image on the left or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected) to open up the object property and control menu
+
#Select the '''destination layer''' for the merge
# '''Left''' click on '''Edit Properties''' option
+
#Click the [[file:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon
# enter a name for the '''Track Mark'''
+
The '''Merge into:''' list shows all the available layers with no distinction between Route Layers and Session Layers</td>
# click the [[image:Tick.PNG|link=]] to accept the change or the [[image:Cross.PNG|link=]] to reject it
+
</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td colspan="2">
 
<td colspan="2">
 
----</td>
 
----</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 +
==Locking Layers==
 +
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>It is good practice to '''LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing.''' This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally adding objects to the wrong layer.
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 422: Line 604:
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
[[image:DotPoint4Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Set its Trigger Radius</span><br>
+
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
The '''Trigger Radius''' controls how closely an AI train has to approach the marker to activate it (smaller radius = closer to the Track Mark).<br>
+
<tr valign="top">
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
+
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<tr>
+
<td>If you '''LOCK''' or '''UNLOCK''' a Route Layer while editing a Session then you will have made a change to the Route and will be asked to save both the Route and the Session when you exit Surveyor.</td>
<td colspan="2">
+
----</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
===Locking Individual Layers===
 +
 +
'''To LOCK an individual layer, click on the ''Open Padlock'' icon next to its name.''' The layer being locked does not have to be the current '''Active Layer'''.
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
+
<td>'''The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved (around the layout) or deleted''' but they can be moved to other layers.</td>
# '''Left''' click and hold down the mouse button on the '''Green Dot''' next to the '''Track Mark''' ([[image:DotPoint4Blue.png|link=]] in the image above)
+
</tr>
# While holding down the '''Left''' mouse button, move the mouse '''Forward''' or '''Backward''' to increase or reduce the trigger radius
+
</table>
 +
 
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersRouteTreesActive.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>[[file:LayersRouteTreesActiveLocked.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><br>
 +
*The first image on the left shows two Route Layers, both UNLOCKED with their Padlock icons '''Open'''. One layer, "Trees", is highlighted showing that it is the currently active layer.
 +
*The second image on the left shows the same two layers after the "Trees" layer has been LOCKED.
 +
*A locked layer can be UNLOCKED by clicking its Closed Padlock icon.<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG|link=]]<br>
 +
*Click the [[file:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon to UNLOCK the layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 +
===Locking ALL Route Layers===
 +
 +
<table>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
+
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG|link=]]</td>
----</td>
+
<td>Click the '''Lock Button'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
This will LOCK ALL the layers in the Route Layers Group. The Session Layers Group will not be affected.
 +
 
 +
The Route Layers Group can be UNLOCKED by clicking the '''Lock Button''' again.
 +
 
 +
==Moving a Layer==
 +
 
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b>Main Points:</b></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Layers can be moved up or down<br>
 +
* within the same layer group (e.g. '''Route''' or '''Session''')
 +
* between the two groups</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>A layer containing track objects (e.g. signals, switches, etc) '''CANNOT''' be placed above the layer containing the track</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
[[image:DotPoint5Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Move it Along the Track</span><br>
+
<table bgcolor="red" width=900>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=896>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
In '''TRS19''' and later '''Trainz''' versions there will be a delay when moving a layer. The delay will be indicated by a progress bar but can take several minutes on very large routes<br>
 +
<span style="color: white; background-color: red; font-weight: 700;">&nbsp;Resist any urge to click the Cancel button&nbsp;</span><br>
 +
This delay will occur '''every time''' a layer is moved.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
In the example shown below a layer created in the Route Layers Group is being moved into the Session Layers Group.
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersMove1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>[[file:LayersMove3.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
Line 449: Line 700:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Steps:'''</span><br>
# '''Left''' click and hold down the mouse button on the '''Yellow Dot''' next to the '''Track Mark''' ([[image:DotPoint5Blue.png|link=]] in the image above)
+
#Select the layer to be moved and hold down the left mouse button
# While holding down the '''Left''' mouse button, move the mouse '''Forward''' or '''Backward''' to drag the '''Track Mark''' along the track
+
#Drag the layer up or down to its new position
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 460: Line 711:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
 +
*The move can be between layer groups as shown left or within groups to move the layer to a higher or lower position in the group.
 +
*The only situation where layer order within a layer group makes any difference is when adding track objects (e.g. signals, track signs, etc) to a track.
 
<br>
 
<br>
<table width=900>
+
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:TrackmarkFineAdjust_S20.png|link=]]<td>
+
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>[[image:DotPoint6Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Reposition it Up/Down</span><br>
+
<td>When adding track objects to a track, the '''object being added must be in the same layer or in a layer below''' the layer containing the track. For more information, see the section [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The "route-layer"|The "route-layer"]]''' below.</td>
This feature allows a '''Track Mark''' to be physically placed above the track so that it will not be hidden if a consist is parked on the '''Track Mark'''.<br>
+
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=530>
+
<tr>
+
<td colspan="2">
+
----</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
+
<td>If you attempt to move a layer containing track objects, such as signals, to a position above the layer containing the track, you will get an error message.</td>
# Select the '''Fine Adjustment Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white;background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span> key)
+
</tr>
# '''Left''' click and hold down the mouse button on the '''Blue Vertical Axis Line''' above the '''Track Mark''' ([[image:DotPoint6Blue.png|link=]] in the image on the left)
+
</table>
# While holding down the '''Left''' mouse button, move the mouse '''Forward''' or '''Backward''' to move the '''Track Mark''' '''Up''' or '''Down'''
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
<tr>
+
</table>
<td colspan="2">
+
 
----</td>
+
==Hiding Layers==
 +
 
 +
To hide or show a layer click the '''Eye Icon''' next to its name.
 +
 
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersHideNone.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
*In the image shown left the two trees are in different Route Layers
 +
*All the layers have their '''Eye Icons''' set to '''Show'''
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersHideTree.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
*In the image shown left the '''Trees''' layer has its '''Eye Icon''' set to '''Hide'''<br><br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''If you attempt to add an object to a hidden layer you will receive a warning message.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Layers that are hidden when saved in ''Surveyor'' will also be hidden when loaded in ''Driver''.'''<td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=530>
+
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=729><span id="stepToolS20"></span>&nbsp;</td>
 +
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepWhat|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepRouteSession|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
 +
='''The Layers Palette in Surveyor 2.0 (S20)'''=
 +
 +
In Surveyor 2.0 (S20), currently only available to '''Trainz Plus Subscription''' holders, the '''Layers''' are found in the '''Layers Palette'''. The palettes are displayed (or hidden) from the Surveyor '''Windows Menu'''.
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:WindowsMenu_S20.png|link=|alt=Windows Menu]]<td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=526>
+
If no '''Layers Palette''' is shown on the screen then open the '''Windows Menu'''. Every available palette is listed.
 +
* '''Visible''' palettes are shown with a '''Tick'''
 +
* '''Hidden''' palettes are shown without a '''Tick'''
 +
Click on a palette name to toggle its state between '''visible''' and '''hidden'''.<br>
 +
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersPalette_S20_ListsClosed.png|link=|alt=Layers Palette in S20]]</td>
<td>If you need to return the '''Track Mark''' to its original position then:-
+
<td>The '''Layers Palette''' will show all the layers in their groups ('''Effect''', '''Route''' and '''Session''') plus the '''Ground Height''' and '''Ground Textures''' special "layers".<br>
# '''Left''' click on its '''Context Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected)
+
<br>
# from the popup menu select '''Reattach to Track'''</td>
+
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''Route Layers Group''', along with the '''Ground Height''', '''Ground Textures''' and '''Effect Layers''', are saved and loaded with the Route</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''Session Layers Group''' are saved and loaded with the Session</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 501: Line 802:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Lock the Route Layer Group&#160;</span>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
+
All the layers in the '''Route Layer Group''' can be locked against accidental alteration.<br>
[[image:DotPoint7Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Reposition the it Left/Right</span><br>
+
The '''Route Layer Group''' has a padlock icon next to its name - shown as [[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] (unlocked).  '''Left''' click on this icon to lock '''ALL''' the layers in the '''Route Layer Group'''. The icon will change to [[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] (locked) - click again to unlock all its layers.
This feature allows a '''Track Mark''' to be physically placed left or right alongside the track so that it will not be hidden if a consist is parked on the '''Track Mark'''.<br>
+
<br><br>
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=900>
+
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Open a Layer Group&#160;</span>
<tr>
+
<br>
<td colspan="2">
+
To the left of each '''Layer Group''' name is a small arrow. '''Left''' click on the arrow to open up the group.<br>
----</td>
+
<table width=1000>
</tr>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersPalette_S20_SessionLayersOpen.png|link=|alt=Layers palette with session layers open]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
+
<td>The image on the left shows that the '''Session Layers Group''' is open and its individual layers are now displayed. To close the group '''Left''' click on the arrow again.<br>
# Select the '''Fine Adjustment Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white;background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span> key)
+
The image shows that the '''Session Layers Group''' contains 3 individual layers:-
# '''Left''' click and hold down the mouse button on the '''Red Horizontal Axis Line''' on the '''Track Mark''' ([[image:DotPoint7Blue.png|link=]] in the image above)
+
* the top layer in the group is always named '''session-layer''' and is always present even in a new route where you have not yet added anything
# While holding down the '''Left''' mouse button, move the mouse '''Forward''' or '''Backward''' to move the '''Track Mark''' '''Left''' or '''Right''' of the track
+
* likewise, the top layer in the '''Route Layers Group''' is always named '''route-layer''' and is also always present
 +
* there are two user created layers named '''Track Markers''' and '''Rail Workers''' (layer names are chosen by the creator and do not necessarily indicate their contents or purpose)
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Add a New Layer&#160;</span>
 +
<br>
 +
You cannot create new layer groups but you can add new layers to a existing group.<br>
 +
Each Layer Group has a [[image:LayerAdd_S20.png|link=]] icon next to its name. '''Left''' click on the icon to add and name a new layer to that group. If you are adding a new '''Effect Layer''' then you will also have to identify the type of effect - '''TurfFX, '''Clutter''' or '''Water'''.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Renaming a Layer&#160;</span><br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td colspan=2>
+
<td width=120>[[image:LayerRename_S20.png|link=]]</td>
 
