How to Use Layers

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='''What Are Layers?'''=
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The information in this Wiki Page applies to '''TANE''', '''TRS19''', '''Trainz Plus''' and '''TRS22'''.
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
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<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
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<td width=729>&#160;</td>
<td>'''Layers are a ''Surveyor'' tool that allows you to better manage the objects that are placed in your Trainz World.'''<td>
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<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextDown.png|link=#stepWhat|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
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<td>
<td>'''Layers are a ''Driver'' tool that allows you to change what the players see as they drive around your Trainz World.'''<td>
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__TOC__
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; Font-size: 15px;">Some Helpful Tips</span><br>
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<table bgcolor="black" width=600>
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<tr>
 +
<td>
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<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=596>
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<tr>
 +
<td bgcolor="black" colspan=2>
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<span style="font-size: 17px; color: white; font-weight: 700;">&#160;Route Layers&#160;</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Use Route layers for all those objects that will appear in every Session based on the Route'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''When you edit Route layers, <u>always</u> save the Route'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</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=#ffffe0 width=596>
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<tr>
 +
<td bgcolor="black" colspan=2>
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<span style="font-size: 17px; color: white; font-weight: 700;">&#160;Session Layers&#160;</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|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:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''When you edit Session layers, <u>always</u> save the Session and avoid using <span style="font-size: 15px;">"Default"</span> as the Session name'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
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<table bgcolor="black" width=600>
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<tr>
 +
<td>
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<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=596>
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<tr>
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<td bgcolor="black" colspan=2>
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<span style="font-size: 17px; color: white; font-weight: 700;">&#160;When Editing&#160;</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Lock the layers that you are not currently editing'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Always be aware of which layer is the <span style="font-size: 15px;">Active Layer</span>'''</td>
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</tr>
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</table>
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</td>
 +
</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>
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=596>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td bgcolor="black" colspan=2>
 +
<span style="font-size: 17px; color: white; font-weight: 700;">&#160;When Creating&#160;</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Place all track and track objects (Track Marks and Triggers can be exceptions) into the <i>route-layer</i> and always keep it as the top level layer'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''For TRS19PE and later, you should place all rolling stock into a session layer to be saved with the session and not the route'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
='''The Layers Tool'''=
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<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 
+
<table>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:SurveyorToolMenuLayers.JPG|150px]]</td>
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<td width=629><span id="stepWhat"></span>
<td><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>[[file:RightArrowRed.JPG]]
+
='''What Are Layers?'''=
<td>Click the '''Layers Tool''' to open up its properties.<br>
+
</td>
[[file:LayersTools.JPG|480px]]</td>
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<td width=50>&#160;</td> <!-- skip Down -->
<td><br><br>
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<td width=50>&#160;</td> <!-- skip Up -->
The layers are organised into two groups:-
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<td width=46>[[image:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
*'''Route Layers''' in the top group, and
+
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
*'''Session Layers''' in the lower group.
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<td width=75>[[image:NextDown.png|link=#stepToolsS10|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
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.
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<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</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 valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</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>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
Layers can contain any objects, visible and invisible, that can be placed into a layout in '''Surveyor Classic''' using the '''Object''', '''Track''' and '''Train''' tools or using the '''Placement Tool''' in '''Surveyor 2.0'''. The layers and their contents can be hidden from view (in both '''Surveyor''' and in '''Driver''') 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.</td>
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</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<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''' and '''Color''', are not discussed here. In many ways they are more like '''Ground Textures''' but some aspects of their use is 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'''.<br><br>
 +
The special ground '''Effect Layers''' as used in '''Surveyor 2.0''' are covered in the '''Trainz Wiki Page [[image:WikiLink.PNG|link=]]&#160;[[How to Use S20 Tools#skip Effect Layers|How to Use S20 Tools]]'''</td>
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</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 +
Almost all of what you will see in a Trainz World will be found in layers, and mostly in the '''Route Layers''' and '''Session Layers'''.<br>
 +
 +
<table width=900>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Route Layers''' will contain the objects that will appear in '''ALL''' the sessions created using the current route</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Session Layers''' will contain the objects that will only appear in the current session</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Effect Layers''' ('''TRS19''', '''Trainz Plus''' and '''TRS22''') will contain the '''TurfFX''', '''Clutter''', '''Water''' and (in '''Trainz Plus''' routes using '''HD''') '''Color''' effects created using the current route</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
==Loading a Route and Loading a Session==
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<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="stepToolsS10"></span>
  
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.
+
='''The Layers Tool in Surveyor Classic (S10)'''=
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipLoadingS10|Skip Down]]</td> <!-- skip Down -->
 +
<td width=50>&#160;</td> <!-- skip Up -->
 +
<td width=46>[[image:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextUp.png|link=#stepWhat|alt=Next Up|Next Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextDown.png|link=#stepToolsS20|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:SurveyorToolMenuLayers.JPG|150px]]</td>
 +
<td><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>[[image:RightArrowRed.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Layers Tool''' (or press <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;F6&#160;</span>) to open up its properties.<br>
 +
[[image:LayersTools.JPG|480px]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2 width=400>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2 width=396>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
The layers are organised into two groups:-
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersToolsRoute.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
<td>[[file:LayersToolsSession.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>'''Route Layers''' in the top group, and</td>
<td><br>
+
</tr>
*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" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
<td>'''An empty default "session-layer" is always created in the Session Layers Group when only the Route is loaded into Surveyor.'''<td>
+
<td>'''Session Layers''' in the lower group</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
*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.
+
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>
<br><br>
+
</tr>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7 width="730">
+
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Layers can be:-</span>
 +
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
<td>'''Route Layers are saved with the Route. Session Layers are saved with the Session.<td>
+
<td>'''Created'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
<td>'''If you edit a Session Layer and later load just the Route then those edits will not appear.'''</td>
+
<td>'''Deleted'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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.<br><br>
+
<td>'''Hidden'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Locked'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Merged'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Moved'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Renamed'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Objects can be:-</span>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''assigned''' to a layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''bound''' to a second layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''moved''' between layers</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
The following sections show how these tasks can be done using '''Surveyor Classic'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<table border="2" bordercolor="black" cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#fcbcbc width="730">
+
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipLoadingS10"></span>
 +
=='''Loading a Route and Loading a Session (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipCreatingS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#stepToolsS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Route Layers''' are saved with the '''Route'''. '''Session Layers''' are saved with the '''Session'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''If you edit a Session Layer and later load just the Route then those edits will not appear.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor="Aquamarine"> <!-- BEGIN Trainz Wiki Link -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LinkWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
<font size="4">'''If you load a <u>ROUTE</u> without a SESSION then only <u>edit the Route Layers</u>'''</font><br><br>
+
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]]'''
<font size="4">'''If you load a <u>SESSION</u> then you can <u>edit the Route Layers AND the Session Layers</u></font>'''
+
 
</td>
 
</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 width=1000> <!-- BEGIN top level -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayersToolsRoute.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>[[image: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 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<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>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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 a new empty '''session-layer''' is created each time a Route is loaded without a Session</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
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</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
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">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0> <!-- BEGIN 2nd level Tip -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>If you load a '''Session''' and do not want to edit any of the '''Route layers''' then <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Lock Route Layers''' icon on the '''Layers Tool'''
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN 3rd level -->
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>[[image:LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Lock Button'''
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END 3rd level -->
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END 2nd level Tip-->
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br> <!-- END 2nd level Black Border -->
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END top level -->
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor="red" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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>[[image: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>[[image: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>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
==Creating a New Route==
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipCreatingS10"></span>
 +
=='''Creating a New Route (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipActiveS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipLoadingS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
When a brand new route is created it will come with two layers, a single "route-layer" and a single "session-layer".
 
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersNewRoute.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersNewRoute.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
*Both layers will be empty (the baseboard with its grid is saved with the route but is not in any layer).
+
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=604>
*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 valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=600>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>When a brand new route is created it will come with two layers, a single '''route-layer''' and a single '''session-layer'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Both layers will be empty (the baseboard with its grid is saved with the route but is not in any layer)</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
+
</td>
==The "Active Layer"==
+
</tr>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td colspan=2>
<td>'''The ''Active Layer'' is the selected (highlighted) layer.'''</td>
+
<table width=600 bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''A layer can be renamed at anytime by a''' <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Double Left Click</span> '''on its name and entering a new name'''
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</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.
 
  
The '''Active Layer''' is the "working layer" which is:-
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
*where new objects will be added to the layout
+
<tr valign="top">
*the layer that is automatically selected for merging and deleting
+
<td width=629><span id="skipActiveS10"></span>
 +
=='''The "Active Layer" (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipAddingS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipCreatingS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
Unfortunately TANE does not identify the '''Active Layer''' in Surveyor and this often leads to problems such as objects being added to the wrong layer. See '''[[#Adding Objects To Layers|Adding Objects To Layers]]''' below for more information.
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 
+
<tr valign="top">
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''Active Layer''' is the selected (highlighted) layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 
<td>When you load the '''Route only''' into Surveyor, the '''first Route layer''' will be the '''Active Layer'''</td>
 
<td>When you load the '''Route only''' into Surveyor, the '''first Route layer''' will be the '''Active Layer'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 
<td>When you load a '''Session''' into Surveyor, the '''first Session layer''' will be the '''Active Layer'''</td>
 
<td>When you load a '''Session''' into Surveyor, the '''first Session layer''' will be the '''Active Layer'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>In the image above, the '''route-layer''' is the '''Active Layer'''. You can change the '''Active Layer''' at any time by a <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the name of another layer.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
==Adding a New Layer==
+
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=500>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=496>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
The '''Active Layer''' is the "working layer" which is:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>where new objects will be added to the layout</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>the layer that is automatically selected for merging and deleting
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=12>&#160;</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=488>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=484>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<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 [[image:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#Adding Objects To Layers|Adding Objects To Layers]]''' below for more information.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
  
<table>
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipAddingS10"></span>
 +
=='''Adding a New Layer (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipDeletingS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipActiveS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
 
 +
<table width=1000>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsADD.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersToolButtonsADD.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>Click the '''Add Button'''</td>
+
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Add Button'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 127: Line 563:
 
An '''Add layer''' dialogue window will appear.  
 
An '''Add layer''' dialogue window will appear.  
  
<table>
+
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersAddLayer.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersAddLayer.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
*Enter a name for the new layer
+
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
*Select the layer group, '''Route''' or '''Session''', where it will be placed.
+
<tr valign="top">
*You can easily move the layer to the other layer group later if you change your mind.
+
<td>
*A layer can be renamed at anytime by double clicking on its name in the layer list and typing a new name.</td>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To name and place the new layer:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Enter a name for the new layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Select the layer group, '''Route''' or '''Session''', where it will be placed</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint3.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon to '''accept''' the change<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Cross.PNG|link=]] icon to '''reject''' the change</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>You can easily rename the layer or move it to the other layer group if you change your mind.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Click the '''Tick''' button to accept the changes.
 
  
==Deleting a Layer==
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipDeletingS10"></span>
 +
=='''Deleting a Layer (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipMergingS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipAddingS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
<table>
+
<table bgcolor="red" width=300>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=296>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">WARNING:</span><br>
 +
'''Deleting Layers''' cannot be undone
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>Select the layer to be deleted and click the '''Delete Button'''. If you don't select a layer to delete then TANE will select the current '''Active Layer'''.</td>
+
<td>Select the layer to be deleted and <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on 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>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>
<td>'''Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer''' except objects that are "Bound" to that layer.</td>
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=996>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer''' except objects that are "Bound" to that layer. See [[image:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The Bound Layer|The Bound Layer]]''' section below.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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;">&#160;Resist any urge to <span style="color: white;">Left Click</span> on the <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">&#160;Cancel&#160;</span> button&#160;</span><br>
 +
This delay will occur '''every time''' a layer is deleted.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 156: Line 670:
 
If the layer being deleted is empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-
 
If the layer being deleted is empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-
  
<table>
+
<table width=1000>
<tr>
+
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayerDeleteEmpty.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayerDeleteEmpty.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Options:</span> Choose one of the following:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:Ablue.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">&#160;Yes&#160;</span> to delete the layer, <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">OR</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Bblue.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">&#160;No&#160;</span> to cancel the delete operation</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
*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:-
+
If the layer being deleted is '''NOT''' empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-
  
<table>
+
<table width=1000>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
<td>[[file:LayerDeleteNotEmpty.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayerDeleteNotEmpty.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Options:</span> Choose one of the following:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:Ablue.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">&#160;Merge&#160;</span> to merge this layer and its contents into another layer (see '''Merging Layers''' below for more information), <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">OR</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Bblue.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">&#160;Delete&#160;</span> to delete the layer and its contents, <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">OR</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Cblue.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">&#160;Cancel&#160;</span> to cancel the operation</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
*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. '''This cannot be undone'''
 
*Click '''Cancel''' to cancel the delete operation
 
  
==Merging Layers==
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipMergingS10"></span>
 +
=='''Merging Layers (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipLockingS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipDeletingS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
<table>
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
<tr>
+
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
<td>Select the layer to be merged into another layer and click the '''Merge Button'''. If you don't select a layer to merge then TANE will select the current '''Active Layer'''.</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 valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Once layers have been merged they cannot be separated.'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=300>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<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>
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=296>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">WARNING:</span><br>
 +
'''Merging Layers''' cannot be undone
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td>[[image:LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Select the layer to be merged into another layer and <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">&#160;Merge&#160;</span> 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>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=900>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>
<td>'''Once layers have been merged they cannot be separated.'''</td>
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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;">&#160;Resist any urge to <span style="color: white;">Left Click</span> on the <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">&#160;Cancel&#160;</span> button&#160;</span><br>
 +
This delay will occur '''every time''' a layer is merged.
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
  
 
The layer merge dialogue window will appear as shown below:-
 
The layer merge dialogue window will appear as shown below:-
  
<table>
+
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersMergeInto.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersMergeInto.JPG|link=]]</td>
 
<td>
 
<td>
*Select the '''destination layer''' for the merge and then click the '''Tick'''
+
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
*The '''Merge into:''' list shows all the available layers with no distinction between Route Layers and Session Layers<br>
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To merge two layers:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Select the '''destination layer''' for the merge</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon to '''accept''' the change<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Cross.PNG|link=]] icon to '''reject''' the change</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>The '''Merge into:''' list shows all the available layers with no distinction between Route Layers and Session Layers</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
==Locking Layers==
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipLockingS10"></span>
 +
=='''Locking Layers (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipMovingS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipMergingS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
<table border="2" bordercolor="black">
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
<tr><td>
+
<table cellpadding="4">
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:PencilTips.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.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>
+
<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>
</tr>
+
</table></td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>
<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>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
===Locking Individual Layers===
+
===Locking Individual Layers (S10)===
  
'''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 width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
<td>'''The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved or deleted''' but they can be moved to other layers.</td>
+
<td>'''The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved (around the layout) or deleted''' but they can be moved to other layers.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
'''To LOCK an individual layer,''' <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> '''on the [[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] Open Padlock icon next to its name.''' The layer being locked does not have to be the current '''Active Layer'''.
  
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayersRouteTreesActive.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>[[image:LayersRouteTreesActiveLocked.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersRouteTreesActive.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
<td>[[file:LayersRouteTreesActiveLocked.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>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</td>
<td><br>
+
</tr>
*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.
+
<tr valign="top">
*The second image on the left shows the same two layers after the "Trees" layer has been LOCKED. It can be UNLOCKED by clicking its Closed Padlock icon.<br><br>
+
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The second image on the left shows the same two layers after the "Trees" layer has been LOCKED</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>A locked layer can be '''UNLOCKED''' by a <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on its [[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''Closed Padlock''' icon.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
<br>
 
If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-
 
If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-
<table>
+
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG]]<br>
+
<td>[[image:LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG|link=]]</td>
Clicking the '''Tick''' button will UNLOCK the layer</td>
+
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon to '''accept''' the change and add the object<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Cross.PNG|link=]] icon to '''reject''' the change</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
===Locking ALL Route Layers===
+
===Locking ALL Route Layers (S10)===
  
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>Click the '''Lock Button'''</td>
+
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the '''Lock Button'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 265: Line 915:
 
This will LOCK ALL the layers in the Route Layers Group. The Session Layers Group will not be affected.
 
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.
+
The Route Layers Group can be UNLOCKED by a <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the '''Lock Button''' again.
  
==Moving a Layer==
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
To move a layer simply select it, hold the left mouse button down and drag the layer up or down to its new position.
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipMovingS10"></span>
 +
=='''Moving a Layer (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipHidingS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipLockingS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
In the example show below a layer created in the Route Layers Group is being moved into the Session Layers Group.
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
<table>
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Layers can be moved up or down within the same layer group (e.g. '''Route''' or '''Session''') or between the two groups</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Track Objects (signals, switches, etc) should be in the same layer as the Track or in a layer below the Track layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor="red" width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersMove1.JPG]]</td>
 
<td>[[file:LayersMove3.JPG]]</td>
 
 
<td>
 
<td>
*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.
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=996>
*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.
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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;">&#160;Resist any urge to <span style="color: white;">Left Click</span> on the <span style="color: white; background-color: black; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">&#160;Cancel&#160;</span> button&#160;</span><br>
 +
This delay will occur '''every time''' a layer is moved.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
In the example shown below a layer created in the Route Layers Group is being moved into the Session Layers Group.
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayersMove1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>[[image:LayersMove3.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To move a layer:-</td>
<td>When adding track objects to a track, the '''track must be in the same layer or in a higher layer''' than the object that is being added. For more information, see '''[[#The "route-layer"|The "route-layer"]]''' below.</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
<td>If you attempt to move a layer containing track objects, such as signals, to a higher position than the layer containing the track, you will get an error message.</td>
+
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the layer to be moved</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click and Drag</span> the layer up or down to its new position</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 292: Line 984:
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The move can be between layer groups as shown left
 +
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">WARNING:</span><br>
 +
Moving layers between the '''Session''' and '''Route''' groups will change where those layers are saved - in the '''Route''' or in the '''Session'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The move can be to a higher or lower position in the same group. The only situation where layer order within a group makes any difference is when track objects (e.g. signals, switches, track signs, etc) are not in the same layer as the track
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:RedDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>track objects '''must be in the same layer as the track or in a layer below''' the layer that contains the track. For more information, see the section [[image:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The "route-layer"|The "route-layer"]]''' below
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:redDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<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>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
  
==Hiding Layers==
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipHidingS10"></span>
 +
=='''Hiding Layers (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipAddingObjectsS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipMovingS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
To hide or show a layer click the '''Eye Icon''' next to its name.
+
To hide or show a layer <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Eye Icon''' next to its name.
  