+
<td>'''Right''' click on a layer name and select '''Rename Layer..''' from the popup menu.<br><br>
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=800>
+
You will be asked to enter a new name for the layer.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Deleting a Layer&#160;</span><br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=120>[[image:LayerDelete_S20.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Right''' click on a layer name and select '''Delete Layer''' from the popup menu.<br>
 +
You will be given a warning that you are about to delete a layer.
 +
*if you confirm the delete order then the layer and '''<u>all its contents</u>''' will be deleted
 +
*depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the deleting operation
 +
*the deleted layer and its contents can be restored (after the delete has completed) using the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Ctrl&#160;</span> <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Z&#160;</span> option
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Moving a Layer&#160;</span><br>
 +
Layers can be individually moved up and down within the same layer group or between the '''Route Layers Group''' and the '''Session Layers Group'''. <br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900 cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=796>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=896 cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 
----
 
----
The '''Green Horizontal Axis Line''' also shown in the image above pointing forward from the '''Track Mark''' will move the '''Track Mark''' forward/backward regardless of whether it is on the track or not. It has the same effect as the instructions shown in [[image:DotPoint5Blue.png|link=]] <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Move it Along the Track</span> above.
 
 
</td>
 
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Moving a layer between the '''Session Layer Group''' and the '''Route Layer Group'''  will move the layer and its contents between the Route and the Session and this will affect where the layer and its contents are saved</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>There is no advantage in moving a layer '''within''' the same layer group except when preparing for a layer merge operation (see '''Merging a Layer''' below)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>layers in the '''Effect Layers Group''' cannot be moved</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>layers from the other groups cannot be moved into the '''Effect Layers Group'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 536: Line 884:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
 +
'''Left''' click on a layer name and, while holding the left button down, drag the layer up or down to its new position.
 +
*depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the move operation
 +
*the move can be reversed (after it has completed) by using the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Ctrl&#160;</span> <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Z&#160;</span> option
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Merging a Layer&#160;</span><br>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=120>[[image:LayerMerge_S20.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Right''' click on a layer name and select '''Merge Layer Up''' from the popup menu.<br>
 +
*the selected layer will be merged with the layer '''immediately above''' it
 +
*you may need to move the layer being merged into the correct position before the merge (see '''Moving a Layer''' above)
 +
*depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the merge operation
 +
*the merged layers and their contents can be restored (after the merge has completed) back into two separate layers by using the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Ctrl&#160;</span> <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Z&#160;</span> option
 +
*layers in the '''Effect Layers Group''' cannot be merged
 
</td>
 
</td>
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td colspan="2">
 
----</td>
 
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=530>
+
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Hiding Layers&#160;</span><br>
 +
Each individual layer has an '''Eye''' icon that controls the state ('''visible''' or '''hidden''') of that layer. '''Left''' click on the icon to toggle its state between '''visible''' and '''hidden'''.<br>
 +
If the '''Eye''' is:-
 +
:[[image:LayerEyerOpen_S20.png|link=]] open then layer is '''visible''' in both Surveyor and Driver
 +
:[[image:LayerEyerClosed_S20.png|link=]] closed then layer is '''hidden'''  in both Surveyor and Driver
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Locking Layers&#160;</span><br>
 +
Each individual layer has a '''Padlock''' icon that controls the state ('''locked''' or '''unlocked''') of that layer. '''Left''' click on the icon to toggle its state between '''locked''' and '''unlocked'''.<br>
 +
If the '''Padlock''' is:-
 +
:[[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] open then the layer is '''unlocked''' and can be edited
 +
:[[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] closed then the layer is '''locked''' and cannot be edited
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900 cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>
 
<td>
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=526>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=896 cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>If you need to return the '''Track Mark''' to its original position then:-
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
# '''Left''' click on its '''Context Tool''' (or press the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;T&#160;</span> key if the asset has already been selected)
+
----
# from the popup menu select '''Reattach to Track'''</td>
+
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Locking a layer will protect its contents from being individually selected, deleted and physically moved</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>New assets cannot be added to a locked layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Locked layers can still be deleted, renamed, moved and merged</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 558: Line 946:
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Setting the Active Layer&#160;</span><br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayersPalette_S20_ActiveLayer.png|link=|alt=Active layer selected]]</td>
 +
<td>the '''Active Layer''' is the layer where new objects will be automatically added when using the '''Placement Tool'''. The active layer is shown with its name on a blue background. In the image on the left the '''Rail Workers''' layer is the current '''Active Layer'''.<br>
  
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px;">Move a Track Mark to a New Layer</span><br>
+
The name of the current '''Active Layer''' is also shown in the Layer Palette Title Bar.<br>
 +
 
 +
To set a new '''Active Layer''', '''Double Left''' click on a layer name.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">Move an Object to a New Layer</span><br>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=1000>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
Line 576: Line 978:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[image:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Steps:</span><br>
+
 
# click the small arrow next to the layer name. This will open the layer properties for the selected object
 
# click the small arrow next to the layer name. This will open the layer properties for the selected object
 
# click the '''Layer''' drop down box to select a new layer for the object  
 
# click the '''Layer''' drop down box to select a new layer for the object  
Line 590: Line 991:
 
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">WARNING:</span><br>
 
<td><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">WARNING:</span><br>
You will not be allowed to place a track object in a layer that is higher up the list than the layer containing the track.
+
You will not be allowed to place a track object (e.g. a signal) in a layer that is higher up the list than the layer containing the track
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 599: Line 1,000:
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
<tr>
+
</table>
<td colspan="2">
+
</td>
----</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor="Aquamarine">
+
 
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td width=729><span id="stepRouteSession"></span>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Information on layers can be found at:-<br>
+
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
* '''[[How to Use Layers]]'''
+
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepToolS20|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepAdding|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
 
 +
='''Route Layers vs Session Layers'''=
 +
 
 +
This topic has filled endless threads in the '''Trainz Forums''' with arguments raging on both sides.
 +
 
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b>In Summary:</b></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>In general, there are no "cast iron" rules that dictate what should be placed in the '''Route Layers Group''' and what should be placed in the '''Session Layers Group''' (for an exception see '''TRS19 Platinum Edition, Trainz Plus, TRS22 Notes''' below). Each Route and Session will be different and different creators have different ways of working. The main question to be asked is how many different '''Sessions''' will be created using a particular '''Route'''?</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffb0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
*'''For a Route with only a single Session''' - everything can safely go into the '''Route Layers Group'''
 +
:Many creators only ever build a single Session for each of their Routes and do not use Session Layers at all (but they still have to save the session separately from the route).
 +
*'''For a Route with multiple (2 or more) Sessions''' - certain things will probably need to go into the '''Session Layers Group''' for each Session.
 +
:Many creators build multiple Sessions for each Route and rely on the Session Layers to create the differences between their Sessions.
 +
*Many scenery assets actually have their properties stored in the Session, even when the assets themselves are in a Route layer. Editing the properties of these assets is considered to be a '''change to the Session'''.  Unless you have a particular reason for saving the edited data (such as a change to commodities) you can '''usually''' ignore the offer to save the Session. These assets include:-
 +
**junction switches - the left/right switch direction is stored in the Session (but the '''default''' switch direction is stored in the Route)
 +
**industries - the commodities and quantities loaded/unloaded are stored in the Session
 +
**industry enabled wagons - the commodities and quantities carried are stored in the Session
 +
**consist locations ('''TRS19 Platinum Edition''', '''Trainz Plus''' and '''TRS22''') - this is stored in the Session (unless you need to save their new locations, you can safely ignore the offer to save the Session)
 +
**named route objects ('''TRS19 Platinum Edition''', '''Trainz Plus''' and '''TRS22''') - while the name is stored in the Route, adding or changing the name is treated as a change to the Session
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffb0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">TRS19 Platinum Edition, Trainz Plus, TRS22 Notes:</span><br>
 +
----
 +
*The '''recommended''' practice in these versions of Trainz is to place all consists in a '''session layer''' and '''NOT''' in a '''route layer'''. Because these versions have the '''Unified Driver Surveyor''' Interface, placing a train in a route layer after switching from Driver to Surveyor can cause problems. For example:
 +
**If active Driver consists (i.e. those under manual or AI control) are in a route layer and you switch from Driver to Surveyor to edit the route and save the route edit, then those consists will be saved in their new positions, not their starting positions for the session.
 +
*Recent experiments using the '''Unified Driver Surveyor''' Interface have indicated that when portals produce trains they will be placed into the same layer as the portal - so if a train that is in a '''Session layer''' enters a portal that is in a '''Route layer''' and is later returned to the layout, it will be returned in the same '''Route layer''' as the portal. This has ''possibly always been the case'' with portals but has not been noticed until the arrival of the '''Unified Driver Surveyor''' Interface
 +
For more details see the Trainz Wiki page [[image:WikiLink.PNG|link=]]'''[[How_to_Use_the_UDS_Interface|How to Use the UDS Interface]]'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
==The Route Layers Group==
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''Route Layer Group''' should be used for everything that will always appear in '''Driver Mode''' regardless of which Session is playing.''' </td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
There is nothing stopping you from placing everything in the "route-layer" of the '''Route Layers Group''' and never having to worry about dealing with layers ever again - some creators prefer to work this way. However, layers do provide you with a way of organising your scenery objects to make them more manageable, particularly in more complicated layouts. Some examples:-
 +
*A '''Special Objects''' layer or layers that can be used to hold certain scenery objects. For example all the trees or a particular building. This can be very useful when you need to hide those objects to locate or place other objects. Trackside cameras in particular can be very difficult to find when placed in a forest.
 +
*A '''Platform Objects''' layer can be used to hold all platform items such as seats, luggage, luggage trolleys, people, lamp posts, etc. Because these items are placed on top of a platform object they can be very difficult to move or delete without first moving the platform. The layer containing the platform can be locked allowing these objects to be easily moved or deleted.
 +
*'''Hiding and Showing Objects''' in '''Driver Mode'''. There is a Session Rule and a Driver Command that can hide and show layers during the running of a Session. For example: a rail worker can be placed in a separate layer and positioned next to a track lever while shunting operations are underway but can be removed from the scene by hiding that layer when shunting has been completed.
 +
*A '''Test Layer''' for experimenting. Not sure if a particular object is right for your layout? Place it in a temporary layer which you can hide and show to see any differences it makes. This is particularly useful if you are deciding between different types of grasses, for example, placed throughout the layout. If the objects prove to be unsuitable then they can all be deleted by deleting the layer. If they are suitable then the layer can be merged with another or left as a new layer.
 +
*A '''Ruler Layer''' if you are using rulers. Although rulers obey layer behavior (lock and hide) just like all other objects and splines, they have no properties window to show their layer or allow you to change that layer. Consider placing all rulers in a dedicated layer to make their management easier. <span style="background-color: red; color: white; font-weight: 700;">&nbsp;NOTE:&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;Due to a bug in TANE/TRS19, deleting a dedicated '''Ruler Layer''' will not delete the rulers but will '''temporarily''' hide them from view. Rulers will still have to be deleted individually.
 +
 
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
*'''It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same layer''' particularly if they are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session.
 +
*A very useful development tool is the '''Bound Layer'''. See [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The Bound Layer|The Bound Layer]]''' section below.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 616: Line 1,090:
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
<table width="100%">
+
===The "route-layer"===
 +
 
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''To avoid any confusion over which layer is the original "route-layer", this is one layer that should not be renamed or moved from the top position.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
While all layers are equal, the "route-layer" is special.
 +
 
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=900>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=896>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Track objects''', such as signals, junctions and track signs, ''cannot'' be placed in any layer that is above the layer containing the track that they are attached to. If the '''route-layer''' is used for all the track and track objects and this layer is left as the top layer then this will never be a problem.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>It is '''recommended''' that the following objects should be placed in the '''route-layer''':-
 +
*Track and interactive industries with track
 +
*Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels, etc)
 +
*Signals and track signs (speed limits, warnings, distance, etc)
 +
*Junctions and switches
 +
..and that the "route-layer" be placed at the top of the '''Route Layers Group'''.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
==The Session Layers Group==
 +
 
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''Session Layers Group''' should be used for everything that will only be seen in the '''''currently loaded Session'''''.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
If you are creating more than one Session based around a particular Route, then you will probably make use of the Session Layers.
 +
 
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffb0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
Session Layers can contain:-
 +
*Scenery objects that will only appear in one or some of the Sessions.
 +
:For example: If you have placed human figures and equipment for a track work crew alongside the track and want them to be seen in a daylight Session but not in a night Session, then place them in one of the Session Layers of the daylight Session only. Likewise, station staff holding lamps would be placed in one of the Session Layers of the night Session only.
 +
*Consists used in a Session.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
*'''It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same Session Layer and this is strongly <u>recommended</u> for Trainz Plus and TRS22 which have the UDS interface'''. It is also important if different consists are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session
 +
*'''When you first save a Session, give it a distinctive and informative name.''' Avoid the temptation to use '''Default''' as the name of your Session as you can easily end up with several Sessions all called '''Default'''
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td width=729><span id="stepOperation"></span>&nbsp;</td>
+
<td width=729><span id="stepAdding"></span>&nbsp;</td>
 
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepAdding|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
+
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepRouteSession|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
<td width=75>&nbsp;</td>
+
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepDeleting|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
='''Track Mark Operation'''=
+
='''Adding Objects To Layers in S10'''=
  