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayersHideNone.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>In the image shown left the two trees are in different Route Layers and all the layers have their [[image:LayerEyeOpen_S20.png|link=]] '''Eye''' icons open (set to '''Show''')
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayersHideTree.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>In the image shown left the '''Trees''' layer has its [[image:LayerEyeClosed_S20.png|link=]] '''Eye''' icon closed (set to '''Hide''')<br><br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span>
 +
----
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersHideNone.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Layers that are hidden when saved in '''Surveyor''' will also be hidden when loaded in '''Driver'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipAddingObjectsS10"></span>
 +
=='''Adding Objects To Layers (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipDeletingObjectsS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipHidingS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
 
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>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 [[image: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.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 
<td>
 
<td>
*In the image shown left the two trees are in different Route Layers
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
*All the layers have their '''Eye Icons''' set to '''Show'''
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''You cannot add objects to a layer that is LOCKED'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 +
If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon to '''accept''' the change and add the object<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Cross.PNG|link=]] icon to '''reject''' the change</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|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 [[image:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The "route-layer"|The "route-layer"]]''' below</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersHideTree.JPG]]</td>
 
 
<td>
 
<td>
*In the image shown left the '''Trees''' layer has its '''Eye Icon''' set to '''Hide'''<br><br>
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=996>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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
 +
*legacy water, '''TurfFX''' and '''Clutter''' prior to '''Trainz Plus'''
 +
*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''' [[image:BugMini.PNG|link=]]
 +
</div>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Landforms, textures, effect layers and legacy water are saved as part of the '''Route'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Environment Settings are saved in both the '''Route''' and the '''Session''' - see the Trainz Wiki Page [[image:WikiLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[How_to_Use_Environment_Tools|Environment Tools]]''' for more details</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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 both the '''Route''' and the '''Session'''. The new or edited name will still be saved as a property of the scenery object in the '''Route''' layer but 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;">&#160;If uncertain, always save the Session as well as the Route&#160;</span>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:Bug.png|link=|30px]]</td>
<td>'''Layers that are hidden when saved in ''Surveyor'' will also be hidden when loaded in ''Driver''.'''<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.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Line 319: Line 1,198:
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
='''Route Layers vs Session Layers'''=
 
  
This topic has filled endless threads in the '''Trainz Forums''' with arguments raging on both sides.
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipDeletingObjectsS10"></span>
 +
=='''Deleting Objects From Layers (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipMovingObjectsS10|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipAddingObjectsS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
<td>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'''. 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>
+
<td>'''You cannot delete objects from a layer that is LOCKED'''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</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">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>If you cannot delete an object then check:-
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>that the objects layer and bound layer (if it has been set) are unlocked</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
  
*'''For a Route with only a single Session''' - everything can safely go into the '''Route Layers Group'''
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
:Many creators only ever build a single Session for each of their Routes and do not use Session Layers at all.
+
<tr valign="top">
*'''For a Route with multiple (2 or more) Sessions''' - certain things will probably need to go into the '''Session Layers Group''' for each Session.
+
<td width=629><span id="skipMovingObjectsS10"></span>
:Many creators build multiple Sessions for each Route and rely on the Session Layers to create the differences between their Sessions.  
+
=='''Moving Objects To Other Layers (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#stepToolsS20|Skip Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipDeletingObjectsS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
==The Route Layers Group==
+
<table width=1000>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersObjectProperties.JPG|link=]]<br>
<td>The '''Route Layer Group''' should be used for everything that will always appear in '''Driver Mode''' regardless of which Session is playing.''' </td>
+
[[image:LayersObjectPropertiesChangeLayer.JPG|link=]]
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To move an object to another layer:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Properties''' window ('''?''' button in the '''Object Tools''') of the object to be moved</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the '''Layer''' or one of the '''scroll buttons'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint3.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Select the new layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint4.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Tick.PNG|link=]] icon to '''accept''' the change<br>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the [[image:Cross.PNG|link=]] icon to '''reject''' the change</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</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:-
+
</td>
*A '''Special Objects''' layer or layers that can be used to hold a certain type or types of scenery objects. For example all the trees. 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.
+
</tr>
*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.
+
</table>
*'''Hiding and Showing Objects''' in '''Driver Mode'''. There is a Session Rule that can hide and show layers during the running of a Session. For example: a rail worker can be shown standing next to a track lever while shunting operations are underway but can be removed by hiding that layer when shunting has been completed.
+
<br>
*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.
+
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''You can move an object into and out of a locked layer'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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 new 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>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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 &#9785;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
  
===The "route-layer"===
+
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="stepToolsS20"></span>
 +
='''The Layers Palette in Surveyor 2.0 (S20)'''=
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>&#160;</td> <!-- skip Down -->
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipMovingObjectsS10|Skip Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=46>[[image:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextUp.png|link=#stepToolsS10|alt=Next Up|Next Up]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextDown.png|link=#stepRouteSession|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
While all layers are equal, the "route-layer" is special.
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table width=996 bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td align="center"><span style="font-size: 15px;">'''Surveyor 2.0''' is only available in '''Trainz Plus''' and '''TRS22 Platinum'''</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>'''Layers''' are found in the '''Layers Palette'''.<br>
 +
<table width=500>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayersPalette_S20_ListsClosed.png|link=|alt=Layers Palette in S20]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''Layers Palette''' will show all the layers in their groups ('''Effect''', '''Route''' and '''Session''') plus the '''Ground Height''' and '''Ground Textures''' which are "special layers". In the image on the left all the layer groups have been minimised (the "arrow" symbol in front of each group name is pointing to the right).</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<table width=500>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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 width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''Session Layers Group''' are saved and loaded with the Session</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Layers can be:-</span>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Created'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Deleted'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Hidden'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Locked'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Merged'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Moved'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Renamed'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Objects can be:-</span>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''assigned''' to a layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''bound''' to a second layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''moved''' between layers</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
The following sections show how these tasks can be done using '''Surveyor 2.0'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=500 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=496 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=22>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td width=374><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>
 +
If the '''Layers Palette''' is not shown on the screen, then:-
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=175>[[image:WindowsMenu_S20.png|link=|alt=Windows Menu]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To display palettes:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=20>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>open (<span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span>) the [[image:SurveyorWindowIcon.png|link=]] '''Window Menu''' from the menu icons at the top of the screen</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>&#160;</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BulletTick.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>visible palettes have ticks next to their names</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:BulletNoTick.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>invisible (hidden) palettes have no ticks next to their names</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>if the '''Layers Palette''', or any required palette, does not have a tick next to its name then <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the name of the palette or on the empty [[image:BulletNoTick.png|link=]] box next to its name. This will add a [[image:BulletTick.png|link=]] and make the palette visible</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Lock the Route Layer Group (S20)'''==
  
It is recommended that the following objects should be placed in the "route-layer":-
+
All the layers in the '''Route Layer Group''' can be locked against accidental alteration.
*Track and interactive industries with track
+
 
*Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels)
+
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
*Signals
+
<tr valign="top">
*Junctions and switches
+
<td>
*Track signs (speed limits, warnings, etc)
+
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>The '''Route Layer Group''' has a padlock icon next to its name - shown as [[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] (unlocked)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the '''unlocked''' icon to lock '''ALL''' the layers in the '''Route Layer Group'''
 +
:The icon will change to [[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] (locked)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the '''locked''' icon to unlock all its layers</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
..and that the "route-layer" be placed at the top of the '''Route Layers Group'''.
+
=='''Open a Layer Group (S20)'''==
  
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
To the left of each '''Layer Group''' name is a small arrow. <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the arrow to open up the group.<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersPalette_S20_SessionLayersOpen.png|link=|alt=Layers palette with session layers open]]</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>
+
<td>The image on the left shows that the '''Session Layers Group''' is open and its individual layers are now displayed. To close or minimise the group <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the arrow again.
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>The image shows that the '''Session Layers Group''' contains 3 individual layers:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>the top layer is always named '''session-layer''' and is always present even in a new route where you have not yet added anything</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>likewise, the top layer in the '''Route Layers Group''' is always named '''route-layer''' and is also always present</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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)</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Add a New Layer (S20)'''==
  
Track objects, such as signals, junctions and track signs, ''cannot'' be placed in any layer that is higher than the layer containing the track. 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.
+
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>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. <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> 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''', '''Water''' or '''Color''' (the '''Color''' effect layer is only visible in <span style="background-color: yellow;">'''HD''' routes created using '''Trainz Plus'''</span>).</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Renaming a Layer (S20)'''==
  