The most common use for Track Marks is as destinations for driver commands or as "way points" to direct a train to a destination via one or more intermediate places. They can also be used as the targets for Navigation Points and coupling operations.<br>
+
When an object (such as a scenery item, consist, track or track object) is added to the layout it is automatically placed in the currently '''Active Layer'''.  Unfortunately, '''Surveyor Classic (S10)''' does not indicate which layer is the '''Active Layer''' unless you open the Layers Tool to look. This can lead to objects being placed into the wrong layers and while these objects can later be moved to another layer (see the section [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#Moving Objects To Other Layers|Moving Objects To Other Layers]]''' below) it would be better to correctly set the '''Active Layer''' first.
 +
<br><br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>It is good practice to '''LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing.''' This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally adding objects to the wrong layer.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''You cannot add objects to a layer that is LOCKED.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
=='''Driver Navigation Commands'''==
+
If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG|link=]]<br>
 +
*Click the [[file:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon to '''UNLOCK the layer'''.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>When adding track objects (signals, speed signs, etc) to a track, the '''objects being added must be in the same layer as the track or in a layer below the track layer'''. For more information, see the section [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The "route-layer"|The "route-layer"]]''' above.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=996>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
There are many features of '''Trainz Routes''' and '''Sessions''' that are '''NOT stored in layers'''. In some cases while the objects themselves may be placed in layers, their settings or properties are not. These include:-
 +
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 +
*landforms
 +
*textures
 +
*'''TurfFX''' and '''Clutter''' ground effects
 +
*trackside camera '''settings'''
 +
*weather conditions
 +
*time of day
 +
*session rules and driver commands
 +
*signal and junctions '''settings'''
 +
*rolling stock loads
 +
*industry '''settings'''
 +
*portal settings
 +
*passenger station '''settings'''
 +
*navigation points
 +
*interlocking tower '''settings''' [[file:BugMini.PNG|link=]]
 +
</div>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Landforms, textures, effect layers (TurfFX, Clutter) and some Environment settings are saved as part of the '''Route''' while all the others are saved as part of a '''Session'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>When you enter or edit the name of a route layer scenery object, such as a station name board, that change will be treated as a change to the '''Session''' but the new or edited name will still be saved as a property of the scenery object in a '''Route''' layer. When you save, you will be given the option of saving the '''Session''' as well as the '''Route'''. You can ignore the offer to save the '''Session''' if you have not edited any objects in a '''Session Layer''', the '''Session Layers''' themselves (e.g. moved, merged, deleted or renamed) or other '''Session''' properties (e.g. commodity levels or loads). <span style="background-color: yellow; font-weight: 700;">&nbsp;If uncertain, always save the Session&nbsp;</span>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Bug.png|link=|30px]]</td>
 +
<td>A bug has been reported in the '''Interlocking Towers''' (and the '''Enhanced Interlocking Towers''') where the path and settings are initially saved in the '''Route''' but any later edits and changes are then saved in the '''Session'''. The workaround for this is to always load the '''Session''' when working with '''IT''' and '''EIT''' assets. This problem has not been resolved in the latest versions of '''Trainz'''.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=729><span id="stepDeleting"></span>&nbsp;</td>
 +
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepAdding|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepMoving|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor="Aquamarine">
+
='''Deleting Objects From Layers'''=
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>
<td>Information on adding driver commands can be found at:-<br>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
* '''[[How_to_Use_Driver_Setup_Rule|How to Use the Driver Setup Rule]]'''
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
*It is good practice to '''LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing.''' This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally deleting objects from the wrong layer.
 +
*An exception to this "good practice" is when managing rulers. Unless you have used a dedicated ruler layer for all rulers it can be difficult to discover which layer contains a particular ruler. If rulers are not added to a dedicated layer then you will need to unlock and unhide all the layers first before you can use the '''Delete Ruler''' tool.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 645: Line 1,303:
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Drive To Trackmark''' and '''Drive Via Trackmark''' commands will '''NOT''' force the AI to find a clear path to the Track Mark if the shortest path is blocked</td>
+
<td>'''You cannot delete objects from a layer that is LOCKED.'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
Unfortunately '''Trainz''' does not give you a warning message when you attempt to delete an object from a locked layer, the object just refuses to be deleted.
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>
<td>'''Navigate To Trackmark''' and '''Navigate Via Trackmark''' commands will force the AI to find a clear path to the Track Mark if the shortest path is blocked. '''The path chosen may not be ''prototypical'''''</td>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>If you cannot delete an object then check:-
 +
*that the objects layer and bound layer (if it has been set) are unlocked
 +
*that you are using the correct delete tool (e.g. such as attempting to delete a tree with the spline, signal or rolling stock delete tool) - it happens!
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
<table>
+
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:CMD_NavigateTo.png|50px|link=]]</td>
+
<td width=729><span id="stepMoving"></span>&nbsp;</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Drive To Trackmark</span><br>
+
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to the designated Track Mark. '''The AI will noticeably slow the train as it approaches the Track Mark'''. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will '''NOT''' attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.<br>
+
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepDeleting|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepBound|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
This command is built in to '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
+
='''Moving Objects To Other Layers'''=
 +
 
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersObjectProperties.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Steps:'''</span><br>
 +
To move individual objects from one layer to another:-
 +
#Open the '''Properties''' window ('''?''' button in the '''Object Tools''') of the object to be moved
 +
#Click the '''Layer''' or one of the '''scroll buttons'''
 +
#Select the new layer
 +
#Click the [[file:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td colspan="2">
 +
----</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:CMD_NavigateTo.png|50px]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Drive Via Trackmark</span><br>
+
<td>'''You can move an object into and out of a locked layer'''</td>
Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to and '''through''' the designated Track Mark. If there are no further navigation commands (e.g. '''Drive To''', etc) then the AI '''will halt the train after passing the Track Mark'''. If there are further navigation commands then the AI will proceed through the Track Mark to the next Track Mark or Industry at normal speed. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will '''NOT''' attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.<br>
+
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Rulers cannot be moved to a different layer because they do not have a properties window. If it is necessary to move a ruler to another layer, it must be manually created in the desired layer (using the '''Add Ruler''' tool), then the pre-existing ruler must be deleted (using the '''Delete Ruler''' tool). </td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Multiple scenery objects can be simultaneously moved to another layer by using the '''Bulk Asset Update/Replacement''' tool from the '''Surveyor Tools Menu'''. The exception to this is spline objects (including track splines) which must be moved segment by segment</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersObjectPropertiesChangeLayer.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=729><span id="stepBound"></span>&nbsp;</td>
 +
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepMoving|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#stepDriver|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
This command is built in to '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
+
='''The Bound Layer'''=
 +
 
 +
This is a little used and probably little understood layer feature. It allows you to attach an object to two different layers so it can have the properties (locked/unlocked and show/hide) of both layers. The bound layer was introduced as a development tool, its sole use is as a tool in the building of routes and sessions.
 +
 
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''An object will be LOCKED and cannot be deleted or moved if its layer OR its <span style="text-decoration: underline;">bound layer</span> is locked.'''
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:CMD_NavigateTo.png|50px|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Navigate To Trackmark</span><br>
+
<td>'''An object will be HIDDEN if its layer OR its <span style="text-decoration: underline;">bound layer</span> is hidden.'''
Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to the designated Track Mark. '''The AI will noticeably slow the train as it approaches the Track Mark'''. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.<br>
+
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Rulers cannot be bound to another layer.'''
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
Some applications:-
 +
*Temporarily locking an object by binding it to a locked layer while allowing other objects in the same unlocked layer to be moved or deleted. A simple but very effective development technique is to create a Route layer called "Locked" and then lock it. If you need to temporarily stop an object from being deleted or moved then it can be bound to the "Locked" layer.
 +
*Temporarily hiding an object by binding it to a hidden layer (this will require the hidden layer to be made visible so the object can be unbound).
  
This command is built in to '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
+
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:LayersBoundLayer.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td colspan="2">
 +
----</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:CMD_NavigateTo.png|50px]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:Steps.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Navigate Via Trackmark</span><br>
+
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Steps:'''</span><br>
Instructs the AI driver to Drive, via the shortest available path, to and '''through''' the designated Track Mark. If there are no further navigation commands (e.g. '''Navigate To''', etc) then the AI '''will halt the train after passing the Track Mark'''. If there are further navigation commands then the AI will proceed through the Track Mark to the next Track Mark or Industry at normal speed. Switches ahead of the train that are not locked against the AI will be set to allow the train to proceed and reset after the train has cleared the switch. The AI driver will attempt to find a way around blockages when calculating the shortest path to the Track Mark. All signals and speed signs along the route are obeyed.<br>
+
In the '''Properties Window''' of an object:-
 +
#Click the '''Bound Layer''' box or one of its '''scroll buttons'''
 +
#Select the layer to be used as the '''Bound Layer''' for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer)
 +
The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the '''Bound Layer''' back to '''''<none>'''''.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td colspan="2">
 +
----</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''When a layer is deleted any objects bound to that layer will have their ''Bound Layer'' reset to ''<none>'''''
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
  
This command is built in to '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
+
<table bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>If you are going to be working with multiple objects that will be bound to a locked or hidden layer then a simple strategy is to:-
 +
*Create a new empty layer called "Locked" or "Hidden" and lock or hide that layer, according to your needs
 +
*Bind the individual objects to that layer as required
 +
*When editing, testing or whatever you are doing has been completed simply delete the new layer. All objects that have been bound to that layer will have their '''Bound Layer''' property reset to '''none''' so the hidden objects will reappear and the locked objects will be unlocked.
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
  
=='''Navigation Points'''==
+
<table bgcolor=#000000>
Navigation Points can be attached to Track Marks to provide users with session instructions.<br>
+
 
+
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor="Aquamarine">
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td>
<td>Information on navigation points can be found at:-<br>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
* '''[[How_to_Use_Navigation_Point_Rules|How to Use Navigation Points]]
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>If you need to remove an object from a route but cannot alter the route (e.g. it is payware or under another users kuid) then create a new hidden session layer and change the bound layer of the object to the hidden layer. This will be treated as a change to the session only and Trainz will not ask you to save the route as well as the session.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 697: Line 1,477:
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
=='''Coupling Operations'''==
+
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
An AI controlled train can be issued with a driver command to couple with the consist located at a specified Track Mark.<br>
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=729><span id="stepDriver"></span>&nbsp;</td>
 +
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepBound|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:NextDown.png|link=#bottom|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[file:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
 
 +
='''Layers in Driver Mode'''=
 +
 
 +
During the running of a Session in '''Driver Mode''' visible layers can be hidden and invisible layers revealled according to the events that occur during the Session.
  
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:CMD_Couple_At_Trackmark.png|50px|link=]]</td>
+
<td>[[file:LayersDriveShow.JPG|link=]][[file:LayersDriveHide.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>The AI driver moves the train (or just the locomotive if it is by itself) to couple with the wagon that is closest to a specified trackmark. More information on this command can be found at [[file:PageLink2.PNG|link=]] '''[[Driver_Commands_List#Couple_At_Trackmark|Couple At Trackmark]]'''<br><br>
+
<td>The two '''Driver Mode''' scenes shown on the left illustrate this feature.
 +
*In the first image on the left, all layers are visible
 +
*In the second image on the left, two of the layers have been hidden
  
This command must be downloaded from the DLS and installed in '''Trainz'''<br><br></td>
+
The trigger for this change was the arrival of a train at the platform.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor="Aquamarine">
+
 
 +
This effect could be achieved in two different ways:-
 +
#'''A Driver Command''' - specific to a particular driver, or
 +
#'''A Session Rule''' - specific to a particular driver, consist, or any driver/consist<br>
 +
=='''Using a Driver Command'''==
 +
The driver command [[file:WikiLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[Driver_Commands_List#Layer_Control|Layer Control]]''' hides and shows named layers.<br>
 +
[[file:LayerControlExample.png|link=]]<br>
 +
 
 +
=='''Using Session Rules'''==
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td width="58">[[file:RulesWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>Information on adding driver commands can be found at:-<br>
+
<td width="640"><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Rules Used:'''</span><br>
* '''[[How_to_Use_Driver_Setup_Rule|How to Use the Driver Setup Rule]]'''
+
----</td>
</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
='''Related Links'''=
+
*'''[[Session_Rule_List_with_Parameters#Show/Trackside_Check_Rule|Trackside Check Rule]]''' - to trigger the event
 
+
*'''[[Session_Rule_List_with_Parameters#Show/Hide_Layer_Rule|Show/Hide Layer Rule]]''' - to hide layers
 +
*'''[[Session_Rule_List_with_Parameters#Message_Popup_Rule|Message Popup Rule]]''' - to open a browser window with a message
 +
<br>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
+
<td width="58">[[file:screenshot.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>
+
<td width="640"><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Session Editor Screenshot:'''</span><br>
* '''[[How to Use Track Direction Markers]]'''
+
----</td>
* '''[[How to Use Track Priority Markers]]'''
+
</tr>
* '''[[How to Use Track Triggers]]'''
+
</table>
</td>
+
<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>[[file:LayersDriveHideRules.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=4 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width="58">[[file:explanation.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td width="640"><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Description:'''</span><br>
 +
----</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
In this example:-
 +
*The '''Trackside Check Rule''' is triggered when a specific train comes to a stop at a trackmark. This then executes the following rules in order:-
 +
**The '''Show/Hide Layer Rule''' is used to hide the layer named "People". Four passengers (three standing and one seated) are hidden.
 +
**The '''Show/Hide Layer Rule''' is used to hide the layer named "CNJCartsFull". The boxes and mail bags on the three platform trolleys are hidden.
 +
**The '''Message Popup Rule''' is used to place a message on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded.
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
Line 733: Line 1,552:
 
<td width=729><span id="bottom"></span>&nbsp;</td>
 
<td width=729><span id="bottom"></span>&nbsp;</td>
 
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 
<td width=46>[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepOperation|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
+
<td width=75>[[file:NextUp.png|link=#stepDriver|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 
<td width=75>&nbsp;</td>
 
<td width=75>&nbsp;</td>
 
<td width=75>&nbsp;</td>
 
<td width=75>&nbsp;</td>
Line 755: Line 1,574:
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
----
 
----
This page was created by Trainz user '''<span class="plainlinks">[http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/User:Pware pware]</span>''' in September 2019 and was last updated as shown below.
+
This page was created by Trainz user '''<span class="plainlinks">[http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/User:Pware pware]</span>''' in June 2018 and was last updated as shown below.
 
----
 
----
 
[[Category:How-to guides]]
 
[[Category:How-to guides]]

Revision as of 22:26, 25 December 2022

The information in this Wiki Page applies to TANE, TRS19, Trainz Plus (in Surveyor Classic mode) and TRS22.

Contents

In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG Layers are a Surveyor tool that allows you to better manage the objects that are placed in your Trainz World.
DotPoint.JPG Layers are a Driver tool that allows you to change what the players see as they drive around your Trainz World.


Some Helpful Tips

 Route Layers 
DotPoint.JPG Use Route layers for all those objects that will appear in every Session based on the Route
DotPoint.JPG When you edit Route layers, always save the Route


 Session Layers 
DotPoint.JPG Use Session layers for all those objects that will ONLY appear in the current Session
DotPoint.JPG When you edit Session layers, always save the Session
DotPoint.JPG Avoid using "Default" as the Session name


 When Editing Layers 
DotPoint.JPG Lock the layers that you are not currently editing
DotPoint.JPG Never add track objects (signals, switches, etc) to a layer that is higher up the layer list than the track layer
  Top   Next Down Bottom

What Are Layers?


Layers can contain any objects, visible and invisible, that can be placed into a layout using the Surveyor Object, Track and Train tools. The layers and their contents can be hidden from view or locked against alteration whenever required. Their main use is in the development of a Route and a Session but they can also be used as a way of providing some additional novelty during a Driver session.

NotePad.PNG Effect Layers Notes:

The special ground effects layers, Clutter, TurfFX and more recently Water, are not discussed here. They are more like Textures than Layers but some aspects of their use and operations are similar to the layers covered here. These special ground effects layers are saved as part of a Route but are not associated with any Route Layer.

  Top Next Up Next Down Bottom

The Layers Tool in Surveyor Classic (S10)

SurveyorToolMenuLayers.JPG












RightArrowRed.JPG
Click the Layers Tool (or press  F6 ) to open up its properties.
LayersTools.JPG


NotePad.PNG Notes:

The layers are organised into two groups:-

  • Route Layers in the top group, and
  • Session Layers in the lower group.
Each group can contain multiple layers - the scroll bars next to the layer names shown on the left indicate that there are more layers in each group than can fit into the display window area.


Loading a Route and Loading a Session

In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG Route Layers are saved with the Route. Session Layers are saved with the Session.
DotPoint.JPG If you edit a Session Layer and later load just the Route then those edits will not appear.


LinkWiki.PNG

More information on creating, loading and saving Routes and Sessions can be found on the Trainz Wiki Page at Route and Session Basics


The layers you see will depend on whether you have loaded a Route by itself (with no "child" Session) or a Session and its "parent" Route.

LayersToolsRoute.JPG LayersToolsSession.JPG The first image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a Route only is loaded into Surveyor. These are the layers that are saved with the Route. Note that a default "session-layer" is present.
DotPoint.JPG An empty default "session-layer" is always created in the Session Layers Group when only the Route is loaded into Surveyor.
DotPoint.JPG If you load just the Route and edit its "session-layer" then those edits will not appear the next time you load just the Route because an empty "session-layer" is created each time a Route is loaded without a Session.

The second image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a Session based on that Route is loaded into Surveyor. It shows Route Layers and Session Layers.

In both cases, the Route Layers are identical because the same Route has been loaded. A Session contains its own layers, the Session Layers, that are loaded and saved with the Session but are not loaded or saved with the Route.

PencilTips.PNG If you load a Session and do not want to edit any of the Route layers then click the Lock Route Layers icon on the Layers Tool
LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG Click the Lock Button



Stop.PNG If you load a ROUTE but not the SESSION then only edit the Route Layers
Stop.PNG If you edit a SESSION or its layers then always save the Session
Stop.PNG When you save a new SESSION always give it a name, do NOT leave it as "Default"

Creating a New Route

LayersNewRoute.JPG
LayersNewRoute.JPG
NotePad.PNG Notes:

  • When a brand new route is created it will come with two layers, a single route-layer and a single session-layer.
  • Both layers will be empty (the baseboard with its grid is saved with the route but is not in any layer).
PencilTips.PNG A layer can be renamed at anytime by double clicking on its name with the left mouse button and typing a new name

The "Active Layer"

In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG The Active Layer is the selected (highlighted) layer.
DotPoint.JPG When you load the Route only into Surveyor, the first Route layer will be the Active Layer
DotPoint.JPG When you load a Session into Surveyor, the first Session layer will be the Active Layer

In the image above, the route-layer is the Active Layer. You can change the Active Layer at any time by clicking on the name of another layer.