==The Session Layers Group==
+
<table width=1000>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=120>[[image:LayerRename_S20.png|link=]]</td>
<td>The '''Session Layers Group''' should be used for everything that will only be seen in the '''''currently loaded Session'''''.</td>
+
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Right Click</span> on a layer name and select <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Rename Layer..&#160;</span> from the popup menu.<br><br>
 +
You will be asked to enter a new name for the layer.</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Deleting a Layer (S20)'''==
  
If you are creating more than one Session based around a particular Route, then you will probably make use of the Session Layers.
+
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=120>[[image:LayerDelete_S20.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Right Click</span> on a layer name and select <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Delete Layer&#160;</span> from the popup menu.<br>
 +
You will be given a warning that you are about to delete a layer.
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>if you confirm the delete order then the layer and '''<u>all its contents</u>''' will be deleted</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the deleting operation</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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> keys</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Moving a Layer (S20)'''==
  
Session Layers can contain:-
+
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>
*Scenery objects that will only appear in one or some of the Sessions.
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
: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.
+
<tr valign="top">
*Consists used in a Session. It is a good idea to place ALL consists in the same Session Layer.
+
<td>
 +
<table width=996 bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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 - in the '''Route''' or in the '''Session'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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)
 +
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=896>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Layers containing '''Track objects''', such as signals, junctions and track signs, ''cannot'' be moved to a position 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 in the route layer group then this will never be a problem.
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>layers in the '''Effect Layers Group''' cannot be moved</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>layers from the other groups cannot be moved into the '''Effect Layers Group'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<table 1000 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>
<td>'''It is a good idea to place all your consists into the same layer''' particularly if they are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session.</td>
+
<table width=996 bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To Move a Layer:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on a layer name</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">&#160;Left Click and Drag&#160;</span> the layer up or down to its new position.
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the move operation</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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> keys</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<span id="MergeLayersS20"></span>
 +
=='''Merging a Layer (S20)'''==
  
='''Adding Objects To Layers'''=
+
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=120>[[image:LayerMerge_S20.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Right Click</span> on a layer name and select <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Merge Layer Up&#160;</span> from the popup menu.
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>the selected layer will be merged with the layer '''immediately above''' it</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>you may need to move the layer being merged into the correct position before the merge (see '''Moving a Layer''' above)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the merge operation</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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> keys</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>layers in the '''Effect Layers Group''' cannot be merged. In place of <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Merge Layer Up&#160;</span> the '''Effect Layers''' will have an <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Edit Layer&#160;</span> command</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Hiding Layers (S20)'''==
  
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, TANE 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 '''[[#Moving Objects To Other Layers|Moving Objects To Other Layers]]''' below) it would be better to correctly set the '''Active Layer''' first.
+
<table width=1000>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<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>
+
Each individual layer has an '''Eye''' icon that controls the visible state of that layer. <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the icon to toggle its state between '''visible''' and '''hidden'''. If the '''Eye''' is:-
 +
:[[image:LayerEyeOpen_S20.png|link=]] open then layer is '''visible''' in both Surveyor and Driver
 +
:[[image:LayerEyeClosed_S20.png|link=]] closed then layer is '''hidden'''  in both Surveyor and Driver</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Locking Layers (S20)'''==
 +
 +
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>
<td>'''You cannot add objects to a layer that is LOCKED.'''</td>
+
Each individual layer has a '''Padlock''' icon that controls the state ([[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''Locked''' or [[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''Unlocked''') of that layer. <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> 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</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-
+
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=900 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=896 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG]]<br>
+
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
Clicking the '''Tick''' button will UNLOCK the layer</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|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>New assets cannot be added to a locked layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Locked layers can still be deleted, renamed, moved and merged</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Setting the Active Layer (S20)'''==
  
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersPalette_S20_ActiveLayer.png|link=|alt=Active layer selected]]</td>
<td>When adding track objects (signals, speed signs, etc) to a track, the '''track must be in the same layer or in a higher layer''' than the object that is being added. For more information, see '''[[#The "route-layer"|The "route-layer"]]''' above.</td>
+
<td>the '''Active Layer''' is the layer where new objects will be automatically added when using the '''Placement Tool''' and pasting or painting a '''Scrapbook'''. The active layer is shown in the palette with its name on a light grey background. In the image on the left the '''Rail Workers''' layer is the current '''Active Layer'''.<br>
 +
 
 +
The name of the current '''Active Layer''' is also shown in the '''Layer Palette Title Bar'''.<br>
 +
 
 +
To set a new '''Active Layer''', <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the layer name.
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Move an Object to a New Layer (S20)'''==
  
There are many features of TANE Routes and Sessions that are NOT stored in layers. These include:-
+
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#ffffff width=1000>
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
+
<tr valign="top">
*landforms
+
<td colspan=2>The '''Info Palette''' will show the layer assigned to the currently selected object. An object is selected by using the '''Free Move Tool'''&#160;[[image:S20_FreeMoveToolIcon.png|link=|20px]] (the <span style="font-weight:700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;S&#160;</span> key) or the '''Fine Adjustment Tool'''&#160;[[image:S20_FineAdjustmentToolIcon.png|link=|20px]] (the <span style="font-weight:700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;D&#160;</span> key) found in the '''Tools Palette'''.<br>
*textures
+
*weather conditions
+
*time of day
+
*session rules and driver commands
+
*signal and junctions settings
+
*rolling stock loads
+
*industry settings
+
*portal settings
+
*passenger station settings
+
*interlocking tower settings
+
</div>
+
 
+
Landforms and textures are saved as part of the '''Route''' while all the others are save as part of a '''Session'''.
+
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
To the left of the layer name is a small arrow object.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:TrackmarkInfo_S20.png|link=|alt=Info palette]]<br><br>
 +
[[image:TrackmarkLayerInfo_S20.png|link=|alt=Layer control]]
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Tools_S20.png|link=|alt=Tools and keymap for S20]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table width=996 bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To Move an Object to Another Layer:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the small arrow next to the layer name. This will open the layer properties for the selected object</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Layer''' drop down box and <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> on the name of the new layer for the object</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Optional Steps:</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint3.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>if required, <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Binding''' drop down box to select a new binding layer for the object</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint4.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>if required, <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Select Layer&#160;</span> button to set this layer as the '''Active Layer'''. If the layer is already the '''Active Layer''' then this button will be greyed out and cannot be selected</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint5.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>if required, <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Lock Layer&#160;</span> button to lock the selected layer. If the layer is already locked then this will be shown as an <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 17px; color: white; background-color: black;">&#160;Unlock Layer&#160;</span> button and can be clicked to unlock the layer</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="stepRouteSession"></span>
 +
='''Route Layers vs Session Layers'''=
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipRouteGroup|Skip Down]]</td> <!-- skip Down -->
 +
<td width=50>&#160;</td> <!-- skip Up -->
 +
<td width=46>[[image:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextUp.png|link=#stepToolsS20|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextDown.png|link=#stepBound|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
='''Deleting Objects From Layers'''=
+
This topic has filled endless threads in the '''Trainz Forums''' with arguments raging on both sides.
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
 
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.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.</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)</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 +
<table width=1000>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>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>
<td>'''You cannot delete objects from a layer that is LOCKED''' but you can delete objects from any unlocked layer even if that layer is not the '''Active Layer'''.</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
Unfortunately TANE 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.
 
  
If you cannot delete an object then check:-
+
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=1000>
*that the objects layer and bound layer (if set) are unlocked
+
<tr valign="top">
*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 width=25>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''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)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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:-
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:RedDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>junction switches - the left/right switch direction is stored in the Session (but the '''default''' switch direction is stored in the Route)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:RedDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>industries - the commodities and quantities loaded/unloaded are stored in the Session</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:RedDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>industry enabled wagons - the commodities and quantities carried are stored in the Session</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:RedDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:RedDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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. If the name is all that you have changed then you can safely ignore the offer to save the Session</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
='''Moving Objects To Other Layers'''=
+
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#ffffb0 width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">TRS19 Platinum Edition, Trainz Plus, TRS22 Notes:</span><br>
 +
----
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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:-
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:RedDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>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>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipRouteGroup"></span>
 +
=='''The Route Layers Group'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipSessionGroup|Skip Down]]</td> <!-- skip Down -->
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#stepRouteSession|Skip Up]]</td> <!-- skip Up -->
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|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>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>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.
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>Some examples:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>A '''Ruler Layer''' if you are using rulers. Rulers obey layer behavior (lock and hide) just like all other objects and splines. In '''Surveyor Classic''' they have no properties window to show their layer or allow you to change that layer. Consider placing all '''Surveyor Classic''' rulers in a dedicated layer to make their management easier. <span style="background-color: red; color: white; font-weight: 700;">&#160;NOTE:&#160;</span>&#160;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.<br>
 +
In '''Surveyor 2.0''' these issues have been overcome and rulers are '''Spline Objects''' and have all the properties of splines.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersObjectProperties.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
<td>To move individual objects from one layer to another:-
+
<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</td>
*Open the '''Properties''' window ('''?''' button in the '''Object Tools''') of the object to be moved
+
*Click the '''Layer''' or one of the '''scroll buttons'''</td>
+
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersObjectPropertiesChangeLayer.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>A very useful development tool is the '''Bound Layer'''. See [[image:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The Bound Layer|The Bound Layer]]''' section below</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
===The "route-layer"===
 +
 