NotePad.PNG Notes:

The Active Layer is the "working layer" which is:-

  • where new objects will be added to the layout
  • the layer that is automatically selected for merging and deleting
 
Stop.PNG Trainz does not identify which is the Active Layer in Surveyor and this often leads to problems such as objects being added to the wrong layer.

See PageLink.PNG Adding Objects To Layers below for more information.


Adding a New Layer

LayersToolButtonsADD.JPG Click the Add Button

An Add layer dialogue window will appear.

LayersAddLayer.JPG

Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Enter a name for the new layer
  2. Select the layer group, Route or Session, where it will be placed
  3. Click the Tick.PNG icon

PencilTips.PNG You can easily rename the layer or move it to the other layer group if you change your mind.

Deleting a Layer

Stop.PNG WARNING:

Deleting Layers cannot be undone


LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG Select the layer to be deleted and click the Delete Button. If you don't select a layer to delete then Trainz will select the current Active Layer.


Stop.PNG Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer except objects that are "Bound" to that layer. See PageLink.PNG The Bound Layer section below.
Stop.PNG In TRS19 and later Trainz versions there will be a delay when deleting a layer. The delay will be indicated by a progress bar but can take several minutes on very large routes.

 Resist any urge to click the Cancel button 

This delay will occur every time a layer is deleted.
Stop.PNG Due to a "bug" deleting a layer that contains a ruler will not delete the ruler. It will be hidden from view but it may reappear if another layer with the same name as the deleted layer is created or it will, eventually, reappear in the route-layer.

If the layer being deleted is empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-

LayerDeleteEmpty.JPG

Choices.PNG Choices:
  • Click Yes to delete the layer
  • Click No to cancel the delete operation

If the layer being deleted is NOT empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-

LayerDeleteNotEmpty.JPG

Choices.PNG Choices:
  • Click Merge to merge this layer and its contents into another layer. See Merging Layers below for more information
  • Click Delete to delete the layer and its contents
  • Click Cancel to cancel the delete operation

Merging Layers

Stop.PNG WARNING:

Merging Layers cannot be undone


LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG Select the layer to be merged into another layer and click the Merge Button. If you don't select a layer to merge then Trainz will select the current Active Layer.
In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG Merging a layer into another layer will move ALL the objects from the first layer into the second layer. The first layer, which is now empty, will then be deleted.
DotPoint.JPG Once layers have been merged they cannot be separated.


Stop.PNG In TRS19 and later Trainz versions there will be a delay when merging a layer. The delay will be indicated by a progress bar but can take several minutes on very large routes.

 Resist any urge to click the Cancel button 
This delay will occur every time a layer is merged.


The layer merge dialogue window will appear as shown below:-

LayersMergeInto.JPG

Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Select the destination layer for the merge
  2. Click the Tick.PNG icon
The Merge into: list shows all the available layers with no distinction between Route Layers and Session Layers

Locking Layers

PencilTips.PNG It is good practice to LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing. This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally adding objects to the wrong layer.


DotPoint.JPG If you LOCK or UNLOCK a Route Layer while editing a Session then you will have made a change to the Route and will be asked to save both the Route and the Session when you exit Surveyor.


Locking Individual Layers

To LOCK an individual layer, click on the Open Padlock icon next to its name. The layer being locked does not have to be the current Active Layer.

DotPoint.JPG The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved (around the layout) or deleted but they can be moved to other layers.
LayersRouteTreesActive.JPG LayersRouteTreesActiveLocked.JPG
  • The first image on the left shows two Route Layers, both UNLOCKED with their Padlock icons Open. One layer, "Trees", is highlighted showing that it is the currently active layer.
  • The second image on the left shows the same two layers after the "Trees" layer has been LOCKED.
  • A locked layer can be UNLOCKED by clicking its Closed Padlock icon.

If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-

LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG
  • Click the Tick.PNG icon to UNLOCK the layer

Locking ALL Route Layers

LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG Click the Lock Button

This will LOCK ALL the layers in the Route Layers Group. The Session Layers Group will not be affected.

The Route Layers Group can be UNLOCKED by clicking the Lock Button again.

Moving a Layer

Main Points:
DotPoint.JPG Layers can be moved up or down
  • within the same layer group (e.g. Route or Session)
  • between the two groups
DotPoint.JPG A layer containing track objects (e.g. signals, switches, etc) CANNOT be placed above the layer containing the track


Stop.PNG

In TRS19 and later Trainz versions there will be a delay when moving a layer. The delay will be indicated by a progress bar but can take several minutes on very large routes
 Resist any urge to click the Cancel button 
This delay will occur every time a layer is moved.


In the example shown below a layer created in the Route Layers Group is being moved into the Session Layers Group.

LayersMove1.JPG LayersMove3.JPG

Steps.PNG Steps:
  1. Select the layer to be moved and hold down the left mouse button
  2. Drag the layer up or down to its new position

  • The move can be between layer groups as shown left or within groups to move the layer to a higher or lower position in the group.
  • The only situation where layer order within a layer group makes any difference is when adding track objects (e.g. signals, track signs, etc) to a track.


DotPoint.JPG When adding track objects to a track, the object being added must be in the same layer or in a layer below the layer containing the track. For more information, see the section PageLink.PNG The "route-layer" below.
DotPoint.JPG If you attempt to move a layer containing track objects, such as signals, to a position above the layer containing the track, you will get an error message.

Hiding Layers

To hide or show a layer click the Eye Icon next to its name.

LayersHideNone.JPG
  • In the image shown left the two trees are in different Route Layers
  • All the layers have their Eye Icons set to Show
LayersHideTree.JPG
  • In the image shown left the Trees layer has its Eye Icon set to Hide

DotPoint.JPG If you attempt to add an object to a hidden layer you will receive a warning message.
DotPoint.JPG Layers that are hidden when saved in Surveyor will also be hidden when loaded in Driver.
  Top Next Up Next Down Bottom

The Layers Palette in Surveyor 2.0 (S20)

In Surveyor 2.0 (S20), currently only available to Trainz Plus Subscription holders, the Layers are found in the Layers Palette. The palettes are displayed (or hidden) from the Surveyor Windows Menu.

Windows Menu

If no Layers Palette is shown on the screen then open the Windows Menu. Every available palette is listed.

  • Visible palettes are shown with a Tick
  • Hidden palettes are shown without a Tick

Click on a palette name to toggle its state between visible and hidden.

Layers Palette in S20 The Layers Palette will show all the layers in their groups (Effect, Route and Session) plus the Ground Height and Ground Textures special "layers".


DotPoint.JPG The Route Layers Group, along with the Ground Height, Ground Textures and Effect Layers, are saved and loaded with the Route
DotPoint.JPG The Session Layers Group are saved and loaded with the Session

 Lock the Route Layer Group 
All the layers in the Route Layer Group can be locked against accidental alteration.
The Route Layer Group has a padlock icon next to its name - shown as LayerUnLocked S20.png (unlocked). Left click on this icon to lock ALL the layers in the Route Layer Group. The icon will change to LayerLocked S20.png (locked) - click again to unlock all its layers.

 Open a Layer Group 
To the left of each Layer Group name is a small arrow. Left click on the arrow to open up the group.

Layers palette with session layers open The image on the left shows that the Session Layers Group is open and its individual layers are now displayed. To close the group Left click on the arrow again.

The image shows that the Session Layers Group contains 3 individual layers:-

  • the top layer in the group is always named session-layer and is always present even in a new route where you have not yet added anything
  • likewise, the top layer in the Route Layers Group is always named route-layer and is also always present
  • there are two user created layers named Track Markers and Rail Workers (layer names are chosen by the creator and do not necessarily indicate their contents or purpose)


 Add a New Layer 
You cannot create new layer groups but you can add new layers to a existing group.
Each Layer Group has a LayerAdd S20.png icon next to its name. Left click on the icon to add and name a new layer to that group. If you are adding a new Effect Layer then you will also have to identify the type of effect - TurfFX, Clutter or Water.



 Renaming a Layer 

LayerRename S20.png Right click on a layer name and select Rename Layer.. from the popup menu.

You will be asked to enter a new name for the layer.



 Deleting a Layer 

LayerDelete S20.png Right click on a layer name and select Delete Layer from the popup menu.

You will be given a warning that you are about to delete a layer.

  • if you confirm the delete order then the layer and all its contents will be deleted
  • depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the deleting operation
  • the deleted layer and its contents can be restored (after the delete has completed) using the  Ctrl   Z  option



 Moving a Layer 
Layers can be individually moved up and down within the same layer group or between the Route Layers Group and the Session Layers Group.

NotePad.PNG Notes:

DotPoint.JPG Moving a layer between the Session Layer Group and the Route Layer Group will move the layer and its contents between the Route and the Session and this will affect where the layer and its contents are saved
DotPoint.JPG There is no advantage in moving a layer within the same layer group except when preparing for a layer merge operation (see Merging a Layer below)
DotPoint.JPG layers in the Effect Layers Group cannot be moved
DotPoint.JPG layers from the other groups cannot be moved into the Effect Layers Group

Left click on a layer name and, while holding the left button down, drag the layer up or down to its new position.

  • depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the move operation
  • the move can be reversed (after it has completed) by using the  Ctrl   Z  option



 Merging a Layer 

LayerMerge S20.png Right click on a layer name and select Merge Layer Up from the popup menu.
  • the selected layer will be merged with the layer immediately above it
  • you may need to move the layer being merged into the correct position before the merge (see Moving a Layer above)
  • depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the merge operation
  • the merged layers and their contents can be restored (after the merge has completed) back into two separate layers by using the  Ctrl   Z  option
  • layers in the Effect Layers Group cannot be merged



 Hiding Layers 
Each individual layer has an Eye icon that controls the state (visible or hidden) of that layer. Left click on the icon to toggle its state between visible and hidden.
If the Eye is:-

LayerEyerOpen S20.png open then layer is visible in both Surveyor and Driver
LayerEyerClosed S20.png closed then layer is hidden in both Surveyor and Driver



 Locking Layers 
Each individual layer has a Padlock icon that controls the state (locked or unlocked) of that layer. Left click on the icon to toggle its state between locked and unlocked.
If the Padlock is:-

LayerUnLocked S20.png open then the layer is unlocked and can be edited
LayerLocked S20.png closed then the layer is locked and cannot be edited
NotePad.PNG Notes:

DotPoint.JPG Locking a layer will protect its contents from being individually selected, deleted and physically moved
DotPoint.JPG New assets cannot be added to a locked layer
DotPoint.JPG Locked layers can still be deleted, renamed, moved and merged



 Setting the Active Layer 

Active layer selected the Active Layer is the layer where new objects will be automatically added when using the Placement Tool. The active layer is shown with its name on a blue background. In the image on the left the Rail Workers layer is the current Active Layer.

The name of the current Active Layer is also shown in the Layer Palette Title Bar.

To set a new Active Layer, Double Left click on a layer name.



Move an Object to a New Layer

The Info Palette will show the layer assigned to the currently selected object. To the left of the layer name is a small arrow object.

Info palette

Layer control


  1. click the small arrow next to the layer name. This will open the layer properties for the selected object
  2. click the Layer drop down box to select a new layer for the object
  3. if required, click the Binding drop down box to select a new binding layer for the object
  4. if required, click the  Lock Layer  button to lock the selected layer. If the layer is already locked then this will be shown as an  Unlock Layer  button


Stop.PNG WARNING:

You will not be allowed to place a track object (e.g. a signal) in a layer that is higher up the list than the layer containing the track

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Route Layers vs Session Layers

This topic has filled endless threads in the Trainz Forums with arguments raging on both sides.

In Summary:
DotPoint.JPG In general, there are no "cast iron" rules that dictate what should be placed in the Route Layers Group and what should be placed in the Session Layers Group (for an exception see TRS19 Platinum Edition, Trainz Plus, TRS22 Notes below). Each Route and Session will be different and different creators have different ways of working. The main question to be asked is how many different Sessions will be created using a particular Route?


NotePad.PNG Notes:

  • For a Route with only a single Session - everything can safely go into the Route Layers Group
Many creators only ever build a single Session for each of their Routes and do not use Session Layers at all (but they still have to save the session separately from the route).
  • For a Route with multiple (2 or more) Sessions - certain things will probably need to go into the Session Layers Group for each Session.
Many creators build multiple Sessions for each Route and rely on the Session Layers to create the differences between their Sessions.
  • Many scenery assets actually have their properties stored in the Session, even when the assets themselves are in a Route layer. Editing the properties of these assets is considered to be a change to the Session. Unless you have a particular reason for saving the edited data (such as a change to commodities) you can usually ignore the offer to save the Session. These assets include:-
    • junction switches - the left/right switch direction is stored in the Session (but the default switch direction is stored in the Route)
    • industries - the commodities and quantities loaded/unloaded are stored in the Session
    • industry enabled wagons - the commodities and quantities carried are stored in the Session
    • consist locations (TRS19 Platinum Edition, Trainz Plus and TRS22) - this is stored in the Session (unless you need to save their new locations, you can safely ignore the offer to save the Session)
    • named route objects (TRS19 Platinum Edition, Trainz Plus and TRS22) - while the name is stored in the Route, adding or changing the name is treated as a change to the Session


NotePad.PNG TRS19 Platinum Edition, Trainz Plus, TRS22 Notes:

  • The recommended practice in these versions of Trainz is to place all consists in a session layer and NOT in a route layer. Because these versions have the Unified Driver Surveyor Interface, placing a train in a route layer after switching from Driver to Surveyor can cause problems. For example:
    • If active Driver consists (i.e. those under manual or AI control) are in a route layer and you switch from Driver to Surveyor to edit the route and save the route edit, then those consists will be saved in their new positions, not their starting positions for the session.
  • Recent experiments using the Unified Driver Surveyor Interface have indicated that when portals produce trains they will be placed into the same layer as the portal - so if a train that is in a Session layer enters a portal that is in a Route layer and is later returned to the layout, it will be returned in the same Route layer as the portal. This has possibly always been the case with portals but has not been noticed until the arrival of the Unified Driver Surveyor Interface
For more details see the Trainz Wiki page WikiLink.PNGHow to Use the UDS Interface


The Route Layers Group

DotPoint.JPG The Route Layer Group should be used for everything that will always appear in Driver Mode regardless of which Session is playing.

There is nothing stopping you from placing everything in the "route-layer" of the Route Layers Group and never having to worry about dealing with layers ever again - some creators prefer to work this way. However, layers do provide you with a way of organising your scenery objects to make them more manageable, particularly in more complicated layouts. Some examples:-

  • A Special Objects layer or layers that can be used to hold certain scenery objects. For example all the trees or a particular building. This can be very useful when you need to hide those objects to locate or place other objects. Trackside cameras in particular can be very difficult to find when placed in a forest.
  • A Platform Objects layer can be used to hold all platform items such as seats, luggage, luggage trolleys, people, lamp posts, etc. Because these items are placed on top of a platform object they can be very difficult to move or delete without first moving the platform. The layer containing the platform can be locked allowing these objects to be easily moved or deleted.
  • Hiding and Showing Objects in Driver Mode. There is a Session Rule and a Driver Command that can hide and show layers during the running of a Session. For example: a rail worker can be placed in a separate layer and positioned next to a track lever while shunting operations are underway but can be removed from the scene by hiding that layer when shunting has been completed.
  • A Test Layer for experimenting. Not sure if a particular object is right for your layout? Place it in a temporary layer which you can hide and show to see any differences it makes. This is particularly useful if you are deciding between different types of grasses, for example, placed throughout the layout. If the objects prove to be unsuitable then they can all be deleted by deleting the layer. If they are suitable then the layer can be merged with another or left as a new layer.
  • A Ruler Layer if you are using rulers. Although rulers obey layer behavior (lock and hide) just like all other objects and splines, they have no properties window to show their layer or allow you to change that layer. Consider placing all rulers in a dedicated layer to make their management easier.  NOTE:  Due to a bug in TANE/TRS19, deleting a dedicated Ruler Layer will not delete the rulers but will temporarily hide them from view. Rulers will still have to be deleted individually.
PencilTips.PNG
  • It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same layer particularly if they are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session.
  • A very useful development tool is the Bound Layer. See PageLink.PNG The Bound Layer section below.

The "route-layer"

DotPoint.JPG To avoid any confusion over which layer is the original "route-layer", this is one layer that should not be renamed or moved from the top position.


While all layers are equal, the "route-layer" is special.

Stop.PNG Track objects, such as signals, junctions and track signs, cannot be placed in any layer that is above the layer containing the track that they are attached to. If the route-layer is used for all the track and track objects and this layer is left as the top layer then this will never be a problem.


PencilTips.PNG It is recommended that the following objects should be placed in the route-layer:-
  • Track and interactive industries with track
  • Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels, etc)
  • Signals and track signs (speed limits, warnings, distance, etc)
  • Junctions and switches

..and that the "route-layer" be placed at the top of the Route Layers Group.