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|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>
 
<td>
*Select the new layer
+
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc width=896>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
<td>'''You can move an object into and out of a locked layer'''
+
<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>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
*Then click the '''Tick''' button.</td>
+
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>It is '''recommended''' that the following objects should be placed in the '''route-layer''':-
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Track and interactive industries with track</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels, etc)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Signals and track signs (speed limits, warnings, distance, etc)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Junctions and switches</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>..and that the '''"route-layer"''' is at the top of the '''Route Layers Group'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
Multiple objects ''of the same type'' can be moved to another layer by using the '''Bulk Asset Update/Replacement''' tool from the Surveyor Main Menu.
+
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipSessionGroup"></span>
 +
=='''The Session Layers Group'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#stepBound|Skip Down]]</td> <!-- skip Down -->
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipRouteGroup|Skip Up]]</td> <!-- skip Up -->
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
 
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|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>
 
<br>
 
<br>
='''The Bound Layer'''=
+
If you are creating more than one Session based around a particular Route, then you will probably make use of the Session Layers.
  
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. Its main use is during the building of a layout.
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table width=996 bgcolor=#ffffb0 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Notes:'''</span><br>
 +
----
 +
Session Layers can contain:-
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Consists used in a Session</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table width=996 bgcolor=#ffffe0>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''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>
  
*An object will be '''locked''' and cannot be deleted or moved if its layer OR its bound layer is locked.
+
===The "session-layer"===
*An object will be '''hidden''' if its layer OR its bound layer is hidden.
+
  
Some applications:-
+
<table width=1000>
*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.
+
<tr valign="top">
*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).
+
<td>
 +
<table width=400>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>An empty '''session-layer''' will be automatically created when you:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>load a route without also loading a session, or</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>create a new route</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table width=600 bgcolor=#ff0000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#fcbcbc cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700;">WARNING:</span><br>
 +
If you edit or add anything to the '''session-layer''' or add new layers to the '''Session Layers Group''' and do not save the session then those changes will be lost when you exit
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="stepBound"></span>
 +
='''The Bound Layer'''=
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipBoundS10|Skip Down]]</td> <!-- skip Down -->
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipSessionGroup|Skip Up]]</td> <!-- skip Up -->
 +
<td width=46>[[image:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextUp.png|link=#stepRouteSession|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextDown.png|link=#stepDriver|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>In '''Trainz Plus''' and '''TRS22''' the '''Bound Layer''' is often referred to as the '''Binding Layer'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>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/binding layer was introduced as a development tool, its sole use is as a tool in the building of routes and sessions.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|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/binding layer</span> is locked.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''An object will be HIDDEN if its layer OR its <span style="text-decoration: underline;">bound/binding layer</span> is hidden.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''Rulers cannot be bound to another layer.'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=454 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff width=450 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=150 align="center">'''Assigned<br>Layer'''</td>
 +
<td rowspan=9 bgcolor="black" width=1></td> <!-- Row count -->
 +
<td width=150 align="center">'''Bound/Binding<br>Layer'''</td>
 +
<td rowspan=9 bgcolor="black" width=1></td> <!-- Row count -->
 +
<td width=150 align="center">'''Object<br>Status'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td bgcolor="black" colspan=5></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''Unlocked'''</td>
 +
<td>[[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] or '''None'''</td>
 +
<td>[[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''Unlocked'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td bgcolor=#ffffb0>[[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''LOCKED'''</td>
 +
<td>[[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] or [[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] or '''None'''</td>
 +
<td bgcolor=#ffffb0>[[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''LOCKED'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayerUnLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''Unlocked'''</td>
 +
<td bgcolor=#ffffb0>[[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''LOCKED'''</td>
 +
<td bgcolor=#ffffb0>[[image:LayerLocked_S20.png|link=]] '''LOCKED'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td bgcolor="black" colspan=5></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayerEyeOpen_S20.png|link=]] '''Visible'''</td>
 +
<td>[[image:LayerEyeOpen_S20.png|link=]] or '''None'''</td>
 +
<td>[[image:LayerEyeOpen_S20.png|link=]] '''Visible'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td bgcolor="lightcyan">[[image:LayerEyeClosed_S20.png|link=]] '''HIDDEN'''</td>
 +
<td>[[image:LayerEyeOpen_S20.png|link=]] or [[image:LayerEyeClosed_S20.png|link=]] or '''None'''</td>
 +
<td bgcolor="lightcyan">[[image:LayerEyeClosed_S20.png|link=]] '''HIDDEN'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayerEyeOpen_S20.png|link=]] '''Visible'''</td>
 +
<td bgcolor="lightcyan">[[image:LayerEyeClosed_S20.png|link=]] '''HIDDEN'''</td>
 +
<td bgcolor="lightcyan">[[image:LayerEyeClosed_S20.png|link=]] '''HIDDEN'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table width=550>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">In Summary:-</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td bgcolor=#ffffb0>If the '''Assigned Layer''' or the '''Bound/Binding Layer''' of an object is '''Locked''' then the object will be '''Locked'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td bgcolor="lightcyan">If the '''Assigned Layer''' or the '''Bound/Binding Layer''' of an object is '''Hidden''' then the object will be '''Hidden'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=550 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>In '''Surveyor 2.0''' you can also use the asset filters found in the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: #797979;">&#160;Filter Palette&#160;</span> and the <span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: white; background-color: #797979;">&#160;Assets Palette&#160;</span> to lock or hide specific assets or types of assets from selection when you are working in Surveyor. See the section [[image:WikiLink.PNG|link=]]&#160;'''[[How_to_Use_S20_Tools#Narrowing the Search|S20 Tools - Narrowing the Search]]''' for more details</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=1000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff width=996 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>Some applications:-
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersBoundLayer.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
<td><br>In the '''Properties Window''' of an object:-
+
<td>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</td>
*Click the '''Bound Layer''' box or one of its '''scroll buttons'''
+
</tr>
*Select the layer to be used as the '''Bound Layer''' for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer)
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the '''Bound Layer''' back to '''''<none>'''''.</td>
+
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=996>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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:-
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To use a bound layer:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Create a new empty layer called "Locked" or "Hidden" and lock or hide that layer, according to your needs</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Bind the individual objects to that layer as required</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint3.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffe0 width=996>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image: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>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipBoundS10"></span>
 +
=='''Setting an Object to the Bound Layer in Surveyor Classic (S10)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#skipBoundS20|Skip Down]]</td> <!-- skip Down -->
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#stepBound|Skip Up]]</td> <!-- skip Up -->
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
If you are going to be working with multiple objects that will be bound to a locked or hidden layer then a simple stategy is to:-
+
<table width=1000>
*Create a new empty layer called "Locked" or "Hidden" and lock or hide that layer, according to your needs
+
<tr valign="top">
*Bind the individual objects to that layer as required
+
<td>[[image:LayersBoundLayer.JPG|link=]]</td>
*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>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To set a '''Bound Layer''':-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Bounding Layer''' box or one of its '''scroll buttons'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Select the layer to be used as the '''Bound Layer''' for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the '''Bound Layer''' back to '''''&lt;none&gt;'''''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7>
+
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
<td>'''When a layer is deleted any objects bound to that layer will have their ''Bound Layer'' reset to ''<none>'''''
+
<td>'''When a layer is deleted any objects bound to that layer will have their ''Bound Layer'' reset to ''&lt;none&gt;'''''</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<table width=1000> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table SKIPS NO SECTIONS -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="skipBoundS20"></span>
 +
=='''Setting an Object to the Bound Layer in Surveyor 2.0 (S20)'''==
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipDown.png|link=#stepDriver|Skip Down]]</td> <!-- skip Down -->
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipBoundS10|Skip Up]]</td> <!-- skip Up -->
 +
<td width=46>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table width=996 bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td align="center"><span style="font-size: 15px;">'''Surveyor 2.0''' is only available in '''Trainz Plus''' and '''TRS22 Platinum'''</span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:BindingLayerSet_S20.png|link=|alt=Set Binding]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<br>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px;">Steps:</span> To set the bound layer in '''Surveyor 2.0''':-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>Select an object, or a group of objects, using either the '''Free Move Tool'''&#160;[[image:S20_FreeMoveToolIcon.png|link=|20px]] or the '''Fine Adjustment Tool'''&#160;[[image:S20_FineAdjustmentToolIcon.png|link=|20px]]. In the '''Info Palette''' of the object (or the last selected object):-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Open the '''Layer''' properties of the object</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td><span style="font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; background-color: lightcyan;">Left Click</span> the '''Bounding''' box or one of its '''scroll buttons'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint3.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>Select the layer to be used as the '''Bound Layer''' for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the '''Bound Layer''' back to '''''&lt;none&gt;'''''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table width=1000 bgcolor="lightcyan" cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=10>[[image:BlueDot10x10.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>When a layer is deleted any objects bound to that layer will have their '''Bound Layer''' reset to '''&lt;none&gt;'''</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=629><span id="stepDriver"></span>
 
='''Layers in Driver Mode'''=
 
='''Layers in Driver Mode'''=
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=50>&#160;</td> <!-- skip Down -->
 +
<td width=50>[[image:SkipUp.png|link=#skipBoundS20|Skip Up]]</td> <!-- skip Up -->
 +
<td width=46>[[image:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextUp.png|link=#stepBound|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextDown.png|link=#bottom|alt=Next Down|Next Down]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:BackToBottom.png|link=#bottom|alt=Bottom|Bottom]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
  
 
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.
 