The Session Layers Group

DotPoint.JPG The Session Layers Group should be used for everything that will only be seen in the currently loaded Session.

If you are creating more than one Session based around a particular Route, then you will probably make use of the Session Layers.

NotePad.PNG Notes:

Session Layers can contain:-

  • Scenery objects that will only appear in one or some of the Sessions.
For example: If you have placed human figures and equipment for a track work crew alongside the track and want them to be seen in a daylight Session but not in a night Session, then place them in one of the Session Layers of the daylight Session only. Likewise, station staff holding lamps would be placed in one of the Session Layers of the night Session only.
  • Consists used in a Session.
PencilTips.PNG
  • It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same Session Layer and this is strongly recommended for Trainz Plus and TRS22 which have the UDS interface. It is also important if different consists are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session
  • When you first save a Session, give it a distinctive and informative name. Avoid the temptation to use Default as the name of your Session as you can easily end up with several Sessions all called Default


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Adding Objects To Layers in S10

When an object (such as a scenery item, consist, track or track object) is added to the layout it is automatically placed in the currently Active Layer. Unfortunately, Surveyor Classic (S10) does not indicate which layer is the Active Layer unless you open the Layers Tool to look. This can lead to objects being placed into the wrong layers and while these objects can later be moved to another layer (see the section PageLink.PNG Moving Objects To Other Layers below) it would be better to correctly set the Active Layer first.

PencilTips.PNG It is good practice to LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing. This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally adding objects to the wrong layer.


DotPoint.JPG You cannot add objects to a layer that is LOCKED.

If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-

LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG
  • Click the Tick.PNG icon to UNLOCK the layer.


DotPoint.JPG When adding track objects (signals, speed signs, etc) to a track, the objects being added must be in the same layer as the track or in a layer below the track layer. For more information, see the section PageLink.PNG The "route-layer" above.


NotePad.PNG Notes:

There are many features of Trainz Routes and Sessions that are NOT stored in layers. In some cases while the objects themselves may be placed in layers, their settings or properties are not. These include:-

  • landforms
  • textures
  • TurfFX and Clutter ground effects
  • trackside camera settings
  • weather conditions
  • time of day
  • session rules and driver commands
  • signal and junctions settings
  • rolling stock loads
  • industry settings
  • portal settings
  • passenger station settings
  • navigation points
  • interlocking tower settings BugMini.PNG
DotPoint.JPG Landforms, textures, effect layers (TurfFX, Clutter) and some Environment settings are saved as part of the Route while all the others are saved as part of a Session
DotPoint.JPG When you enter or edit the name of a route layer scenery object, such as a station name board, that change will be treated as a change to the Session but the new or edited name will still be saved as a property of the scenery object in a Route layer. When you save, you will be given the option of saving the Session as well as the Route. You can ignore the offer to save the Session if you have not edited any objects in a Session Layer, the Session Layers themselves (e.g. moved, merged, deleted or renamed) or other Session properties (e.g. commodity levels or loads).  If uncertain, always save the Session 
Bug.png A bug has been reported in the Interlocking Towers (and the Enhanced Interlocking Towers) where the path and settings are initially saved in the Route but any later edits and changes are then saved in the Session. The workaround for this is to always load the Session when working with IT and EIT assets. This problem has not been resolved in the latest versions of Trainz.


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Deleting Objects From Layers

PencilTips.PNG
  • It is good practice to LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing. This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally deleting objects from the wrong layer.
  • An exception to this "good practice" is when managing rulers. Unless you have used a dedicated ruler layer for all rulers it can be difficult to discover which layer contains a particular ruler. If rulers are not added to a dedicated layer then you will need to unlock and unhide all the layers first before you can use the Delete Ruler tool.


DotPoint.JPG You cannot delete objects from a layer that is LOCKED.


Unfortunately Trainz does not give you a warning message when you attempt to delete an object from a locked layer, the object just refuses to be deleted.

PencilTips.PNG If you cannot delete an object then check:-
  • that the objects layer and bound layer (if it has been set) are unlocked
  • that you are using the correct delete tool (e.g. such as attempting to delete a tree with the spline, signal or rolling stock delete tool) - it happens!


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Moving Objects To Other Layers

LayersObjectProperties.JPG
Steps.PNG Steps:

To move individual objects from one layer to another:-

  1. Open the Properties window (? button in the Object Tools) of the object to be moved
  2. Click the Layer or one of the scroll buttons
  3. Select the new layer
  4. Click the Tick.PNG icon


DotPoint.JPG You can move an object into and out of a locked layer
DotPoint.JPG Rulers cannot be moved to a different layer because they do not have a properties window. If it is necessary to move a ruler to another layer, it must be manually created in the desired layer (using the Add Ruler tool), then the pre-existing ruler must be deleted (using the Delete Ruler tool).
DotPoint.JPG Multiple scenery objects can be simultaneously moved to another layer by using the Bulk Asset Update/Replacement tool from the Surveyor Tools Menu. The exception to this is spline objects (including track splines) which must be moved segment by segment
LayersObjectPropertiesChangeLayer.JPG


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The Bound Layer

This is a little used and probably little understood layer feature. It allows you to attach an object to two different layers so it can have the properties (locked/unlocked and show/hide) of both layers. The bound layer was introduced as a development tool, its sole use is as a tool in the building of routes and sessions.

DotPoint.JPG An object will be LOCKED and cannot be deleted or moved if its layer OR its bound layer is locked.
DotPoint.JPG An object will be HIDDEN if its layer OR its bound layer is hidden.
DotPoint.JPG Rulers cannot be bound to another layer.


Some applications:-

  • Temporarily locking an object by binding it to a locked layer while allowing other objects in the same unlocked layer to be moved or deleted. A simple but very effective development technique is to create a Route layer called "Locked" and then lock it. If you need to temporarily stop an object from being deleted or moved then it can be bound to the "Locked" layer.
  • Temporarily hiding an object by binding it to a hidden layer (this will require the hidden layer to be made visible so the object can be unbound).
LayersBoundLayer.JPG

Steps.PNG Steps:

In the Properties Window of an object:-

  1. Click the Bound Layer box or one of its scroll buttons
  2. Select the layer to be used as the Bound Layer for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer)
The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the Bound Layer back to <none>.


DotPoint.JPG When a layer is deleted any objects bound to that layer will have their Bound Layer reset to <none>


PencilTips.PNG If you are going to be working with multiple objects that will be bound to a locked or hidden layer then a simple strategy is to:-
  • Create a new empty layer called "Locked" or "Hidden" and lock or hide that layer, according to your needs
  • Bind the individual objects to that layer as required
  • When editing, testing or whatever you are doing has been completed simply delete the new layer. All objects that have been bound to that layer will have their Bound Layer property reset to none so the hidden objects will reappear and the locked objects will be unlocked.


PencilTips.PNG If you need to remove an object from a route but cannot alter the route (e.g. it is payware or under another users kuid) then create a new hidden session layer and change the bound layer of the object to the hidden layer. This will be treated as a change to the session only and Trainz will not ask you to save the route as well as the session.


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Layers in Driver Mode

During the running of a Session in Driver Mode visible layers can be hidden and invisible layers revealled according to the events that occur during the Session.

LayersDriveShow.JPGLayersDriveHide.JPG The two Driver Mode scenes shown on the left illustrate this feature.
  • In the first image on the left, all layers are visible
  • In the second image on the left, two of the layers have been hidden
The trigger for this change was the arrival of a train at the platform.

This effect could be achieved in two different ways:-

  1. A Driver Command - specific to a particular driver, or
  2. A Session Rule - specific to a particular driver, consist, or any driver/consist

Using a Driver Command

The driver command WikiLink.PNG Layer Control hides and shows named layers.
LayerControlExample.png

Using Session Rules


RulesWiki.PNG Rules Used:


Screenshot.PNG Session Editor Screenshot:

LayersDriveHideRules.JPG


Explanation.PNG Description:

In this example:-

  • The Trackside Check Rule is triggered when a specific train comes to a stop at a trackmark. This then executes the following rules in order:-
    • The Show/Hide Layer Rule is used to hide the layer named "People". Four passengers (three standing and one seated) are hidden.
    • The Show/Hide Layer Rule is used to hide the layer named "CNJCartsFull". The boxes and mail bags on the three platform trolleys are hidden.
    • The Message Popup Rule is used to place a message on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded.


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Trainz Wiki

TrainzWiki.png

More Tutorials and Guides to Using Trainz


This page was created by Trainz user pware in June 2018 and was last updated as shown below.


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