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 width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=320>[[image:LayersDriveShow.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td width=320>[[image:LayersDriveHide.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The two '''Driver Mode''' scenes shown on the left illustrate this feature.
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr valign="top">
 
<tr valign="top">
<td>[[file:LayersDriveShow.JPG]][[file:LayersDriveHide.JPG]]</td>
+
<td width=10>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
<td>The two '''Driver Mode''' scenes shown on the left illustrate this feature.
+
<td>In the first image on the left, all layers are visible</td>
*In the first image on the left, all layers are visible
+
</tr>
*In the second image on the left, two of the layers have been hidden
+
<tr valign="top">
 
+
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
The trigger for this change was the arrival of a train at the platform.</td>
+
<td>In the second image on the left, two of the layers (containing the passengers and the trolley loads) have been hidden</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint.JPG|10px|link=]]</td>
 +
<td colspan=2>The trigger for this change was the arrival of a train at the platform.</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>This effect could be achieved in two different ways:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:Ablue.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''A Driver Command''' - specific to a particular driver, or</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:Bblue.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>'''A Session Rule''' - specific to a particular driver, consist, or any driver/consist</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Using a Driver Command'''==
 +
The driver command [[image:WikiLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[Driver_Commands_List#Layer_Control|Layer Control]]''' hides and shows named layers.<br>
 +
<table width=1000>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:LayerControlExample.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#000000 cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>
 +
<table bgcolor=#ffffff cellpadding=2>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td colspan=2>The sequence of events in this example will be:-</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The train will drive to the named station</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>It will wait for 30 seconds</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint3.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The assets held in  or bound to the named layer will be hidden from view (or shown)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
=='''Using Session Rules'''==
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width="58">[[image:RulesWiki.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td width="640"><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Rules Used:'''</span><br>
 +
----</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
*'''[[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=2 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width="58">[[image:screenshot.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td width="640"><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Session Editor Screenshot:'''</span><br>
 +
----</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
This effect is created by using Session Rules in the Surveyor Session Editor. A section of the editor is shown below.
 
 
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr>
 
<tr>
<td>[[file:LayersDriveHideRules.JPG]]</td>
+
<td>[[image:LayersDriveHideRules.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width="58">[[image:explanation.PNG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td width="640"><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Description:'''</span><br>
 +
----</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
In this example:-
+
<table>
*The '''Trackside Check Rule''' is triggered when a specific train comes to a stop at a trackmark. This then executes the following rules:-
+
<tr valign="top">
**The '''[[Session_Rule_List_with_Parameters#Show/Hide_Layer_Rule|Show/Hide Layer Rule]]''' is used to hide the layer named "People". Four passengers (three standing and one seated) are hidden.
+
<td colspan=2>In this example:-</td>
**The '''[[Session_Rule_List_with_Parameters#Show/Hide_Layer_Rule|Show/Hide Layer Rule]]''' is used to hide the layer named "CNJCartsFull". The boxes and mail bags on the three platform trolleys are hidden.
+
</tr>
**A message is placed on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded.
+
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>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:-
 +
<table>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=25>[[image:DotPoint1.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''Show/Hide Layer Rule''' is used to hide the layer named "People". Four passengers (three standing and one seated) are hidden</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint2.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>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</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:DotPoint3.JPG|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>The '''Message Popup Rule''' is used to place a message on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<br>
 +
<table> <!-- BEGIN Nav Buttons Table -->
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td width=729><span id="bottom"></span>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=46>[[image:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>[[image:NextUp.png|link=#stepDriver|alt=Next Up|Top]]</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
<td width=75>&#160;</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table> <!-- END Nav Buttons Table -->
 
----
 
----
 
----
 
----
<br>
 
='''Trainz Wiki'''=
 
  
*'''<span class="plainlinks">[http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/HowTo How to Guides]</span>'''
+
='''Trainz Wiki'''=
 +
<table cellpadding=2 bgcolor=#ffffff>
 +
<tr valign="top">
 +
<td>[[image:TrainzWiki.png|link=]]</td>
 +
<td>
 +
<span style="font-size: 17px;">'''More Tutorials and Guides to Using Trainz'''</span><br>
 +
*'''<span class="plain;s">[http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/HowTo How to Guides]</span>'''
 +
*'''[[Driver Commands List]]'''
 
*'''[[Session Rule List with Parameters|Session Rules List (Alphabetical) with Parameters]]'''
 
*'''[[Session Rule List with Parameters|Session Rules List (Alphabetical) with Parameters]]'''
 
*'''[[Session Rules By Categories With Properties|Session Rules List (Categories) With Parameters]]'''
 
*'''[[Session Rules By Categories With Properties|Session Rules List (Categories) With Parameters]]'''
<br>
+
</td>
<font size="3">'''Route Creation Tutorials:'''</font>
+
</tr>
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
+
</table>
*'''[[How to Merge Routes|Merging Routes]]'''
+
----
*'''[[How to Use Bulk Asset Update/Replace Tool|Using the Bulk Asset Update/Replace Tool]]'''
+
This page was created by Trainz user '''<span class="plain;s">[http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/User:Pware pware]</span>''' in June 2018 and was last updated as shown below.
</div>
+
----
<br>
+
<font size="3">'''Session Creation Tutorials:'''</font>
+
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
+
*'''[[How to Use Message Popup Rule|Adding Message Popups]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Use Message Popup Rule (Applications)|Adding Message Popups - Applications]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Use Navigation Point Rules|Adding Navigation Points]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Use Navigation Point Rules (Applications)|Adding Navigation Points - Applications]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Use Driver Setup Rule|Configuring the Driver Setup Rule]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Control Junctions in Sessions|Controlling Junctions in Sessions]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Control Signals in Sessions|Controlling Signals in Sessions]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Create a HTML Asset|Creating a HTML Asset (Session Introduction Page and In Game Messages)]]'''
+
*'''[[Parent Rule List|List of Parent Rules]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Use Parent and Child Rules|Parent and Child Rules]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Use Track Triggers|Using Track Triggers]]'''
+
*'''[[How to Use Variables in Sessions (Examples)|Using Variables in Sessions - Examples]]
+
</div>
+
 
[[Category:How-to guides]]
 
[[Category:How-to guides]]

Latest revision as of 12:56, 28 September 2024

The information in this Wiki Page applies to TANE, TRS19, Trainz Plus and TRS22.

      Next Down Bottom

Contents

Some Helpful Tips

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


 Session Layers 
PencilTips.PNG Use Session layers for all those objects that will ONLY appear in the current Session
PencilTips.PNG When you edit Session layers, always save the Session and avoid using "Default" as the Session name


 When Editing 
PencilTips.PNG Lock the layers that you are not currently editing
PencilTips.PNG Always be aware of which layer is the Active Layer


 When Creating 
PencilTips.PNG Place all track and track objects (Track Marks and Triggers can be exceptions) into the route-layer and always keep it as the top level layer
PencilTips.PNG For TRS19PE and later, you should place all rolling stock into a session layer to be saved with the session and not the route

[edit] What Are Layers?

    Top   Next Down Bottom
BlueDot10x10.png Layers are a Surveyor tool that allows you to better manage the objects that are placed in your Trainz World.
BlueDot10x10.png Layers are a Driver tool that allows you to change what the players see as they drive around your Trainz World.


Layers can contain any objects, visible and invisible, that can be placed into a layout in Surveyor Classic using the Object, Track and Train tools or using the Placement Tool in Surveyor 2.0. The layers and their contents can be hidden from view (in both Surveyor and in Driver) 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 and Color, are not discussed here. In many ways they are more like Ground Textures but some aspects of their use is 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.

The special ground Effect Layers as used in Surveyor 2.0 are covered in the Trainz Wiki Page WikiLink.PNG How to Use S20 Tools

Almost all of what you will see in a Trainz World will be found in layers, and mostly in the Route Layers and Session Layers.

DotPoint.JPG Route Layers will contain the objects that will appear in ALL the sessions created using the current route
DotPoint.JPG Session Layers will contain the objects that will only appear in the current session
DotPoint.JPG Effect Layers (TRS19, Trainz Plus and TRS22) will contain the TurfFX, Clutter, Water and (in Trainz Plus routes using HD) Color effects created using the current route


[edit] The Layers Tool in Surveyor Classic (S10)

Skip Down   Top Next Up Next Down Bottom
SurveyorToolMenuLayers.JPG












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


NotePad.PNG Notes:

The layers are organised into two groups:-

DotPoint.JPG Route Layers in the top group, and
DotPoint.JPG 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.


Layers can be:-
DotPoint.JPG Created
DotPoint.JPG Deleted
DotPoint.JPG Hidden
DotPoint.JPG Locked
DotPoint.JPG Merged
DotPoint.JPG Moved
DotPoint.JPG Renamed

Objects can be:-

DotPoint.JPG assigned to a layer
DotPoint.JPG bound to a second layer
DotPoint.JPG moved between layers
The following sections show how these tasks can be done using Surveyor Classic


[edit] Loading a Route and Loading a Session (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
BlueDot10x10.png Route Layers are saved with the Route. Session Layers are saved with the Session
BlueDot10x10.png 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.
NotePad.PNG Notes:

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 a new 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 Left Click the Lock Route Layers icon on the Layers Tool
LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG Left 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"

[edit] Creating a New Route (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
LayersNewRoute.JPG
NotePad.PNG Notes:

DotPoint.JPG When a brand new route is created it will come with two layers, a single route-layer and a single session-layer
DotPoint.JPG 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 a Double Left Click on its name and entering a new name

[edit] The "Active Layer" (S10)

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BlueDot10x10.png The Active Layer is the selected (highlighted) layer
BlueDot10x10.png When you load the Route only into Surveyor, the first Route layer will be the Active Layer
BlueDot10x10.png 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 a Left Click on the name of another layer.
NotePad.PNG Notes:

The Active Layer is the "working layer" which is:-
DotPoint.JPG where new objects will be added to the layout
DotPoint.JPG 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.


[edit] Adding a New Layer (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
LayersToolButtonsADD.JPG Left Click the Add Button

An Add layer dialogue window will appear.

LayersAddLayer.JPG
Steps: To name and place the new layer:-
DotPoint1.JPG Enter a name for the new layer
DotPoint2.JPG Select the layer group, Route or Session, where it will be placed
DotPoint3.JPG Left Click on the Tick.PNG icon to accept the change
Left Click on the Cross.PNG icon to reject the change


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

[edit] Deleting a Layer (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
Stop.PNG WARNING:

Deleting Layers cannot be undone


LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG Select the layer to be deleted and Left Click on 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 Left Click on 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
Options: Choose one of the following:-
Ablue.png Left Click  Yes  to delete the layer, OR
Bblue.png Left Click  No  to cancel the delete operation

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

LayerDeleteNotEmpty.JPG
Options: Choose one of the following:-
Ablue.png Left Click  Merge  to merge this layer and its contents into another layer (see Merging Layers below for more information), OR
Bblue.png Left Click  Delete  to delete the layer and its contents, OR
Cblue.png Left Click  Cancel  to cancel the operation

[edit] Merging Layers (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
BlueDot10x10.png 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
BlueDot10x10.png Once layers have been merged they cannot be separated.


Stop.PNG WARNING:

Merging Layers cannot be undone


LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG Select the layer to be merged into another layer and Left Click the  Merge  button. If you don't select a layer to merge then Trainz will select the current Active Layer.


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 Left Click on 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: To merge two layers:-
DotPoint1.JPG Select the destination layer for the merge
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click on the Tick.PNG icon to accept the change
Left Click on the Cross.PNG icon to reject the change
The Merge into: list shows all the available layers with no distinction between Route Layers and Session Layers

[edit] Locking Layers (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
BlueDot10x10.png 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


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.


[edit] Locking Individual Layers (S10)

BlueDot10x10.png The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved (around the layout) or deleted but they can be moved to other layers.


To LOCK an individual layer, Left Click on the LayerUnLocked S20.png Open Padlock icon next to its name. The layer being locked does not have to be the current Active Layer.

LayersRouteTreesActive.JPG LayersRouteTreesActiveLocked.JPG
DotPoint.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
DotPoint.JPG The second image on the left shows the same two layers after the "Trees" layer has been LOCKED
DotPoint.JPG A locked layer can be UNLOCKED by a Left Click on its LayerLocked S20.png Closed Padlock icon.


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

LayersRouteTreesActiveLockedError.JPG Left Click on the Tick.PNG icon to accept the change and add the object
Left Click on the Cross.PNG icon to reject the change

[edit] Locking ALL Route Layers (S10)

LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG Left Click on 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 a Left Click on the Lock Button again.

[edit] Moving a Layer (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
BlueDot10x10.png Layers can be moved up or down within the same layer group (e.g. Route or Session) or between the two groups
BlueDot10x10.png Track Objects (signals, switches, etc) should be in the same layer as the Track or in a layer below the Track layer


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 Left Click on 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: To move a layer:-
DotPoint1.JPG Left Click on the layer to be moved
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click and Drag the layer up or down to its new position


NotePad.PNG Notes:

DotPoint.JPG The move can be between layer groups as shown left
Stop.PNG WARNING:
Moving layers between the Session and Route groups will change where those layers are saved - in the Route or in the Session
DotPoint.JPG The move can be to a higher or lower position in the same group. The only situation where layer order within a group makes any difference is when track objects (e.g. signals, switches, track signs, etc) are not in the same layer as the track
RedDot10x10.png track objects must be in the same layer as the track or in a layer below the layer that contains the track. For more information, see the section PageLink.PNG The "route-layer" below
RedDot10x10.png 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


[edit] Hiding Layers (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        

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

LayersHideNone.JPG In the image shown left the two trees are in different Route Layers and all the layers have their LayerEyeOpen S20.png Eye icons open (set to Show)
LayersHideTree.JPG In the image shown left the Trees layer has its LayerEyeClosed S20.png Eye icon closed (set to Hide)

NotePad.PNG Notes:
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

[edit] Adding Objects To Layers (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
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.


BlueDot10x10.png 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 Left Click on the Tick.PNG icon to accept the change and add the object
Left Click on the Cross.PNG icon to reject the change


BlueDot10x10.png 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" below


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
  • legacy water, TurfFX and Clutter prior to Trainz Plus
  • 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 and legacy water are saved as part of the Route
DotPoint.JPG Environment Settings are saved in both the Route and the Session - see the Trainz Wiki Page WikiLink.PNG Environment Tools for more details
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 both the Route and the Session. The new or edited name will still be saved as a property of the scenery object in the Route layer but 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 as well as the Route 
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.


[edit] Deleting Objects From Layers (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
BlueDot10x10.png You cannot delete objects from a layer that is LOCKED


PencilTips.PNG
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG 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.


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:-
DotPoint.JPG that the objects layer and bound layer (if it has been set) are unlocked
DotPoint.JPG 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!


[edit] Moving Objects To Other Layers (S10)

Skip Down Skip Up        
LayersObjectProperties.JPG

LayersObjectPropertiesChangeLayer.JPG

Steps: To move an object to another layer:-
DotPoint1.JPG Left Click the Properties window (? button in the Object Tools) of the object to be moved
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click on the Layer or one of the scroll buttons
DotPoint3.JPG Select the new layer
DotPoint4.JPG Left Click on the Tick.PNG icon to accept the change
Left Click on the Cross.PNG icon to reject the change


NotePad.PNG Notes:

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 new 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 ☹


[edit] The Layers Palette in Surveyor 2.0 (S20)

  Skip Up Top Next Up Next Down Bottom
Surveyor 2.0 is only available in Trainz Plus and TRS22 Platinum


Layers are found in the Layers Palette.
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 which are "special layers". In the image on the left all the layer groups have been minimised (the "arrow" symbol in front of each group name is pointing to the right).
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


Layers can be:-
DotPoint.JPG Created
DotPoint.JPG Deleted
DotPoint.JPG Hidden
DotPoint.JPG Locked
DotPoint.JPG Merged
DotPoint.JPG Moved
DotPoint.JPG Renamed

Objects can be:-

DotPoint.JPG assigned to a layer
DotPoint.JPG bound to a second layer
DotPoint.JPG moved between layers
The following sections show how these tasks can be done using Surveyor 2.0
NotePad.PNG Notes:

If the Layers Palette is not shown on the screen, then:-

Windows Menu
Steps: To display palettes:-
DotPoint1.JPG open (Left Click) the SurveyorWindowIcon.png Window Menu from the menu icons at the top of the screen
 
BulletTick.png visible palettes have ticks next to their names
BulletNoTick.png invisible (hidden) palettes have no ticks next to their names
DotPoint2.JPG if the Layers Palette, or any required palette, does not have a tick next to its name then Left Click on the name of the palette or on the empty BulletNoTick.png box next to its name. This will add a BulletTick.png and make the palette visible


[edit] Lock the Route Layer Group (S20)

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)
DotPoint.JPG Left Click on the unlocked icon to lock ALL the layers in the Route Layer Group
The icon will change to LayerLocked S20.png (locked)
DotPoint.JPG Left Click on the locked icon to unlock all its layers


[edit] Open a Layer Group (S20)

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 or minimise the group Left Click on the arrow again.
The image shows that the Session Layers Group contains 3 individual layers:-
DotPoint.JPG the top layer is always named session-layer and is always present even in a new route where you have not yet added anything
DotPoint.JPG likewise, the top layer in the Route Layers Group is always named route-layer and is also always present
DotPoint.JPG 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)


[edit] Add a New Layer (S20)

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, Water or Color (the Color effect layer is only visible in HD routes created using Trainz Plus).


[edit] Renaming a Layer (S20)

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.


[edit] Deleting a Layer (S20)

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.

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


[edit] Moving a Layer (S20)

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 - in the Route or in the Session
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)
Stop.PNG Layers containing Track objects, such as signals, junctions and track signs, cannot be moved to a position 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 in the route layer group then this will never be a problem.
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


Steps: To Move a Layer:-
DotPoint1.JPG Left Click on a layer name
DotPoint2.JPG  Left Click and Drag  the layer up or down to its new position.
DotPoint.JPG depending on the contents of the layer, the process may take some time. You will be shown a progress bar during the move operation
DotPoint.JPG the move can be reversed (after it has completed) by using the  Ctrl   Z  keys


[edit] Merging a Layer (S20)

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


[edit] Hiding Layers (S20)

Each individual layer has an Eye icon that controls the visible state of that layer. Left Click on the icon to toggle its state between visible and hidden. If the Eye is:-

LayerEyeOpen S20.png open then layer is visible in both Surveyor and Driver
LayerEyeClosed S20.png closed then layer is hidden in both Surveyor and Driver


[edit] Locking Layers (S20)

Each individual layer has a Padlock icon that controls the state (LayerLocked S20.png Locked or LayerUnLocked S20.png 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


[edit] Setting the Active Layer (S20)

Active layer selected the Active Layer is the layer where new objects will be automatically added when using the Placement Tool and pasting or painting a Scrapbook. The active layer is shown in the palette with its name on a light grey 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, Left Click on the layer name.


[edit] Move an Object to a New Layer (S20)

The Info Palette will show the layer assigned to the currently selected object. An object is selected by using the Free Move Tool S20 FreeMoveToolIcon.png (the  S  key) or the Fine Adjustment Tool S20 FineAdjustmentToolIcon.png (the  D  key) found in the Tools Palette.


To the left of the layer name is a small arrow object.

Info palette

Layer control

Tools and keymap for S20


Steps: To Move an Object to Another Layer:-
DotPoint1.JPG Left Click the small arrow next to the layer name. This will open the layer properties for the selected object
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click the Layer drop down box and Left Click on the name of the new layer for the object
Optional Steps:
DotPoint3.JPG if required, Left Click the Binding drop down box to select a new binding layer for the object
DotPoint4.JPG if required, Left Click the  Select Layer  button to set this layer as the Active Layer. If the layer is already the Active Layer then this button will be greyed out and cannot be selected
DotPoint5.JPG if required, Left 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 and can be clicked to unlock the layer


[edit] Route Layers vs Session Layers

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

BlueDot10x10.png 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:

DotPoint.JPG 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)
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG 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:-
RedDot10x10.png junction switches - the left/right switch direction is stored in the Session (but the default switch direction is stored in the Route)
RedDot10x10.png industries - the commodities and quantities loaded/unloaded are stored in the Session
RedDot10x10.png industry enabled wagons - the commodities and quantities carried are stored in the Session
RedDot10x10.png 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
RedDot10x10.png 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. If the name is all that you have changed then you can safely ignore the offer to save the Session


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

DotPoint.JPG 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:-
RedDot10x10.png 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
DotPoint.JPG 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


[edit] The Route Layers Group

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BlueDot10x10.png 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:-
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG A Ruler Layer if you are using rulers. Rulers obey layer behavior (lock and hide) just like all other objects and splines. In Surveyor Classic they have no properties window to show their layer or allow you to change that layer. Consider placing all Surveyor Classic 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.
In Surveyor 2.0 these issues have been overcome and rulers are Spline Objects and have all the properties of splines.


PencilTips.PNG
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG A very useful development tool is the Bound Layer. See PageLink.PNG The Bound Layer section below


[edit] The "route-layer"

BlueDot10x10.png 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:-
DotPoint.JPG Track and interactive industries with track
DotPoint.JPG Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels, etc)
DotPoint.JPG Signals and track signs (speed limits, warnings, distance, etc)
DotPoint.JPG Junctions and switches
..and that the "route-layer" is at the top of the Route Layers Group

[edit] The Session Layers Group

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BlueDot10x10.png 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:-

DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG Consists used in a Session


PencilTips.PNG
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG 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


[edit] The "session-layer"

An empty session-layer will be automatically created when you:-
DotPoint.JPG load a route without also loading a session, or
DotPoint.JPG create a new route
Stop.PNG WARNING:

If you edit or add anything to the session-layer or add new layers to the Session Layers Group and do not save the session then those changes will be lost when you exit


[edit] The Bound Layer

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BlueDot10x10.png In Trainz Plus and TRS22 the Bound Layer is often referred to as the Binding 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/binding layer was introduced as a development tool, its sole use is as a tool in the building of routes and sessions.


BlueDot10x10.png An object will be LOCKED and cannot be deleted or moved if its layer OR its bound/binding layer is locked.
BlueDot10x10.png An object will be HIDDEN if its layer OR its bound/binding layer is hidden.
BlueDot10x10.png Rulers cannot be bound to another layer.


Assigned
Layer
Bound/Binding
Layer
Object
Status
LayerUnLocked S20.png Unlocked LayerUnLocked S20.png or None LayerUnLocked S20.png Unlocked
LayerLocked S20.png LOCKED LayerLocked S20.png or LayerUnLocked S20.png or None LayerLocked S20.png LOCKED
LayerUnLocked S20.png Unlocked LayerLocked S20.png LOCKED LayerLocked S20.png LOCKED
LayerEyeOpen S20.png Visible LayerEyeOpen S20.png or None LayerEyeOpen S20.png Visible
LayerEyeClosed S20.png HIDDEN LayerEyeOpen S20.png or LayerEyeClosed S20.png or None LayerEyeClosed S20.png HIDDEN
LayerEyeOpen S20.png Visible LayerEyeClosed S20.png HIDDEN LayerEyeClosed S20.png HIDDEN
In Summary:-
DotPoint.JPG If the Assigned Layer or the Bound/Binding Layer of an object is Locked then the object will be Locked
DotPoint.JPG If the Assigned Layer or the Bound/Binding Layer of an object is Hidden then the object will be Hidden


PencilTips.PNG In Surveyor 2.0 you can also use the asset filters found in the  Filter Palette  and the  Assets Palette  to lock or hide specific assets or types of assets from selection when you are working in Surveyor. See the section WikiLink.PNG S20 Tools - Narrowing the Search for more details


Some applications:-
DotPoint.JPG 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
DotPoint.JPG 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)


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:-
Steps: To use a bound layer:-
DotPoint1.JPG Create a new empty layer called "Locked" or "Hidden" and lock or hide that layer, according to your needs
DotPoint2.JPG Bind the individual objects to that layer as required
DotPoint3.JPG 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.


[edit] Setting an Object to the Bound Layer in Surveyor Classic (S10)

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LayersBoundLayer.JPG
Steps: To set a Bound Layer:-
DotPoint1.JPG Left Click the Bounding Layer box or one of its scroll buttons
DotPoint2.JPG 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>


BlueDot10x10.png When a layer is deleted any objects bound to that layer will have their Bound Layer reset to <none>


[edit] Setting an Object to the Bound Layer in Surveyor 2.0 (S20)

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Surveyor 2.0 is only available in Trainz Plus and TRS22 Platinum


Set Binding


Steps: To set the bound layer in Surveyor 2.0:-
Select an object, or a group of objects, using either the Free Move Tool S20 FreeMoveToolIcon.png or the Fine Adjustment Tool S20 FineAdjustmentToolIcon.png. In the Info Palette of the object (or the last selected object):-
DotPoint1.JPG Open the Layer properties of the object
DotPoint2.JPG Left Click the Bounding box or one of its scroll buttons
DotPoint3.JPG 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>


BlueDot10x10.png When a layer is deleted any objects bound to that layer will have their Bound Layer reset to <none>


[edit] Layers in Driver Mode

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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.JPG LayersDriveHide.JPG The two Driver Mode scenes shown on the left illustrate this feature.
DotPoint.JPG In the first image on the left, all layers are visible
DotPoint.JPG In the second image on the left, two of the layers (containing the passengers and the trolley loads) have been hidden
DotPoint.JPG The trigger for this change was the arrival of a train at the platform.


This effect could be achieved in two different ways:-
Ablue.png A Driver Command - specific to a particular driver, or
Bblue.png A Session Rule - specific to a particular driver, consist, or any driver/consist


[edit] Using a Driver Command

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

LayerControlExample.png
The sequence of events in this example will be:-
DotPoint1.JPG The train will drive to the named station
DotPoint2.JPG It will wait for 30 seconds
DotPoint3.JPG The assets held in or bound to the named layer will be hidden from view (or shown)


[edit] 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:-
DotPoint1.JPG The Show/Hide Layer Rule is used to hide the layer named "People". Four passengers (three standing and one seated) are hidden
DotPoint2.JPG 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
DotPoint3.JPG 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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[edit] 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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